Here We Go Again

It seems like every year I write a post about how Bermuda and/or The Reefs was awarded "Best" this or "Favorite" that. Just dig into the archives at right. You'll see how Bermuda was picked as the top island in the Caribbean/Atlantic in October 2009 and The Reefs, the best resort by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler. The same thing happened the following year, when the magazine's readers again picked our fair island and the popular southampton resort for top honors. And sure enough it's that time of year again. The votes have been cast and the readers have spoken: Bermuda is indeed the top island in the Atlantic/Caribbean in front of St. John, Nevis and the British Virgin Islands and The Reefs is the number one resort in the Atlantic, ahead of Parrot Cay in Turks & Caicos, One&Only Ocean Club in the Bahamas and Amanyara also in Turks & Caicos. To read the entire story, check out Conde Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards 2011. But if I were you? Skip the article and book one of the brand new Club Condos at The Reefs to see what true paradise is all about (yes that's the resort's beach and yes, it's that beautiful in person). With endless ocean views, huge spa-like bathrooms, handsome island-inspired furniture and fully equipped gourmet kitchens, they are indeed the most fabulous rooms in all of Bermuda.

Good News, Bad News

Interested in attending this year's PGA Grand Slam of Golf at Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton, Bermuda? If so, the PGA just announced a sweet new deal. First up, your good news: Buy one ticket to the season-ending tournament, featuring the winners of golf's four major championships and you'll get one ticket of equal value free (for example, if buy one Monday ticket you'll get one Monday ticket free; if you buy one three-day pass, you'll get one three-day pass free). But what's the catch, you say? Here's your bad news: Tickets must be purchased on Thursday, October 13 at the Washington Mall in downtown Hamilton from 11am to 3pm, which means all of you golf fans currently not living on the island are out of luck. Score one for Bermuda, I guess. For details, check out bermuda.com's coverage of the PGA Grand Slam of Golf's latest deal.

Cruise News

Cruise fans and Bermudaphiles listen up, because Norwegian Cruise Lines has big news for you. And when I say big, I mean tremendous—like 4,000 passengers worth. According to Travel Weekly, Bernews and numerous sources around the web, NCL's Norwegian Breakaway—a 4,000-passenger, 144,000-ton ship currently under construction in Germany—will operate seven-day cruises from its homeport in New York City to Bermuda from May 12 to October 6 in 2013 (departing on Sundays, the ship will spend three full days in Bermuda and three days at sea). Not only will the Breakaway be the largest ship to homeport in Manhattan, but it will also be the largest ship to call upon Bermuda's shores in its storied maritime history. In total the new ship will inject an additional $8 million more into Bermuda's economy, as compared to the ship she replaces, which is good news for the island and great news for its tourism partners. Cruises are scheduled to go on sale to Latitudes members (NCL's loyalty program) on October 14 and will be open to the public on October 17. For more information about the Breakaway and its luxurious amenities and staterooms, check out NCL's ship overview. In the meantime, happy sailing!

First hurricanes, now this?

As I've reported over the past several weeks, Bermuda's been threatened quite a few times this hurricane season. There was Hurricane Katia, which left some killer surf in her wake; Hurricane Maria, a fairly large storm that dumped rain on the island for a day; and most recently Hurricane Ophelia, a Category 3 whopper that clipped the east end of Bermuda. No direct hits, but gnarly weather nonetheless. Of course, this is all to be expected when you live on an island in the middle of the Atlantic. Storms happen. But earthquakes? Yep, that's right. According to the Royal Gazette, Bermuda was hit with two minor earthquakes on Monday evening: Two 4.5-magnitude tremors that happened within 20 minutes of each other. Granted, both were pretty far from land—reportedly 80 miles south of Hamilton and about seven miles below the surface (right where that red star is)—but still. Earthquakes? Geez.

Much Ado About...

Nothing. Yes, Bermuda was yet again saved after Hurricane Ophelia skirted by with barely a whisper. Lots of rain for sure, but hardly the punch of a Category 3 storm. So what's next for the island? How about Tropical Storm Phillipe, which is current whirling its way around the lower Atlantic and forecasted to drop some rain on Bermuda later this week. The good news is our cisterns are overflowing, our shrubs are again green and our skies are plentiful with colorful rainbows. You gotta love it.