Bermuda welcomed a record high of 690,000 visitors in 2017, a
4% increase over the island's previous best of 664,000 in 2007.
Visitors injected $431 million into the island's economy, a
20% increase over 2016.
Hotel occupancy topped 63%, a 9-point jump over the previous
year, according to the Bermuda Tourism Authority.
The island is experiencing a surge in hotel development,
including the $25 million renovation of the Rosewood Bermuda, formerly Rosewood's
Tucker's Point. The property closed in January to begin the upgrades, which
will include the guestrooms, beach club, golf clubhouse and spa as well as new
food and beverage outlets. The Rosewood will reopen in April.
The 50-room Willowbank Resort in Somerset on the western end
of the island reopens under new management next month, following a
property-wide renovation.
The first phase of the Hawkins Island private island enclave
has been completed and includes the Main Villa and Guard House, each of which
can accommodate eight guests. The complex comes with land and water transfers
and a private chef.
The new Azura Boutique Hotel and Residences, formerly the
Surf Side Beach Club, will host its first guests early next year. Although
construction is still ongoing, the first phase of the project will include 46
rooms and suites with additional rooms planned in phase two.
Construction of the Caroline Bay waterfront destination on
the west end of Bermuda is underway and will feature the Ritz-Carlton Reserve
with 77 rooms and two villas as well as 173 residences.
The site already is home to the Caroline Bay Marina.
The 122-room St. Regis Hotel in St. George plans a 2020 opening
and will include an 18-hole golf course and a casino.
Several new watering holes in Hamilton include the Atwood
Arms, a Victorian-era themed pub; the Dog House bar for sports fans; the
cocktail bar Yours Truly; and the BruMae Caffe for coffees and baked goods.
New adventure tours include a bus tour of the island's East
End, Sip & Savor Food Tours, Wild Herbs N Plants of Bermuda with a cooking
demo and the East End Bicycle Tour.
Bermuda has a number of sailing events through early summer
and a triathlon race on April 28.