A touch of decadence right on your doorstep

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7: In the current economic climate the idea of a “staycation” is becoming more and more common.

And with good hotel rates for locals there is the opportunity to enjoy the very best that Bermuda has to offer for a fraction of the price.

My partner and I were recently invited to spend a complimentary night at the exquisite Rosewood Tucker’s Point Hotel and Spa. The 88-room luxury resort offered peace and serenity in an elegant setting with service that was second to none. Everything was taken care of from the moment we stepped in to the moment we left. On arrival, we were guided to our room by Director of Rooms Paul Telford who assured us if we needed anything he, or another member of staff, were always on hand.

Room

He left us to our room and there on the counter was a complimentary bottle of champagne and a personalised letter welcoming us to the hotel and wishing us a wonderful stay. Depending on who is occupying the room, there is always an aperitif waiting for the guest — it can range from champagne for newly weds to a good old Dark ‘n’ Stormy for friends.  Already the experience was more than just a hotel stay, it was personal, friendly and inviting.

The view from the balcony of our fifth floor room was breathtaking — beyond the swimming pool and a scattering of hotel apartments, was the full stretch of Castle Harbour bathed in afternoon sunlight.

We stayed in a Manor Superior King which included built-in wardrobes, a comfortable king bed, marble shower and a deep, stand-alone bathtub. The distinctive artwork captured the essence of the classic British seaside era.

What would have cost a visitor in the realm of $750 per night during peak season can be taken advantage of by locals for just $225 off-season.

When you factor in the money you would save flying overseas, and Tucker’s Point has so much to offer within its complex, it becomes more of a reality to be able to enjoy decadence on your doorstep.

Spa

I decided to indulge in a spa treatment during my stay at Rosewood Tucker’s Point — it’s not often I get to stay in such a luxurious hotel so I thought why not go the full hog?

I’m a believer in the healing properties of natural oils so I went for the aromatherapy massage choosing lavender and ylang ylang.

I have had numerous massages at spas across the island and I find there is generally an overriding quality that sets a good massage apart from a mediocre one — a masseuse who asks and listens.

I have had far too many generic massages where each part of your back is treated with equal pressure and technique.

However, Karla focused on my trouble areas, which she instantly found, and asked whether the pressure was right and whether I needed more work in certain areas. It made all the difference — I came out feeling not only relaxed but a little bit fitter than when I walked in.

Food

My partner and I decided to check out the Golf Clubhouse Grille Room and Bar as we have both eaten at The Point Restaurant before. The décor is warm and inviting and the service impeccable. There was not one moment we were left wanting.

The traditional onion soup with gruyere cheese toast starter was delicious and my partner assured me that his baked escargo in Paris butter was very moreish.

For my entrée I went for the Wadson Farm lamb sausages which were delicious and didn’t really need the richness of the spicy onion gravy sauce. The short rib and wild boar burgers with baby capers, pepper jack cheese and horseradish rémoulade was bursting with taste and the serving plentiful.

The following morning we ordered room service — why would we choose anywhere other than our balcony to enjoy our champagne breakfast?

It was the perfect way to enjoy the last few hours of  our stay.