"First impressions? Perched on a coastal cliff, The Reefs Resort & Club is home to one of the island’s finest slices of pink sand, one that magically unfolds into a pristine underwater environment the moment you step into its turquoise waters. Swim out about 20 yards and you’ll be greeted by the very reefs that give this place its name—semi-submerged coral heads positively teeming with marine life. For guests who come to this resort again and again, there’s simply no place better. What's the backstory? The Reefs has long been a family-owned operation, and when its owners realized they were getting so many return guests, they doubled down and built a wing of completely furnished Club Condos and sold partial ownership deeds to their most enthusiastic loyalists. First made available in 2009 and now completely sold out, the two- and three-bedroom condos are among the island’s most luxurious units—consider reserving them if you’re visiting with family or a large group. In addition to full kitchens with granite-topped counters and stainless-steel appliances, there are massive, spa-like bathrooms with stand-alone soaking tubs and rain showers, plus well-appointed living rooms that miraculously turn into breezy, open-air salons—the floor-to-ceiling glass walls, which all face the Atlantic, are retractable. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? If a Club Condo is too big (or too pricey), book a room in the main hotel, where you’ll be treated to an equally strong view from one of the recently renovated rooms—every unit faces the water. Guest rooms are tastefully decorated with driftwood-finish furniture and island-inspired art. Thankfully, much of that recent refresh went into the bathrooms, so you're in for modern, glassed-in showers and blue-glass his-and-her vanities. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? There's free Wi-Fi throughout the resort. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? The food game here has long been hit or miss. Sometimes you’ll get a seafood dinner that delights; other times, your fish sandwich at lunch will fall flat. One thing is for certain: If you choose to eat onsite, you’ll be guaranteed one of the best views in town, since both restaurants overlook the Atlantic. Ask for a table next to the window at Aqua Terra, the fine dining restaurant where breakfast and dinner are served. At Coconuts, simply pull up a chair anywhere—the breezy, alfresco eatery sits directly on the beach. And the service? The family-owned vibe is pervasive. Expect a well-oiled team of hotel professionals who take pride in knowing your name and making your stay as pleasant as possible. What type of travelers will you find here? Multigenerational families who’ve been staying here for years, and middle-aged couples who’ve come to rekindle their romance. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? The Reefs is located in Southampton Parish, a stone’s throw from some of the island’s best pink sand ( Horseshoe and Church Bays, for starters) and within walking distance to Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse, one of the world’s oldest cast-iron lighthouses. You can climb 185 steps to the top for killer photos. Is there anything you'd change? Skip the fitness center, which seems like an afterthought. And if mobility is a concern, you might think twice before you book—the hilly property has lots of stairs. Any other hotel features worth noting? The La Serena Spa, kitted out with floor-to-ceiling windows that all face the ocean, does great massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures. Locals love it, too, so reserve in advance. So what makes this hotel so special? The water views here are unparalleled and the snorkeling just offshore is some of the best in Bermuda . If you don’t mind playing Russian roulette with your meals, this oceanfront boutique resort is perfectly suited for a lazy beach vacation." - David LaHuta
