Michael Douglas' roots are deep here: His mother was born in Bermuda, and as a child he spent summers at Ariel Sands, which was then owned by friends of the family. In the 1990s Michael Douglas joined with several partners to purchase the property and poured $5 million into renovating Ariel Sands.
Ariel Sands looks to be a wise investment: It's one of a few Bermuda properties with direct access to its own private beach on Bermuda's South Shore. Its 47 pale-salmon-painted cottages cover 15 hillside acres. Interiors at Ariel Sands harmoniously blend traditional colonial Bermuda style with uppercrust Connecticut country-club décor.
In the Swim
Dive into gentle waves beyond the pink-tinged beach at Ariel Sands. Swimmers also will delight in the heated freshwater swimming pool and two natural, ocean-fed lap pools (stocked with fish to delight novice snorkelers). And you needn't pack goggles or fins; Ariel Sands supplies free snorkel equipment.
The outdoor hot tub is strategically placed for a most romantic ocean view.
Tennis players will find two courts, both lit for play at night. There's also a volleyball and badminton court. And you can pamper yourselves with any number of skin and body treatments at The Spa at Arial Sands.
In addition to his Academy Award, Michael Douglas has also collected some impressive accolades for Ariel Sands. The resort made Travel & Leisure magazine's top ten list of places providing the best service in the Caribbean and Bermuda.
And just to remind you who's the boss, the lobby lounge of Bermuda's most trendy and glamorous getaway is decorated with personal black-and-white photographs of Douglas and friends (Jack Nicholson, Glenn Close, Jane Fonda, Kathleen Turner, Oliver Stone).
Note: Ariel Sands closed in 2008 with plans to demolish the old property and reopen as a condo hotel. Check the Ariel Sands Web site for updates.
