The stunning private beach at the Fairmont Southampton Hotel

By Lynn Cox

Mark Twain once said: “You can go to heaven if you want. I’d rather stay in Bermuda.”

The American author spent a lot of time on the paradise island, a lot longer than I did, but it's not hard to see why he fell in love with the place - It's an island where dreams are made.

It is impossible to not fall in love with its quaint little towns, its beautiful beaches and its many fabulous hotels, resorts and restaurants.

Bermuda is actually a cluster of islands about 700 miles off the south east coast of America. Many people wrongly think it’s part of the Caribbean, but access from Britain is a lot easier and nearer than you think - six to seven hours to get there on a British Airways flight.

And once you arrive, you’ll never want to leave.

This year the island celebrates its 400th anniversary after being accidentally discovered by shipwrecked British sailors.

It really has an English feel about it and at every turn there is something that will remind you of home. From its red post boxes to its English-themed pubs, there is something for everyone on this fairytale island.

As soon as you set foot there you can’t help but relax and become part of its laid-back, luxurious, easy way of life.

A must stay is The Fairmont Southampton Hotel. This luxury resort stands on a high point of the island in the Southampton Parish and is surrounded by beautiful gardens, an 18-hole golf course and everything a holidaymaker could need.

A private, white sandy beach with its clear blue waters is ideal for most water sports including skuba diving, snorkelling, fishing or even just relaxing. You get there via a little shuttle bus, which has a friendly driver providing round trips every 10 minutes.

The hotel has panoramic views and it doesn’t matter which room you are in, the views stretch 180 degrees around the hotel. Each room has a private balcony.

From the Fairmont Southampton you can also get a complimentary ferry to its sister hotel, the Fairmont Hamilton Princess, in the island’s small capital, Hamilton, just a step away from the town and overlooking the harbour.

This charming, historic hotel opened in 1880s and is where Mark Twain often stayed - a bronze statue of him remains in the foyer. It has everything the Southampton has and more as the town is only a five-minute stroll away.

A visit to the Royal Naval Dockyard is a must. Its historic buildings include the Maritime Museum and Commissioners House. In October the legendary Quincy Jones will be producing a music festival in the museum's Keep Yard.

Factfile

Prestige Holidays is offering a seven-night stay at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess in a Fairmont room on a room-only basis, with flights from Gatwick with British Airways and private VIP transfers from £1107 per person including a stay for seven nights, pay six offer and a 400th anniversary offer saving £404 per couple.

Prestige Holidays is offering seven-nights at the Fairmont Southampton in a Moderate room on a room only basis, with flights from Gatwick with British Airways, including private VIP transfers from £1113 per person including a stay for seven pay for six offer and a 400th Anniversary offer saving £404 per couple. For reservations call Prestige Holidays on 01425 480400 (www.prestigeholidays.co.uk)