Bermuda is weird. In a good way. It’s not the Caribbean, despite what everyone thinks, and the pink sand isn't actually hot pink—it's more of a crushed-shell blush that looks different depending on how the sun hits the Atlantic. If you are looking at The Reefs Bermuda Resort, you are likely trying to figure out if it’s worth the price tag compared to the massive Fairmont Southampton (which has been undergoing a massive, years-long renovation) or the ultra-posh Rosewood at Tucker's Point.
Honestly? It’s different.
The Reefs is family-owned. That matters. Since 1947, the Dodwell family has run this place on a cliffside in Southampton Parish. It doesn’t feel like a corporate Marriott. It feels like someone’s very expensive, very welcoming limestone estate. You walk in, and you’re immediately staring at the water because the lobby is basically a window to the sea.
Why Location Is Everything for The Reefs Bermuda Resort
Most people don't realize how skinny Bermuda is. Location dictates your entire vibe. If you stay in Hamilton, you’re in a city. If you stay at The Reefs, you are perched directly above Coot Pond and limestone cliffs. It is arguably the best spot on the South Shore for sunset.
The resort is built into the rock. It's steep. If you have bad knees, you’re going to be using the ramps a lot, but that elevation is why every single room faces the ocean. There are no "garden view" disappointments here. You wake up, you see turquoise. Simple.
Staying here puts you right next to Church Bay. If you like snorkeling, that’s the spot. You can literally walk there. Most tourists have to take a bus or a Twizy (those tiny electric cars everyone rents because you can’t rent a real car in Bermuda) to get to the good reefs, but at this resort, you’re already sitting on top of them. The parrotfish are basically your neighbors.
The Pink Sand Reality Check
Let’s talk about the beach. It’s private. Well, "private" is a loose term in Bermuda law, but it’s tucked into a cove that is essentially inaccessible to anyone not staying there.
Is it soft? Yes.
Is it crowded? Rarely.
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While the famous Horseshoe Bay is just down the road and usually packed with cruise ship passengers, the beach at The Reefs Bermuda Resort stays quiet. It’s a small crescent of sand. If the tide is high, the beach gets tiny. If the weather is rough, the South Shore gets "surfy." This isn't the calm, lake-like water of the North Shore or the Mangrove Bay area. It’s the Atlantic. It’s powerful.
The Room Situation: Suites vs. Cottages
Bermuda is expensive. There is no way around it. Everything is imported. Your eggs, your beer, your sunscreen—it all comes in on a boat or a plane. This reflects in the room rates.
The "Poolside" rooms are the entry-level. They’re fine, but honestly, if you’re flying all this way, the Junior Suites are the sweet spot. They have these soaking tubs that look out over the ocean. It’s a bit of a cliché, but drinking a Dark 'n Stormy in a tub while watching the waves hit the reef is peak Bermuda.
Then you have the Club Condos. These are two and three-bedroom units. They have full kitchens and private hot tubs on the balconies. If you are traveling as a group, this is actually the smarter financial play. You can hit the local grocery store (Miles Market or Lindo's), stock up on snacks and breakfast stuff, and save yourself about $100 a day on casual dining.
Eating at The Reefs: Coconuts and Beyond
Dining in Bermuda can be hit or miss. At The Reefs, "Coconuts" is the legend. It’s a beachfront restaurant where you can literally feel the salt spray.
- Coconuts: The "Best of Bermuda" award winner. It’s romantic. It’s where people propose. The food is heavy on local catch—wahoo, rockfish, and spiny lobster when it's in season (September to March).
- Ocean Echo: This is where breakfast happens. It’s a semi-circle room with floor-to-ceiling glass. The Sunday Brunch is a local tradition. If you’re there on a Sunday, get the codfish and potatoes. It’s the traditional Bermudian breakfast. It sounds weird, but with the hard-boiled egg and banana, it works.
- Royston’s: More of a classic grill vibe. Think steaks and upscale pub food.
One thing most people get wrong: they think they have to eat at the resort every night. Don't do that. You’re a short drive from the Waterlot Inn, which is one of the best steakhouses in the world (it’s been there for over 300 years). You’re also close to Gulfstream, a great Italian-seafood spot right across from Horseshoe Bay.
What Most People Get Wrong About Bermuda Travel
People pack for the Bahamas. They show up in February in a bikini and get shocked when it’s 62 degrees and windy. Bermuda is temperate, not tropical.
If you visit The Reefs Bermuda Resort in the winter, the pool is heated, but the ocean will be brisk. The "sweet spot" for weather is May through October. June is perfect. September is beautiful but that's peak hurricane season, and while Bermuda is a fortress of limestone that handles storms better than almost anywhere else, it can still ruin your beach days.
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Also, transportation. You cannot rent a standard car. You can rent a scooter (dangerous if you aren't experienced) or a micro-car like a Renault Twizy or a Tazzari. The Reefs has charging stations for these. Use them. Taxis are reliable but they get very expensive very fast. A ride from the airport (LF Wade International) to The Reefs will likely run you $60-$70 plus tip.
The "Family Owned" Nuance
Because it isn't a massive chain, the service is personal. You’ll see the same staff members year after year. David Dodwell, the owner, is often around. This creates a culture that is less about "corporate standards" and more about genuine hospitality.
However, because it's an older property that has been updated over decades, it has "character." That means some hallways might feel a bit narrow, or the layout might seem a little labyrinthine compared to a brand-new concrete hotel. If you want ultra-modern, glass-and-steel minimalism, you might prefer the Hamilton Princess. If you want classic Atlantic island charm, The Reefs wins.
A Note on the Spa and Wellness
La Serena Spa uses Elemis products. It’s small. It isn't a sprawling "destination spa" where you spend eight hours. It’s an intimate space. They do a massage called the "Bermuda Sand Scrub" which is exactly what it sounds like. It’s surprisingly good for your skin after a flight.
The gym is... okay. It’s functional. But honestly, if you want a workout, just walk the Railway Trail. It’s an old train track converted into a hiking and biking path that runs almost the entire length of the island. You can pick it up right near the resort. It’s much better than a treadmill.
Actionable Steps for Planning Your Trip
If you're actually going to pull the trigger on a stay here, there are a few things you should do to avoid the common "tourist traps" and logistical headaches.
1. Check the Cruise Ship Schedule
Bermuda’s South Shore gets swamped when three ships are in at Dockyard. Use a site like "CruiseMapper" to see how many ships are in port. On days when the ships are full, stay at the resort’s private beach. On days when the port is empty, that is your time to go explore Horseshoe Bay or Jobson’s Cove.
2. Book "The Reefs" Directly
While Expedia and Booking.com are easy, this resort often offers "Bermuda Summer" packages or "Air Credit" deals on their own website that aren't listed on third-party sites. They also have a very loyal return-guest program. If you think you’ll come back, talk to the front desk about their "repeaters" perks.
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3. Master the Transportation Early
Download the "Hitch" app. It’s Bermuda’s version of Uber. It’s not quite as fast, but it’s the best way to get a cab when you’re out at a restaurant in the evening. If you want to rent a Twizy, book it weeks in advance. They sell out.
4. Respect the Dress Code
Bermuda is "proper." It’s not a "flip-flops in the fine dining room" kind of place. At Royston’s or for dinner at Ocean Echo, you’ll want "Bermuda Smart." For men, that’s a collared shirt and nice shorts or trousers. You don't necessarily need the knee socks and blazer (unless you want to lean into the vibe), but don't show up in gym clothes.
5. Pack a Rash Guard
The sun in Bermuda is deceptive. Because of the breeze, you won't feel like you’re burning until it’s too late. The reefs are shallow, and if you're snorkeling at the resort, you'll want that extra layer of protection against the sun and the occasional jellyfish (Man-o-War) that can blow in during certain wind patterns.
Bermuda is one of those places that people either "get" or they don't. It’s quiet. It’s safe. It’s expensive. It’s exceptionally beautiful. The Reefs is the architectural embodiment of that entire island identity. It’s built into the very rock of the island, and as long as you know you're looking for a boutique, cliffside experience rather than a sprawling Vegas-style mega-resort, it rarely disappoints.
If you want the best view on the island, get a table at Coconuts 20 minutes before sunset, order a Rum Swizzle (careful, they’re stronger than they taste), and just watch the light hit the limestone. That’s the moment you realize why people have been coming back to this specific cliff since the 40s.
Practical Checklist for The Reefs
- Best Time to Go: May for lower prices; July for best water temps.
- Currency: Bermuda Dollar (BMD) is 1:1 with the USD. Both are accepted everywhere.
- Power: US-style 3-prong plugs. No adapters needed for Americans.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi at the resort is solid, but if you're exploring, grab a local SIM or an eSIM (like Airalo) because roaming charges in Bermuda are notoriously astronomical.
- Water: It's all rainwater collected on white tiered roofs. It’s safe to drink and precious to locals. Use it wisely.
This isn't a place for people who want loud pool parties and DJ sets. It's for people who want to hear the ocean from their pillow. If that’s the goal, you’re in the right place.
Next Steps:
Confirm your travel dates against the Bermuda Cricket Cup Match schedule (late July/early August). It's the biggest holiday on the island—everything closes, the energy is electric, but the resort fills up months in advance. Once your dates are set, reserve your Twizy or Current Vehicle electric car immediately, as they are the only way to explore the island with true independence.