Letter: Our visit to Bermuda was a joy

Dear Sir,

My husband, Neil, and I had the pleasure of visiting your beautiful shores on Air Tran’s inaugural flight from Atlanta, Georgia. Having enjoyed our six days in Bermuda, we want to let you know why this vacation has now become one of our most memorable.

We were fortunate to have selected the Fairmont Southampton for our accommodations. Aside from the fleeting aloofness we experienced during our initial registration, everyone else we encountered provided exceptional service and always with a warm Bermudan smile.

The employees at the concierge desk were a joy and others like Joi, distinguished themselves by going over and beyond to attend to our needs. Though grieving her grandfather’s passing, Joi still made herself available to us to ensure our comfort — all the while assuring us she was “only doing my job.”

We cannot overlook the housekeeping staff nor the shuttle bus drivers, nor the ebullient doormen who always warmly greeted us and took our photos. All of these individuals have mastered the true art of hospitality — an attribute that makes all the difference to tourists like us who travel to places like Bermuda in search of much needed respite.

Thank you to all at the Fairmont Southampton who made our stay a memorable one. You met and surpassed our expectations and we look forward to seeing you again. We would also like to bring to your attention an unsung hero and a model ambassador of your fair land — Mr Leroy Burt — one of your PTB bus drivers. Mr Burt was the epitome of courtesy and hospitality. Recognizing that we were tourists, he took the time to patiently and courteously answer our inquiries, even pointing out scenic and national landmarks of interest.

Mr. Burt also invited us to view a cricket match, once he learned that my husband was an avid fan of the sport. He not only provided directions to the cricket ground, but made the effort to seek us out on the day of the match. Sitting with us at the game, he made us feel most welcome. Clearly, Mr Burt is someone who loves his job, takes immense pride in what he does, and is willing to bend over backwards to make others feel welcome to his homeland.

Thank you, Mr Burt, for your profound kindness, humility and hospitality. We shall never forget you (and your beautiful family).

Finally, I tip my hat to Bermuda’s national leaders, as it is obvious they have done something right. The attitudes and characteristics exhibited by your citizens affirmatively attest to a certain nationalistic pride that does not occur overnight but is instead cultivated over time. Whatever you are doing, keep up the good work, as Bermuda can only be better off for your efforts. Thank you for instilling this pride in your people, whom we one day look forward to seeing again — hopefully very soon!

Gretna Canterbury

Marietta, Georgia