Fairmont Southampton in a Nutshell:
The Fairmont Southampton sprawls across 100 acres on Bermudas highest point, overlooking a scenic harbor on one side and the pink-sand beach on the other. The largest resort on the island, the Fairmont Southamptons long list of amenities and activities includes nine restaurants and bars, the beach, a swimming pool and hot tub, a huge spa with its own indoor swimming pool, golf, tennis, and water sports. A complimentary ferry brings guests to Hamilton and the resorts sister property, the Fairmont Hamilton Princess.
Guest Rooms at the Fairmont Southampton:
The Fairmont Southamptons 593 guestrooms make it the largest resort on Bermuda. Most rooms have a water view, either of the ocean or the harbor. The rooms, with sunny yellow walls and sliding glass doors that open onto a terrace, are unusually spacious, with huge walk-in closets, luxurious marble bathrooms, and complimentary wi-fi. Options range from palatial one- and two-bedroom suites to 450-square-foot moderate rooms with less spectacular views. Booking a Fairmont Gold room provides access to a convenient lounge with concierge services and breakfast, afternoon tea, evening hors doeuvres and petits fours.
Dining at the Fairmont Southampton:
The Fairmont Southamptons dining options include two of Bermudas best restaurants. The Waterlot Inn, which won a Wine Spectator Award, is an elegant steakhouse in a 1670 building. Service is impeccable and the steaks melt in your mouth. The Newport Room serves French cuisine amidst a faux yacht décor. Bacci is a relaxed Italian restaurant, while Windows on the South offers a Bermuda-style breakfast buffet. Poolside Wickets and the beachfront Ocean Club serve sandwiches. Guests can unwind with a drink at Jasmine Lounge in the lobby or The Cellar, a nightclub with a pool table and disco floor.
Destination Weddings at the Fairmont Southampton:
The Fairmont Southampton can accommodate weddings with up to 600 guests. While most ceremonies take place on the resorts private beach, another popular spot is the peaceful Great Sound Lawn. Receptions can be held at the beachfront Ocean Terrace, on the Great Sound Lawn, or inside Windows on the Sound, a large curving restaurant edged with windows. The first-rate Waterlot Inn can accommodate events with up to 150 guests either on its terrace or in its garden. Newlyweds dining options include a candlelight dinner on their own terrace or Bermuda Moon Dance, dinner on the beach served by a personal butler.
Activities at the Fairmont Southampton:
Guests at the Fairmont Southampton keep busy. Facilities include a heated outdoor pool and hot tub; an idyllic stretch of beach; and golf, tennis, croquet, and water sports such as jet skiing and snorkeling. The huge Willow Stream Spa has an indoor pool thats open to all guests in the evening and a fitness center with spectacular ocean views. On property are branches of several Hamilton-based shops. A complimentary ferry brings guests to Hamilton and its sister property, the Fairmont Hamilton Princess. The resort is a short taxi ride away from restaurants, boat excursions, and other attractions.
Spa at the Fairmont Southampton:
The Fairmont Hamiltons Willow Stream Spa is one of 15 at Fairmont hotels worldwide, offering its own line of products. The serene 31,000-square-foot facility comprises 15 treatment rooms, three lounges including one for couples, an indoor heated pool with a waterfall that overlooks a garden, and two Jacuzzis with views of Bermudas scenic South Shore. Couples treatments include the two-hour Ritual of Two, in which the couple gives each other a treatment such as a mud wrap. A side-by-side aromatherapy massage follows. Hip Honeymooners consists of a dry brushing with rosehip oil, massage, and body wrap.
Nearby the Fairmont Southampton:
The Royal Naval Dockyard is a twenty-minute ride away, with restaurants, shops, a cinema, and waterside attractions that include Dolphin Quest for swimming with dolphins.
Fantasea Bermuda operates several cruises that leave from the dock at the edge of the resort, including a catamaran sunset cruise and a snorkeling expedition. The Fairmont Southampton is near many restaurants. One of the closest is the fun, casual
Henry VIII Restaurant, Sushi Bar, and pub, which offers entrees such as the Duke of Pork.
What Could Be Better at the Fairmont Southampton:
While most staff members go out of their way to be friendly and helpful, some, especially those at the front desk, tend to be less than cordial. Also, the Fairmont Southampton offers numerous eateries, but they are all sit-down restaurants with a casual pace. Theres no place onsite to grab a quick breakfast while dashing out the door or a cup of coffee and a muffin as an afternoon snack.
Is the Fairmont Southampton Right For You?:
The Fairmont Southampton is a huge hotel thats a world unto itself, so guests seeking an intimate experience wont find it here. Reaching the beach, the Waterlot Inn, the golf course, or the tennis courts requires a short trolley ride, although the trolleys run frequently and are a fun experience. While the many facilities make it easy to enjoy a variety of activities, getting around requires riding elevators, crossing a huge lobby, and walking down long hallways. Also, keep in mind that as an all-purpose hotel the Fairmont Southampton welcomes its share of conventioneers and families with children.
Fairmont Southampton Info and Reservations:
The Fairmont Southampton
101 South Shore Road
Southampton, Bermuda SN02
441-238-8000 or toll-free 866-540-4497
Official Hotel Web Site
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As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodation and meals for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.