Once you go Fairmont Gold…
I just came back from the most luxurious stay in Bermuda at the iconic Hamilton Princess Bermuda Hotel & Beach Club, also known as the Pink Palace, located in the heart of downtown Hamilton. I always get the travel blues right after a trip, but this time it’s hitting different and I’m convinced it’s because of the VIP experience Princess Bermuda gave us. This Fairmont-managed property offers the ultimate lifestyle experience with its Fairmont Gold option, and I’m so excited to tell you all about it, and hopefully to convince you to go Fairmont Gold on your trip to Bermuda!
Check-in was a breeze, and actually also a treat! Upon arrival, we were promptly whisked away to the specially reserved desk on the *private* Fairmont Gold floor, reserved exclusively for Fairmont Gold guests. While at the desk, the lovely Tonya showed us around the Fairmont Gold lounge, making sure to offer us refreshments from the fridge. See below for all of the exclusive lounge perks associated with being a Fairmont Gold guest:
- Complimentary beverages all day (e.g., water, tea, coffee, juice, pops, etc.), and access to the honor bar.
- Daily breakfast (M-F 07:00 to 10:30, S & S 07:00 to 11:00)
- Afternoon tea (daily, 14:00 to 16:00)
- Evening hors d’oeuvres (daily, 17:00 to 19:00)
- Sweet offerings/desserts (daily, 20:30 to 22:00)
Needless to say, we took full advantage of this privilege throughout our stay. And I have to tell you, all of the food and snacks were so delicious. Given that we spent a lot of time on property shooting, it was so convenient to go down to the lounge and grab something to eat to hold off our hunger, quench our thirst, or just as a pick-me-up during a long day. My personal favourite was breakfast—so much good food to start the day off right!
After check in, we were guided up to our room—using the private Fairmont Gold elevator of course! 😉
THE SUITE
I can’t tell you what I was expecting in terms of the suite, but I can tell you I was blown away. We stayed in the absolutely stunning Fairmont Gold Harbor 1 King Suite (Room 349). When I say this room is like a small luxury apartment, I’m being 100% serious! (Minus the kitchen, which it didn’t even need because, hello, Gold Lounge access!)
The foyer (yes, a foyer) opens up into a large living space, including a seating area and a dining area, on the left and a dedicated workspace on the right. Also on the right was the entrance to the bedroom. Behind the long dining table, sliding doors open up to a massive balcony overlooking the harbour. I would wake up at sunrise in the mornings just to take in the view of the harbour from the balcony. There was just something so special about watching the sun rise over the island, seeing early birds come out for a morning dip, and just being in the moment up there. I’m telling you, it made me a morning person (temporarily, of course). The bedroom itself had a walk-in closet and a generously sized bathroom (with a standing shower, tub, and separate toilet room). We also *loved* that the staff left us the ingredients to make Bermuda’s signature welcome drink—the Dark & Stormy—as well as personal care kits (which included masks, sanitizer, gloves, and towelettes) to keep us COVID-safe. Small touches like this really set the tone for our entire stay.
For a walk through of this incredible suite, check out the video below!
THE PROPERTY
On check-in day, we arrived mid-afternoon. It was a bit late by the time we fully settled in, as we had to get some photo- and videotaking out of the way while the room was still fresh. Furthermore, I really wanted to take advantage of that beautiful closet—which meant spending extra time unpacking, ironing, and hanging. So, day 1 was pretty chill and it was a day that we mainly spent on the property. Rather than heading out into town for dinner, we decided to familiarize ourselves with the property and grab a bite at Crown & Anchor Bar on the first-floor terrace. (Highly recommend the ceviche and their signature swizzle—it packs a really good punch!) To end our day, we walked along the harbour as the sun set and grabbed a seat by the fire…the cherry on top, if you ask me!
During our stay, we also enjoyed drinks and meals at 1609 Bar and Restaurant—a must-try whether you’re staying on property or not. For drinks, I recommend just sitting at the bar outside. It’s absolutely stunning at sunset, and such a vibe. For dinner, grab a seat inside the actual restaurant—it’s right on the harbour, where you can enjoy your meal while looking out onto the water. I promise you, you’ll find some of the *best* food and cocktails on the island right here. Go!
Other amenities include the exhale Pool, the Inifity pool, and KS WaterSports. On the main floor, there are lovely little shops along the retail walkway. And hung throughout the property, you can view the hotel’s extensive collection of pop and modern art, including works from Warhol, Mandela, and other famous names.
Last, but certainly not least, is The Princess Beach Club.
THE BEACH CLUB
The Princess Beach Club is a private club located on Bermuda’s South Shore, only a short ride from the hotel. It’s important to note that the beach club is separate from the property—somehow I didn’t realize this until I actaully arrived at the hotel, so I wanted to point that out. To make your life easier and get you into relaxation mode ASAP, the hotel offers a convenient, complimentary jitney service, which departs multiple times per day from the main entrance. Once you arrive, find a spot, put your feet up, and order some snacks and drinks to enjoy with the view of beautiful Sinky Bay. Click the image below to get a better look at the blissful Princess Beach Club experience.
OVERALL IMPRESSION
I honestly can’t thank Fairmont and Princess Bermuda enough for making my first pandemic-era international trip such a memorable experience. The individualized VIP service was such a special touch, and it really made us feel like we were taken care of. Overall, our Fairmont Gold stay definitely lived up to the “hotel-in-a-hotel experience” promised. I am so looking forward to my next Fairmont stay, and rest assured, it will be Golden.
For more on our Princess Bermuda stay, check out my Bermuda Instagram posts and story highlights at @la_wandereuse. If you’re interested in more tips to best prepare youself for your trip to Bermuda, check out my Bermuda Travel Guide. This post was produced in partnership with The Hamilton Princess Bermuda Hotel & Beach Club (A Fairmont-Managed Property). All opinions were my own. Sending special thanks to the staff, who welcomed us and made our stay extra special.
