Fairmont Southampton - Hotel Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"First impressions? It’s takes about 50 minutes to reach Fairmont Southampton from Bermuda 's L.F. Wade International Airport, but who cares? The drive hugs the turquoise coastline for most of the ride, and you can snap photos of shimmering Horseshoe Bay, the island’s finest slice of pink sand , directly next to this mammoth hotel. The stately entryway, flanked by lush bougainvillea and tropical hibiscus, couldn’t possibly be more inviting and the white-jacketed gents who are there to open the car doors seem happy that you’ve arrived. Give us a closer look. If ever there was a property that boasted every type of amenity, restaurant, and perk, it would be this sprawling Southampton resort. With 593 guest rooms, the island’s only high-rise hotel is also Bermuda’s largest hotel—a fact that’s abundantly on display the moment you drive up the lush tree-lined entryway, which abuts an executive par three golf course. Nicknamed the Southampton Princess by locals since it’s long been a sister hotel to the landmark property in Hamilton, this imposing building is also a light shade of pink. And like the one in town, it’s also managed by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. What are the rooms like? Guest rooms here can have vastly different views. Some stare directly at the Atlantic Ocean; others overlook the golf course and Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse in the distance; some, on the lower floors, have no view at all—certainly the most economical option if you want all the amenities of a full-service resort. No matter where land, you’ll be guaranteed outdoor space in the form of a private outdoor balcony. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? There's free, resort-wide Wi-Fi for guests and non-guests. What can we eat and drink here? The Fairmont Southampton has nine on-site restaurants and most of them are very good. Enjoy southern barbecue at Boundary Sports Bar and Grille, morning pick-me-ups at Wickets Coffee Bar, Spanish tapas at Mediterra, breakfast with water views at Ocean Club, and an all-day menu of pretty much anything you can think of at the Jasmine Cocktail Bar & Lounge, the elegant lobby lounge. How's the service? This place has a lot of local employees; somehow each encounter is as pleasant as the next. What type of travelers will you find here? Families, couples looking for a full-service stay, and large corporate groups here for conferences. What else can we find in the surrounding area? The resort offers direct access to Horseshoe Bay, one of the world’s best beaches. Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse is also a short walk away—you can climb a cast-iron tower for a stunning 360-degree panorama—as is Church Bay, a well-protected cove that’s home to some of Bermuda’s best snorkeling. What would you change? With 99 acres, getting to the restaurants, golf course, and private beach club—home to tennis courts and a PADI dive center—may take a few more minutes than you’d like. Fortunately, the entire resort is well-served by a caravan of bus-sized trolleys. Any other features worth noting? It's a playground for adults and children. Little ones will love the kids' club, which has video games, arts and crafts, and toys galore, and the kiddie pool, which has a 20-foot-long water slide. Parents will love the Willow Stream Spa, a 21,000-square-foot health-and-wellness center with a blissful, adults-only indoor pool and an outdoor deck that overlooks the ocean. Order lunch from the spa menu, and enjoy it outside after your treatment. What makes this place worth the ride from the airport? If you’re searching for a full-service property with all the amenities you’d expect of the island’s largest hotel, you can’t do much better than this resort in Southampton." - David LaHuta