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At Tucker Point Hotel
Flying in a British Airways Boeing 777 that must be on the point of drawing it’s pension we left Gatwick and landed on time in Bermuda.
If Superyachts were this old they would have been through several major refits. Cabin crew try and tell us it is just twelve years old but twenty might be nearer the mark.
A quaint video screen the size of a cigarette box and no winglets on the wings all point to an aircraft well past it’s sell by date. It’s even got ash trays in the armrests!
Anoraks can look it up, it’s registration letters are G-VIIA! Still the important stuff, like the engines, all seemed in perfect order and that after all is what is really important.
From the airport in Bermuda were transferred by limousine to the Tucker Point Hotel, our hosts for the next two days. The hotel resort and residence complex is great deal more stylish and a lot cleaner than the battered 777. It is the height of luxury set in 200 acres of waterfront land, offering breathtaking views of Castle Harbour and the Atlantic Ocean. Not that we play but it comes complete with it’s own championship golf course.
From the airport in Bermuda were transferred by limousine to the Tucker Point Hotel, our hosts for the next two days. The hotel resort and residence complex is great deal more stylish and a lot cleaner than the battered 777. It is the height of luxury set in 200 acres of waterfront land, offering breathtaking views of Castle Harbour and the Atlantic Ocean. Not that we play but it comes complete with it’s own championship golf course.
Our room is superb, the view magnificent and the welcome warm. The huge bath cried out for a refreshing wallow and the bed definitely beckoned.
Tomorrow we begin work interviewing those in Bermuda involved in the SuperYacht industry. Our report will be published in issue 19 of SuperYacht Business magazine
Transport to and from the island from the has been graciously provided by Prestige Holidays on our press trip organised by Rooster PR the consultants to the Bermuda Tourist Authority who are our hosts
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Millenium Resort in Oman
We arrived safely in Oman touching down at Muaskar Al Murtafa’a, the international airport that serves Muscat, the country’s capital after a pleasant flight with Oman Air.
We transfered to Millennium Resort – Mussanah a hotel so new it has not yet officially opened.
It is located in the South Batinah region of the country, a 45 minute drive from the airport nestled along the Gulf of Oman.
From the hotel balconies we have panoramic views of the resorts own private 54 berth marina and in the distance the Hajar mountains.
Facilities include 234 hotel rooms as well as the resorts 74 fully furnished branded serviced studio as well as one and two bedroom duplex apartments.
Hotel guests will benefit from lavish restaurants and water sport facilities in phase one of its handover.
In addition to the sleeping accommodations, state of the art conference and banqueting facilities ideally lend themselves with the resorts ballroom and outside private garden as well as three dedicated meeting rooms with their private terraces over-looking the marina.
The resort offers a dedicated team of event planners to ensure that any event or meeting is a memorable one.
In what, in the trade is called a soft opening, the hotel is opening its doors especially to host the AGM of the British Guild of Travel Writers. This means we will be the first organisation ever to use the meeting rooms.
Phase two of the resort leisure facilities coming on line throughout the first half of the year
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New Developments in St Georges, Bermuda
Mid ocean stopover it may be, catering solely to the needs of the transient yachts but there are now signs that Bermuda has set it’s sights on becoming a SuperYacht destination in it’s own right.
In St Georges, the official port of entry for all yachts entering and clearing Bermuda, Captain Mark Soares is leading the way, spearheading his mission of turning what was a sleepy backwater into a SuperYacht haven.
Having created Bermuda Yacht Services, he has set about turning what was a passenger ship terminal into private dockage for Superyachts. Facilities now permit the stern to docking of between four and five Superyachts there his friendly staff have created a crew lounge with free Internet services and a help desk that can assist any visiting yacht find what they need while they stay.
If they stay longer than it takes to bunker, then Soares and his team are delighted. Their enthusiasm is infectious and with minutes of talking to this local seafarer who has chosen to return home after years of sailing as Captain aboard yachts, you simple crave to take his advice and drop anchor in some of the islands more secretive coves.
Passionate about Bermuda, he has gone a stage further and has recently persuaded a team of developers to consider creating a purpose built SuperYacht marina inside St Georges. The project unveiled by the Mayor while we are visiting the island, will incorporate a small Boutique Hotel and also dockage for up to 100 smaller yachts.
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Tagged Bermuda, Developments, Georges
Revelling in luxury in Jumby Bay
Look on any official map issued by the Antigua Barbuda Tourism Authority and you will see it is called Long Island.
To well heeled travellers and the cognisant it is better known as Jumby Bay Island, home to one of the most palatial and luxurious resorts in the Caribbean. It is also a naturalist’s haven noted for its lush landscape, stately palm trees, protected nesting site for the endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtle and three superb beaches.
Nestled two miles off the coast of Antigua, set on a 300-acre private island, the resort run by Rosewood casts a spell of serene enchantment. It is the most perfect place to repair to after an exhausting week exploring superyachts available for charter.
The island has been claimed by royalty, possessed by smugglers, and in 1915, owned by an unusually free-spirited, pipe-smoking woman. Now it is a secluded and all-inclusive hideaway accessible only by private boat from the mainland or by superyacht.
The resort has just 40 beautifully refurbished rooms and suites, each suite an oasis of luxury embodying the island’s stylish good taste. The rest of the island has small collection of privately owned luxury villas and estates some available for rent through Jumby Bay.
We revelled in luxury in a Rosewood Estate Suite.
This gorgeous one-bedroom suite is huge, light, bright and airy with fabulous views across its own private infinity-edge pool to the Caribbean Sea.
A private courtyard, with pottery fountain and separate office, leads into the vaulted ceiling, spacious and comfortable living room. The huge and very comfortable bed in the master bedroom begs to be enjoyed for long luxurious lie-ins.
A dressing area and large bathroom with indoor shower lead off here and in to the garden in a secluded walled courtyard. This outdoor area includes a large rain shower and our favourite feature, a deep pedestal tub for wallowing under the stars.
With your own pool, big comfortable sun loungers, huge flat screen TV, iPod dock, fridge filled with drinks, a Nespresso coffee machine and in-room dinning you need never leave your private haven.
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Four New SuperYacht Marinas for Bermuda
Front Street, Hamilton
Bermuda is just twenty-one square miles of land set some 700 miles off the East Coast of the USA. It has been a quick place for yachts to stop, take fuel, fill up with fresh provisions and the crew to enjoy the occasional Dark ‘n Stormy drink.
In the short time we have been here in Bermuda researching for an article for SuperYacht Business, we can see things are changing. We have uncovered information about several new marina developments, which could, in years to come, change the way sailors view these Sommers Isles.
No less than four new dockage schemes for Superyachts have been drawn to our attention.
The first, the subject of our previous blog, is a new enhancement to the existing facilities at St Georges run by Captain Mark Soares of Bermuda Yacht Services.
The second we heard about is an ambitious plan conceived by the Corporation of Hamilton. They have grand plans that involve reclamation of land and a new marina and superyacht dock in the heart of the capital.
The scheme could breath new life into the once vibrant city’s waterfront where cruise liners used to dock. The new generation of huge passenger ships calling at Bermuda need the deeper water found off the West End of the island.
Their departure has not only left the docks seldom unused but has contributed to the slow decline of the shops on Front Street. Gone is Trimminghams that quintessentially Bermudan department store; gone are the horse drawn carriages; and gone are the policeman dressed in Bermuda shorts on point duty.
The city streets are comparatively quiet now that the click of the tourist camera has been transferred elsewhere. News that super yachts could soon take to the now desolate docks is going to be welcome news.
Visiting the West End and the dockyard at Somerset we learned they are also enthusiastic about welcoming large yachts. They too have a planned development that will see Superyachts being offered berths. A soon to be constructed dock will potentially have 15 spaces for yachts up to 70 metres.
After our conversations with local marina representatives had been reported in the Bermuda daily newspapers another group contacted us. They are planning a fourth SuperYacht marina. We will write more about Morgan’s Point Marina when we have visited the proposed site and met with the developers.
Stay tuned.
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Tagged Bermuda, Four, Marinas, Superyacht
Touring Bermuda
St George’s
The roads in Bermuda are narrow, you cannot hire a motor car and the only alternative is to rent a motorscooter. Dicing with death by renting a strange machine and driving on unfamiliar busy roads seems daft to us. Madder still if you place a beloved one on the back.
Better by far to hire a taxi and since the authorities strictly govern advertised rates, you cannot get ripped off. Cruise ship passengers beware, this safeguard does not apply to you if you buy your taxi tour on board the ship.
It pays to do your research before you spend $40 an hour. If like us, you find a guide who not only enjoys his job, but is himself a local historian then you are in for a treat.
Don’t just take our advice. Duke our guide for the day, comes highly recommended by users of the Web site Cruise Critic folks who seldom mince their words!
Duke took us all around the island visiting all nine parishes. Without him we would never have found the tiny chapel dating from before 1620 that is tucked away inside a park guarded by a property trust. Nor would we have known where to see spotted eagle rays and turtles.
Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, a fort or two, the smallest drawbridge in the world and the picturesque village of Flats were all the subject of Duke’s informative tour. We drove through Tuckers Town and the pretty harbour of Castle Point and down into St George’s now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It was here that we visited St Peters Church, an edifice that dates back to 1619. The oldest Anglican church outside the British Isles and the oldest Protestant church in continuous use in the new world.
St George’s is also a place to linger with museums, gift shops and historical artefacts on display throughout the town.
To get hold of Duke e mail him at bdashortz@hotmail.com or call his cell phone: +1-441-535-3465.
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Fourth Day of Antigua Charter Yacht Show
From the Crow’s Nest aboard Marie
The day begins well with an invitation from Fraser Yachts for breakfast aboard the 75 metre Phocea, the long skinny sailing yacht with 4 masts.
It is only when you get on board do you realise quite how wrong you have been to classify this beautiful yacht in such a nonchalant way.
Her interior is so well done it is almost timeless in design and execution. Light and airy with limed oak bulkheads she is a delight with all accommodation on the main deck.
The Master cabin is enormous and forward of it a walk in wardrobe with enough shelves for shoes to satisfy Imelda Marcus.
On deck the crew were fighting a loosing battle with those trying to sit down to a sumptuous looking breakfast. It was a case of first there stayed there leaving others to walk away somewhat enviously.
Lunch for Frances was deliciously, served by the attentive crew aboard 66 metre Natita (ex Dilbar) where she was the guest of Burgess. The 72 metre Kogo another yacht managed by the same agent was the subject of an afternoon tour. The crew of this boat really know and understand the meaning of service. They have taken it to a whole new level.
On display with Peter Insull Yacht Marketing, the 58 metre Islander became famous as a motor sailer. She is likely to become an equally famous motor yacht now that she has had her mast removed. Her Captain and crew hosted a delightful cocktail party for guests in Falmouth Marina. After leaving her we walked down to English Harbour for that marina’s Yacht Hop.
Stars of the evening included the 55 metre Feadship Illusion from Edmiston and Solemates from the Luxury Yacht Group. The upper deck of this brand new 60 metre Lurssen superyacht converts from a gymnasium by day into a disco at night and it was put to very good use. Be sure to see our feature on the beautiful yacht in the next issue of SuperYacht World
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Forget the World, Find Hermitage Bay
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| A view from our suite in the early morning |
Avid environmentalist, Andy Thesen and his business partner, Jamaican born Andrew Michelin, set out to build the most beautiful of secluded hideaways in Antigua. They embarked on a project, which has created a perfect all inclusive haven hotel.
As the name suggests, Hermitage Bay is truly a place of peace and tranquillity. Here man-made noises are minimized so that the natural noises prevail: the waves on the beach, the breeze in the trees, and the chatter of the birds. Add a location well off the beaten track on Antigua and you have the perfect antidote to modern, hectic life.
The hotel practises a “reduce, reuse and recycle” policy. It also makes a conscientious effort to use natural detergents and beauty products, employ solar energy technologies, and source locally grown, organic fruits and vegetables.
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| SuperYacht Exuma at anchor off Hermitage Bay |
Hermitage Bay ensures that the comforts of home are readily available, ultimately providing the best of both worlds. The hotel has just twenty-five suites. They truly feel enchanting and mix essential Antiguan style with understated elegance. Eight Beachfront Cottages are located on the edge of the white sand beach and in the gardens just beneath the hillside.
The remaining seventeen cottages are Hillside Pool Suites where we stayed. Scaling four tiers of the hillside, each of these suites has truly awe-inspiring panoramas of the Caribbean Sea and lush landscapes that surrounds Hermitage Bay.
The dense foliage and flowering vines that entwine our suite’s dark lattice fencing shield the private sundeck, seating, double day bed and plunge pool from neighbouring suites and passers-by. But it is the view we love best.
The luxurious bedroom includes a huge bed covered with an enchanting mosquito net. An essential additional if, like us, you leave the suite open onto the terrace, to enjoy the magical view from the bed, when you awake in the morning.
Add abundant cupboard space, fridge filled with a personalised selection of drinks, an iPod dock, ensuite bathroom with huge bath and outside shower and you have an ideal spot for lovers to enjoy
Leaving our suite is difficult, but the private beach and the warm Caribbean waters beckon. Add a very talent chef who mixes Caribbean cuisine in an inspired fusion, a barman who knows how to mix a mean cocktail and you have a hotel that is even more difficult to leave.
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Pre Antigua Charter Show
The view from our apartment
Flying to Antigua with British Airways from Gatwick Airport at those times when major boat shows are taking place around the world is never an easy task.
The plane is always full, spare seats are few if not unavailable. But the up side is that on getting to the departure lounge you discover you know about 30% of the rest of the passengers. Networking begins early!
Landing in Antigua we joined the impossibly long immigration queue. It zig-zaged its way lazily towards the desk giving us the perfect opportunity to meet and greet old friends – brokers, managers and other superyacht professionals from around the world.
Yes in the usual airport mess up the international flights from USA and UK all landed at exactly the same time. The airport handling facilities were completely overwhelmed, lucky everyone was cheerful.
One hour later we were clear of the airport having collected rental car. We made our way to Horsefield Hill where we have rented an apartment with stunning views over the Falmouth Harbour and part of the Show.
We went to sleep listening to the delightful sounds of the Caribbean fauna night. We woke with the dawn light to a glorious sunrise ready to enjoy the Antigua Charter Yacht Show.
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White Night BBQ at Jumby Bay
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| Off to the BBQ |
On Sunday wait until it gets dark, put on something white and make your way down to the beach. Take off your shoes and let the soft sand massage your feet as you walk barefoot across the white beach to the sounds of Da Vibz, a local steel drum band playing calypso music.
Its BBQ night at Jumby Bay and attendees are in for a delightful gastronomic treat.
Of the many beach BBQs we have eaten this was perhaps the best we have eaten since we were at Soneva Ghili in the Maldive Islands. Believe us when we say there have been a fair few BBQs between then and now!
Among the delights on offer from three separate serving stations were:
- Seafood Salad of Clams, Shrimp and Tuna
- Platter of King Crab and Crevettes
- Mahi Mahi served in a Creole Sauce
- Chicken Curry with Coconut and Spinach Rice.
- Pork Spare Ribs
- Lamb Racks
- Fillet Steak
- Shrimp Kebabs
- Local Lobster
- Chicken
But perhaps the highest praise must go to the resort’s pastry chefs who produced a desert table to die for. In fact our recommendation is to check it out first and then pace your self at the first two serving stations!
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