Reef Patrol

It’s no secret that Bermuda has some of the most idyllic beaches in the world. Just take a look at the stunning south shore, with miles upon miles of powdery pink sand, a rosy hue derived from a mix of calcium carbonate, crushed coral and pulverized protozoa. Indeed Bermuda is a gem of the Atlantic but the island would be a much different place if it weren’t for it’s thriving coral reefs. Just ask Sir George Somers who shipwrecked on the reefs and eventually, an east end beach creating an island nation in 1609. What? He’s dead? Right, right. Carry on then. According to the Department of Conservation Services, Bermuda’s coral reefs are more than just a popular dive site: A recent departmental study found the island's coral reef ecosystem has a total economic value of more than $700 million, potentially amounting to $1.1 billion per year. In case you’re trying to do the math, that’s 12% of Bermuda’s GDP, which currently is the highest per capita in the world. So how exactly do the reefs generate all that revenue? In addition to supporting a vast network of tourism activity—dive operations, fishing charters, snorkeling outfitters—the reefs provide substantial economic benefits by protecting the coast and its infrastructure from damaging storms and hurricanes. In short, the reefs are Bermuda’s greatest protectors. I’m not sure if we needed a study to tell us how important they are, but to the government's credit, this report solidifies the reefs' value, perceived and otherwise. So the next time you're in the water, think twice before you touch one of Bermuda's most valuable commodities. The reefs are indeed a living, breathing asset.

Free Vacation, Anyone?

On Monday I told you about the latest promotion from the Bermuda Department of Tourism, a romantic Valentine’s Day weekend including luxurious accommodations, sumptuous meals and smooth R&B performances (Chuck Jackson + Babyface = Crazy Good). The package deal is still very much available, but in case you were looking for a Bermuda getaway that costs even less—like an all expenses paid five-night vacation for two—then listen up. That’s right folks, there’s a free trip up for grabs, best of all it’s sponsored by newly renamed The Reefs Hotel & Club—formerly The Reefs but still the top resort in the Atlantic as voted by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler in 2009. So how do you win said vacation? Submit a story of 300 words or less about a favorite experience at The Reefs or in Bermuda—maybe a proposal you got in the sand, a special family vacation, an encounter with Bermuda’s one and only Johnny Barnes—it could be anything, but you’ve gotta enter by February 14. Once all submissions are made, the stories will be narrowed into a group of finalists then posted online, when the public will select its favorite story from February 18 through the 28, sort of like American Idol Bermuda style. The winner will receive a five-night stay in an ocean view deluxe room at The Reefs Hotel & Club including breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner daily and one lucky voter will also be selected to win an additional five-night vacation for two. Not too shabby. So, what are you waiting for? Time to let those Bermuda memories bubble up to the top. Remember, you’ve got until February 14 to enter the contest (for more information click here). And in case you're wondering, yes, that'll be the beach you'll be relaxing on during your free vacation. Now go get writing!

Money Matters

It’s no secret that Bermuda is one of the wealthiest countries on the planet. Not only does the mid-Atlantic archipelago boast the highest GDP per capita in the world—an astonishing $91,477 per person, about $4,000 more than oil-crazed Qatar in the Middle East—but it’s also home to some of world’s richest people, including New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former presidential candidate Ross Perot and on-again off-again Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. Here’s one more for the mix: Roman Abramovich, a Russian billionaire who currently owns the world’s largest private vessel—a 560-foot $485 million super yacht that’s registered in Bermuda (see above; thanks for the pic GizMag). According to a recent Bloomberg report, the tycoon outfitted his ship with $326,000 worth of contemporary art, a relative drop in the bucket considering he shelled out a whopping $86.3 million for Francis Bacon’s Triptych in 2008. In addition to two helicopter pads, a disco hall and a submarine capable of submerging 50 meters, the ship boasts a German-built missile defense system and bulletproof glass in Abramovich’s master suite. Paranoid much? It’s one heckuva boat, although I still haven’t seen it on Bermuda’s shores. My guess is he’s laying low to avoid major embarrassment in the yachting community: CNN Money reported today that a Belgium-based design firm has plans to build an even bigger private vessel, a 656-foot super yacht that would reportedly cost up to $900 million with amenities such as a 100-foot swimming pool, two 98-foot day boats and a drive-in garage. Sorry Roman, I guess you’ll have to settle for number two.

Calling All Canadians

This just in from WestJet, a Canadian low-cost carrier akin to JetBlue in the United States: According to a recent press release, the airline will start flying nonstop from Toronto to Bermuda effective May 2010. Even better, it announced a massive seat sale on select dates. So just how good are these prices you ask? During a recent search on WestJet’s website, I found airfares for $129 each way! That means with taxes and fees, a roundtrip flight from Toronto to Bermuda departing June 1 and returning June 8 cost a total of $341.20. That's the best deal in the air. So to all you Canadians looking for a quick weekend getaway—after all, it’s just under a three-hour flight from Toronto—I’d recommend booking as soon as possible. These fares won’t last too long. Happy travels!

Feel the Love

Ahhh, February. The month of hearts and chocolates and professing your undying love to that oh-so-special person. Valentine’s Day might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but in case it’s yours, let me assist you with a few suggestions for the ultimate romantic getaway. Still haven’t made plans for the big day? No sweat, I’ve got you covered. Fortunately tickets are still available for the Bermuda International Love Festival, a blissful weekend event that boasts luxurious accommodations, decadent meals and world-class entertainment. And it's a deal! Here’s what you’ll be doing on the Most Romantic Weekend Ever: You and your sweetie arrive Bermuda on Friday, February 12, where you’ll check in at the historic Fairmont Hamilton Princess for three nights in a Fairmont Gold Level room. That night you’ll join Bermuda’s Premier, Dr. Ewart Brown and his wife Wanda, for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and dinner at ritzy Tucker’s Point Hotel & Spa, featuring a special presentation from the editors of the Robb Report (they’ll bring their annual “Best of the Best” issue to life, featuring selections of cigars, wines, spirits and more). The following morning you and your sweetheart will play a round of golf at Port Royal—host of the 2009/2010 PGA Grand Slam and by far Bermuda’s most picturesque course—and that night you’ll be treated to a special dinner at Port O’ Call, a Front Street favorite specializing in fresh local seafood. Into live music? Perfect, because you’ll also be given two VIP seats to a performance that night by R&B singer Kenneth “Babyface” Edwards (oh he smooth, he very very smooth). As if all that wasn’t enough, on Sunday you’ll have brunch at the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art before a sumptuous dinner that night at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess. Even better, that evening the best seats in the house are yours at a private performance by legendary bluesman Chuck Jackson. So, how much does all this cost you ask? The entire weekend can be yours for just $800 per person, not including flights. Considering Fairmont Gold rooms at the Hamilton Princess would cost $419 per night that weekend, the package is a whopper of a deal. Three nights plus food, activity and entertainment for $1,600? That’s a bargain and lovely one at that. For more information on the Bermuda Love Festival, go here. In the meantime, go grab yourself a box of chocolates just to be safe.