Paget Parish, Bermuda - Elbow Beach Hotel

Mickey's Bistro and Bar is smack on the sand and open for lunch and dinner at Elbow Beach

Pink sands and turquoise blue waters

It's that time again, the summer months, when the island of Bermuda just seems to sparkle. Pink sands, azure seas, British flair, native hospitality, and a mere two hour direct flight from Boston and New York City makes this the perfect weekend getaway. Check yourself into one of the cottages (all named after flowers) at Elbow Beach and then laze the days away on their half mile stretch of private beach while sipping a Rum Swizzle or Dark & Stormy cocktail. Does it get any better than this?

 Having been a British colony means that proper English tea begins each afternoon at 3pm. Book yourself a table at the lounge just off the main lobby and enjoy finger sandwiches, scones, clotted cream and a variety of teas, all enjoyed over an Atlantic sea view. Elbow Beach's three different restaurants and lavish breakfast buffet ensure that you never have to leave the property. This makes staying put and vegetating at this resort that much easier.

Strolling the beach

Forget the main hotel, some rooms there are still dated, lack character, and do not feel as private as the little cottages that dot the property. All of these cottages have been recently updated and feature stunning bathrooms, sitting areas and their own private patios. I just loved the free standing bathtub that seems to float in the middle of the room.

One of the many private cottages on the property, love the tubs in the middle of the room!

 Not only does Elbow Beach sit on a beautiful oasis of 50 acres covered in lush vegetation and gardens, but it is just seven miles from downtown Hamilton. A short cab ride can bring you to Bermuda's capital for shopping, dining and sightseeing.

It truly is amazing how tropical and remote this island feels for how easy it is to get to if you live on the East Coast. Just the men dressed in traditional Bermuda shorts and knee socks alone are enough to make me smile!

A beautiful flower arrangement in the main lobby of Elbow Beach

* June is Portuguese man of war season, so be very careful on the beaches. They sting and are fairly poisonous making them a real nuisance for vacationers.