Deal of the Day

For the sake of brevity I'll keep this short and sweet. Looking for a bargain-basement priced room at one of the fanciest (and historic!) hotels in Bermuda? Well, look no further. The Fairmont Hamilton Princess just announced a fantastic deal good for travel until April 30th: 50% off all rooms, if booked from now until February 3rd. That means harborfront rooms that normally cost around $260 a night, now cost $129. Can you say deal? A Saturday night stay is required and a few blackout dates apply, but if you're looking to visit Bermuda this Spring and would like to be within walking distance of Hamilton's many shops and restaurants, this is the deal for you. For more, check out the 50% Off Bermuda Pink Sale.

Deal of the Day

Leave it to the good folks at JetBlue to pile on the savings to Bermuda. Its latest Bermuda Getaway offers travelers a $400 air credit for a friend when you book a Bermuda vacation package, which essentially adds up to a free roundtrip ticket from New York or Boston. You can find all of the details here, but expect deep discounts at some of the island's best hotels (like the Grotto Bay Beach Resort where you'll get a four-night stay plus airfare from Boston Logan for $685 per person or the Fairmont Southampton where you'll also enjoy a four-night stay for the same price with airfare from New York's JFK). Of course restrictions, taxes and fees apply and you'll have to book by October 25 for travel through October 31, but if you act fact it's one heckuva a deal. Happy jetting and welcome aboard!

Deal of the Day

In case you're in the market for a dreamy beach vacation—one that includes pink sand romping, golf club swinging, fresh fish eating and perhaps, adventurous pursuits like deep sea fishing and underwater diving—look no further than the Bermuda Department of Tourism's latest deal. Called the Endless Summer Offer, visitors who book a minimum of four nights at one of 14 participating hotels will get a free roundtrip flight from New York, Boston, Atlanta or Toronto or a $400 air credit good for travel from other cities. The catch? You have to book your trip through a Bermuda Tour Operator (not the end of the world, really) and travel from August 23-October 31, 2011. Available hotels range from the historic and relatively wallet-friendly Fairmont Hamilton Princess (with rooms starting at $299 a night) to the ritzy Pink Beach Club, a historic cottage colony where I recently stayed on the Fourth of July, with rooms starting at $645 a night (that's one of its private beaches above; not too shabby). Interested? Then head on over to GoToBermuda.com and book its Endless Summer Offer before October 25.

Deal of the Day

As you may or may not know, Bermuda is a two-hour flight from most east coast gateways—even less than that from New York City and Boston—making it the ideal destination for a quick tropical getaway. In case you're hankering for a little sun and sand, check out this latest hotel deal from Bermuda.com (a great site for restaurant recommendations, suggested itineraries and nuts and bolts travel info): From April 21st through 28th seven island hotels are offering every third night free, which in the case of the swanky and historic Fairmont Hamilton Princess ends up being a $759 value if you stayed for the entire week. Other hotels on the list include the Fairmont Southampton, Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort & Spa, Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa, Elbow Beach Hotel, Rosedon Hotel and the Wharf Executive Suites, all of which are offering similar savings. As always, act fast for the best rooms and as for me well, I'll see you on the beach. Happy travels!

Deal of the Day

Before I was given the opportunity to live under the warm mid-Atlantic sun, I was an editor at Budget Travel magazine, where along with a team of well-traveled individuals I hand-picked rockbottom vacation deals to destinations around the world. Well, the good folks at BT are still at it, as evidenced by its latest Real Deal to Bermuda courtesy of Continental Airlines Vacations. It's a whopper of a deal, especially if you live anywhere near the New York metropolitan area. Bargain hunters, listen up: For $746 per person, you'll get round-trip airfare on Continental from New York, three nights accommodations at the Surf Side Beach Club and round-trip airport transfers, which if you do the math ends up being the deal of the century. Consider Budget Travel's “Why It's a Deal” breakdown: “According to a recent search on Kayak, we found $372 airfare between Newark and Bermuda for travel in late April (US Airways). Add to that about $586 per person, including hotel taxes, for three nights at the Surf Side Beach Club, and you'd be paying a total of $958 for airfare and accommodations. For $117 less, this Continental Airlines Vacations package covers airfare, three nights' hotel (including one free night), round-trip airport-hotel transfers, fuel surcharges, and hotel taxes and gratuities.” I told you it was good. The vacation package is valid for travel on April 25 and 26 and must be booked by April 30—a small window I know, but think about all the money you’ll have leftover to spend on succulent Caribbean lobster tails once you arrive. Happy travels!

Deal of the Day

Last time I checked, the winter just doesn't want to quit in the American northeast. Snow keeps falling, temperatures keep dropping and there's no end in sight for one of the coldest winters on record. If you're one of the many New York metropolitan area residents reaching for an extra blanket to keep warm, then consider this fantastic deal to sunny Bermuda: American Airlines is currently selling flights to the island from JFK for $99 each way for travel between March 1st and May 20th. You'll have to book by March 15th, but if you head on over to aa.com, where the majority of the sale fares are mid-week, roundtrip flights with a mandatory $94.90 tax come to $292, which is about as low as it's gonna get. And don't try to score this deal through Orbitz, Expedia or Hotwire: The legacy carrier recently parted ways with all three travel sites so you'll have to visit American Airlines' website to get the cheap flights.

Deal of the Day

If you live in the United States, say, in the Northeast, Midwest or South—essentially anywhere but California—chances are you’re looking outside of your window at a thick blanket of snow. Another thick blanket of snow, that is. With one of the worst winters on record there’s a good chance you need a vacation from all that wet stuff. If a tropical holiday is in your near future, then consider this great deal from Jetsetter, which ends February 11 at midnight. Rooms at two great Bermuda properties are on sale for nearly 50% off regular prices. Even better, if you book with Jetsetter you’ll be emailed a coupon good for 15% off flights on JetBlue to the island. Not bad, right? If you’re interested, check out Jetsetter’s Rediscover Bermuda flash sale, with discount rooms at Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa and Newstead Belmont Hills Hotel. And if you can’t figure out what to do on the island once you get here, don’t miss my latest article, The Many Faces of Bermuda, which is loaded with great ideas whether you’re traveling with the guys, the girls or your sweetheart. Just think: Those feet of yours can be in the sand instead of the snow. Swami sees a vacation in your future.

Deal of the Day

In case you’re wondering what you’ll be doing on Valentine’s Day this year allow me to offer some food for thought. (I know, it’s not even January 14 but it’s best to start thinking about these things now, okay?). If you and your sweetie are searching for a quick tropical getaway next month then consider this fantastic deal from The Reefs Hotel & Club, a sprawling resort on Bermuda’s stunning south shore that again made Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List in 2010. For $1,549 per couple including tax you’ll get three nights in a poolside ocean view room (with a complimentary room upgrade if available); a 90-minute couples massage at the brand new La Serena Spa followed by champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries in its bamboo-floored ocean view relaxation room (or choose a 60-minute couples massage followed by a massage lesson to keep the, ahem, fire alive); breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner daily; plus roundtrip airport transfers. So, how do we know if this is really a deal? Let’s do the math! If booked online, a poolside ocean view room from February 11 through February 14 would be $385 per night ($1,155) plus tax ($109) and fees ($117), for a total of $1,381.74, including breakfast, afternoon tea and a gourmet dinner daily. A 90-minute couples’ massage at La Serena Spa: $359. Two glasses of champagne: $30. Strawberries: $15. Roundtrip airport transfers: $100. Grand total if booked ala carte: $1,885.74, which is a savings of $504! I don’t know about you but that’s a bonafide deal in my book. Interested? Then check out the February Touch of Love special, good for the entire month of February. Trust me, your sweetie will thank you. Just check out that view!

Deal of the Day (Part Deux)

This just in from the Fairmont Hamilton Princess, Bermuda’s landmark harborfront hotel celebrating its 125th anniversary this year: Deluxe rooms including breakfast for two are currently on sale for $149 a night for stays through March 31, 2011. Sure, blackout dates apply and it’s not valid for Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday night stays, but do the math and you’ll see that it’s a whopper of a deal. Deluxe rooms at the hotel normally cost $419 a night, which means you’ll be saving $270 a night not including breakfast daily (a meal that normally costs around $50 for two, including tax and gratuity). The catch? You have to book your room within the next six days since the Seven-Day Sensational Sale officially started yesterday. I’m just thinking out loud here, but if I lived in Toronto I’d be all over this: A $49 flight from WestJet, a $149 room at the Hamilton Princess, free breakfast—folks, Bermuda is officially on sale.

Deal of the Day

Summer may be over but for travelers to Bermuda that means lots of fair weather bargains throughout the fall, like this amazing deal from the luxurious Fairmont Southampton on Bermuda’s stunning south shore. Incredibly, rooms at the oceanside resort are 50% off for reservations through January 2011, including holiday stays over Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. I’ll get to the details in just a bit, but first, here’s why you should consider an autumn stay at one of the island’s most elegant hotels.

You'll Sleep Soundly

The sprawling resort boasts 593 spacious rooms and suites, all of which have private balconies, marble bathrooms and elegant British colonial décor. Relax on your very own Fairmont Bed with Egyptian cotton sheets or take in the endless ocean view from the comfort of your room. You might want to leave at some point to explore the island, but your mornings, nap times and nights couldn’t possibly be more comfortable.

You'll Be Pampered From Head to Toe

By far the largest and most luxurious wellness facility in Bermuda is the 31,000-square-foot Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Southampton. Yes, it’s that good and here's why: The spa features 15 well-appointed treatment rooms, multiple relaxation lounges, a state-of-the art ocean view fitness center, indoor heated pool, beauty salon plus private men’s and women’s locker rooms with steam inhalation rooms, sauna and signature Willow Stream Energy bath and beauty products throughout. You’ll be pampered with dozens of island-inspired treatments administered by trained professional therapists and best of all, you won’t have to book days in advance to get an appointment. Hands down, it’s the best place for a massage in Bermuda.

You'll Have Your Own Beach

In fall, the temperature tops out at a blissful 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which means you can spend long days lazing on a chaise lounge at the resort’s private beach club. Rent snorkel gear and explore the rock formations at the water’s edge or stroll the long, private pink sand beach. It doesn’t get much better than that.

You'll Eat Well

Sure, some of the hotel’s restaurants, including the Newport Room, Wickets and the Ocean Club close temporarily during the fall and winter season, but rest assured you’ll be well fed at three of the Fairmont Southampton’s most beloved places to eat. Enjoy thin crust pizzas, tapas and other light fare at Jasmine Lounge (where you can also listen to live jazz and sip signature martinis); rustic Italian cuisine that’s perfect for the whole family at Bacci; and classic steakhouse fare, like Kobe beef ribeyes and Caribbean lobster tails, in a traditional 18th century Bermuda cottage at the Waterlot Inn.

You'll Play Eighteen Holes

With its very own oceanview Executive Par-Three Golf Course, the Fairmont Southampton is the perfect hotel to practice your swing. Take your short game to new levels and when you’re done, consider booking a tee time at nearby Riddell’s Bay Golf Club—through an exclusive partnership with the Fairmont Southampton, guests of the hotel can play Bermuda’s oldest private course.

You'll Be There In a Flash

Bermuda is less than a two-hour flight from most east coast gateways including New York City, Boston, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Baltimore, Orlando and Halifax, Canada. Just under three hours away is Miami, Charlotte and Atlanta. Yes, paradise is that close.

You'll Save Money

Did I mention that rooms at the Fairmont Southampton were 50% off through January? Here’s what you need to know: Moderate rooms start at $149 a night for Sunday through Wednesday stays; Fairmont rooms, which overlook the harbor or golf course, are $179 a night for stays any day of the week; and Deluxe Ocean View rooms are $239 a night, also for stays any day. There are a handful of blackout dates—for those and more about the deal, which runs through the end of January visit TravelZoo—but you must book by October 5.

So, what are you waiting for? Check into the Fairmont Southampton today!

Deal of the Day

Anyone who’s been to Bermuda knows that it’s a golfer’s paradise. The twenty-one-square mile archipelago has seven beautifully manicured courses, many offering stunning water views. My favorite of the bunch is Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton, not only because it’s the home of the 2010 PGA Grand Slam of Golf this October—the game’s premier season-ending tournament featuring Masters champ Phil Mickelson, U.S. Open champ Graeme McDowell, British Open champ Louis Oosthuizen and the winner of the PGA Championship this August—but because the public course often cranks out killer deals like this one: From today until September 30th guests of any island hotel can play 18 holes at Port Royal from 2pm onwards, then enjoy dinner at its ocean view clubhouse restaurant, 64º, for just $164. Considering green fees with a cart normally cost $180 and entrees at the restaurant hover around $20-$25, it’s a whopper of a deal. And forget about having to bring your sticks: Port Royal will also knock 50% off the price of golf club rentals (brand new Taylor Made Burners, by the way) making the total price for 18 holes with cart, golf clubs and dinner $189. Now that’s a package I can get behind. To book visit Port Royal Golf Course or call (441) 234-0974. Oh yeah, and if you're wondering, that's the 16th hole—Port Royal's signature par-three that's widely regarded as the greatest hole in golf. So what are you waiting for? Book your Port Royal package today!

Deal of the Day

This just in from the Bermuda Department of Tourism: Book a two- to six-night stay at one of 19 participating hotels and you’ll get one or two nights free. For example, if you pay for two nights at the Fairmont Southampton—on Bermuda’s stunning south shore with an 18-hole par three golf course, 21,000-square-feet Willow Stream Spa and its very own private pink sand beach—you’ll get a third night for free. Likewise, a four-night stay at the harborfront Newstead Belmont Hills Resort & Spa will get you a fifth night free and six nights at Pompano Beach Club, which is adjacent to Port Royal Golf Course, will get you a free seventh night (for a list of all participating hotels check out the Endless Summer Offer). In addition to discount hotel rooms, the offer also includes buy-one-get-one entreés from thirteen island restaurants, including three of my faves: Barracuda Grill (upscale seafood), Latin (trendy Mexican) and Hog Penny (a traditional English Pub). The package is good for travel from August 22 through October 31, but you have to book by August 31. For more information visit BermudaTourism.com. Happy travels!

Deal of the Day

It’s JetBlue’s 10th anniversary this year, so in order to commemorate ten years of serving free Terra blue chips, flying quirkily named planes (Tale of Blue Cities?) and being an all-around great airline, the low-cost carrier is having a major spring sale on airfare and hotel packages right now. Amazingly JetBlue is selling flights as low as $29 each way—Floridians, say hello to the Bahamas for me—but we’re here to talk Bermuda right? From New York’s JFK, JetBlue is selling one-way flights to Bermuda for as little as $69 based upon a roundtrip purchase. That means with taxes and fees a roundtrip flight would cost $232.50—still a bargain when you consider flights to the Caribbean are usually twice that. The offer is valid for travel between April 22 and June 16, although not on Saturdays and Sundays with blackout dates from May 27 to June 1. New Englanders are getting similar savings from Boston’s Logan Airport: $99 each way good from May 1 to May 27, and yes, some blackout dates apply. The only catch is that you’ve got to book by April 21 (for more great fares visit JetBlue’s Spring Sale). But that’s not all! Looking for a hotel too? Then check out these mind-blowingly low air/hotel packages from JetBlue Getaways. For example, a four-night stay at the luxurious Fairmont Southampton with roundtrip airfare from New York costs from $615 per person! Considering the exact same package cost nearly double not too long ago, it’s one heckuva deal: If booked for two, the sale price saves you $1,230 when compared to its original price (for more on JetBlue Getaways click here). So what are you waiting for? The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and Bermuda is calling your name.

Deal(s) of the Day

Looking for an inexpensive flight to Bermuda? Do you live near Toronto or in the New York City metropolitan area? If so, keep reading because there are two major airfares sales happening right now from WestJet and American Airlines. First to Canada, where WestJet’s $72 for 72 hours promotion ends tomorrow (that’s right Canucks, you must book no later than tomorrow at 11:59pm). Valid for departures beginning May 3, nonstop flights to Bermuda from Toronto are $72 (CAN) each way based upon a roundtrip purchase, which means with taxes and fees it’ll cost you $254.27 (or $254.09 in U.S. dollars) to get to Bermuda’s sunny shores. The bargains are even better from New York’s JFK airport. American Airlines is offering fares to Bermuda for as low as $64 each way, which would make a roundtrip ticket with taxes and fees $222.50. You’ll have to book before April 11th for travel valid from Tuesday April 13th through Wednesday April 21st, but if your schedule is flexible, there’s no better time to visit Bermuda. The skies are blue, the sun is shining and your rum swizzle is waiting. Happy jetting!

Deal of the Day

Looking for a quick weekend getaway? Don’t feel like spending an arm and a leg? Then check out this latest airfare deal from American Airlines: The carrier is offering a special low fare of just $99 each way from New York City’s JFK airport to Bermuda. That means a roundtrip ticket with taxes and fees costs around $270—one whopper of a deal considering airfare is often double the price. Tickets must be booked by March 17 for travel valid through March 24, so book fast. For more information go here. So, what does one do in Bermuda in February and March? It won't exactly be beach weather—after all, temperatures will be in the low 70's—but winter and spring visits are perfect for hitting the links, relaxing at the spa or taking long strolls along Bermuda’s stunning coastline. Oh yeah, did I mention that it’s still spiny lobster season? Mmmm, sweet, delicious lobster. And hey, it beats digging out from all that snow in the northeast, right? So what are you waiting for? That could be YOU on the sixteenth hole of Port Royal instead of yours truly. Book your cheap flight to Bermuda today. Happy travels!

Deal of the Day

Hotel rooms from $89 a night? In ritzy Bermuda? Welcome to January, when the temperatures are in the mid-60s and low season bargains come rolling in. Check out this latest deal from the Bermuda Department of Tourism: Book now for travel valid between February 1 and March 31 and you’ll receive 50% off listed room rates at participating hotels. That means you can stay in an ocean view room at the beachfront Grotto Bay Beach Resort for $89 a night; in a deluxe room with private balcony at the Fairmont Southampton for $129 a night; or in a one-bedroom suite at the harbor front Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort & Spa for $145 a night. Still not convinced? There are four other hotels to choose from—including Aunt Nea’s Inn, Coco Reef Resort, Fairmont Hamilton Princess and Elbow Beach Hotel—even better, you’ll be given a coupon booklet good for up to $1,000 in combined savings at island golf resorts, restaurants, spas and more. Here are just a few sample discounts to whet your appetite: Buy one round of golf and get the second round free, rent one scooter and get the second half price, buy one spa treatment and get a free mani/pedi, or buy one entrée and get the second half price (valid at over 15 participating restaurants). So what are you waiting for? Swami says a spring getaway to Bermuda is now within reach. For more information check out Bermuda’s 50% Off Sale. But act quick: The sale ends January 27.

Deal of the Day?

This just in from The Reefs, a beachfront hotel in Southampton that was recently named the best resort in the Atlantic by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler: If the temperature in Bermuda fails to reach 68 degrees Fahrenheit, guests will receive 20% off all beverages for the day, and, if the sun is shining at 10 a.m. guests will receive a certificate for 10% off one spa treatment at its new La Serena day spa, good for stays until March 15 (for more go here). I’m all for hotel deals but this seems like a stretch, no? First of all let’s address the weather. If you plan on jetting to Bermuda this week or next, you’re pretty much guaranteed to be sipping discounted drinks—according to the Bermuda Weather Service, weekly highs are around 64 degrees Fahrenheit this time of year. But a stay in February or early March? Sorry Charlie. Methinks you’ll be paying full price for those rum swizzles. And as for the sun shining at 10 a.m., I’d say you’ve got a 50/50 chance to receive 10% off at the spa, which, if you sign up for a 60-minute relaxation massage, amounts to a savings of—wait for it, wait for it—ten bucks. Look, I’m not saying you shouldn’t stay at The Reefs during your Bermuda getaway. It’s a lovely hotel and if you’re at all into sunsets, well, you can’t go wrong (see above; that's the view from its outdoor terrace). But I think I’ve gotta call Howie Mandel on this one. Deal or no deal? I say no deal, Reefs.

Deal of the Day

We briefly interrupt today's scheduled programming to bring you the latest and greatest hotel deal from Bermuda. Thank goodness, because last week's holiday coverage including vintage Bob Hope videos, scooter-driving Santas and a thirty-foot tall illuminated Michael Jackson was getting redundant, no? So in the spirit of winter getaways—and affordable getaways, at that—check out this great bargain from Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa in Somerset Parish: Guests who book a minimum three-night stay at the resort get complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner at the hotel's casual and fine-dining restaurants, including Tamarisk Room rated by Food & Wine as one of the best in Bermuda and Shutters, an alfresco cafe overlooking Mangrove Bay. Considering the average cost of dinner for two in Bermuda is around $70 (without wine) this is a significant savings. How much exactly? Let's do the math: Three dinners, $210; three lunches, $105; three breakfasts, $50; which means you'll be saving at least $365, most likely more, during your Bermuda getaway. Or just think of it this way—water view rooms at the resort start at $385 per night, so it’s almost like getting one night free at one of Bermuda’s most luxurious properties. Not too shabby. The promotion is valid for travel from January 1, 2010 through March 31, 2010 and must be booked by January 31, 2010 (use promotional code CBDINE when booking). For more information, go here. Happy travels!

Deal of the Day

Considering the gift of travel this holiday season? Then don’t miss this it’s-just-not-gonna-get-better-than-this hotel deal from the ritzy Fairmont Southampton. Really, it’s just that good. From now until December 20^th—that’s this Sunday in case you've lost count—the hotel is selling rooms for $99 a night, valid for travel until April 30, 2010. And these aren’t shabby parking lot view rooms, either. Moderate rooms boast private balconies with views of the ocean, harbor, or the hotel’s 18-hole par three golf course, tasteful wooden furniture, sitting areas and spacious bathrooms with his-and-her granite vanities. The resort also features the island’s largest and most celebrated wellness facility—the 31,000-square-feet Willow Stream Spa with 15 treatment rooms, newly renovated indoor pool, private locker rooms and much, much more. Add to that some of Bermuda’s finest restaurants, including the historic Waterlot Inn housed in a traditional Bermuda cottage and the Fairmont Southampton's challenging 18-hole par three golf course and you’ve got yourself an affordable weekend trip for the record books (don't forget, Bermuda is less than a two-hour flight from most east coast gateways). So let's recap: Luxurious Bermuda? For $99 a night? That’s a no-brainer folks. Just be sure to book by 11:59pm on December 20^th to get the special rate. For more information, go here. Happy travels!

Deal of the Day

Hotel rooms from $79 a night? In ritzy Bermuda? Welcome to November when the average daily temperature is a balmy 70 degrees Fahrenheit and shoulder season bargains come rolling in. Check out this latest deal from the Department of Tourism: Book now for travel valid through January 31, 2010 and you’ll receive a four-night stay at participating hotels for the price of three. That means you can stay in a water view room at the Granaway Guesthouse for just $79 a night (including breakfast); in a deluxe room with private patio or balcony at the historic Fourways Inn for $125 a night; or in an ocean view room at the beachfront Grotto Bay Beach Resort for $159 a night. Still not convinced? There are 17 other hotels to choose from, even better, you’ll be given a coupon booklet good for up to $1,000 in combined savings at island golf resorts, restaurants, spas and more. Here are just a few sample discounts to whet your appetite: Buy one round of golf and get the second round free, rent one scooter and get the second half price, buy one spa treatment and get a free manicure/pedicure, buy one entrée and get the second half price (valid at over 15 participating restaurants). So what are you waiting for? Swami says a Fall getaway to Bermuda is now within reach. For more information check out Bermuda’s Finest Values Offer.