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If Bermuda isn't yet on your radar as one of the most family-friendly holiday destinations in the world, it should be. As well as its obvious attributes – the gorgeous beaches and host of child-friendly activities – I've found that one of the other standouts is the quality Bermuda accommodation for families. Here's my pick of some of the very best in family-friendly Bermuda accommodation that will put a smile on everyone's faces. The Reefs – Southampton Parish Situated on the picturesque South Shore, The Reefs is a family-owned beachfront resort that certainly knows a thing or two about catering to other families. Perched on the limestone cliffs, on the edge of a pristine pink sand beach, The Reefs manages to be casual, elegant, welcoming and luxurious all at the same time. One of the best-known resorts in Bermuda, accommodation at The Reefs offers a choice of suites (with connecting rooms if required) and spectacular larger cottages – so you'll have plenty of room to move. You'll be able to introduce the children to a host of starter water sports right on the doorstep, like snorkelling, paddle boarding and kayaking (with all equipment available onsite), and the hotel can also organise glass bottom boat tours and other activities around the island. There's an onsite babysitting service, a choice of four restaurants (with special children's menus), free Wi-Fi (world's best babysitter!), and a kid's programme that includes supervised water sport activities and entertainment. Anyone who says family-friendly can't also be luxurious has never been to The Reefs, that's for certain. Grotto Bay – Hamilton Parish With the added bonus of an 'all-inclusive' aspect to your Bermuda accommodation if you want (and if you haven't ever gone all-inclusive, I can recommend this as the perfect place to try it, as it has a fantastic array of activities and dining options), Grotto Bay offers a true beachfront wonderland for youngsters within its 21-acre surroundings. Most of the water sports and activities onsite are part of the all-inclusive options, so the children can get a taster of everything from tennis to sailing, boating and snorkelling on the safe, private beach. The resort also runs its own supervised children's activity programme from Monday to Friday during the summer. But the real magic of Grotto Bay (and not just for the children) lies in the fabulous caves from which the resort gets its name. The novelty of underground cave swimming in the magnificent Cathedral Cave, and the incredible stalagmites and stalactites dripping from the ceiling of the Nature Spa never gets old. Elbow Beach – Paget Parish You'll have the kids on your side right from the start with the humorously named Elbow Beach. Ideal for the family who likes a bit of elbow room (pun intended), this picturesque 50-acre resort offers cottage-style accommodation scattered amidst the tropical gardens. For children, you really couldn't ask for more. Along with all those acres of gardens, a huge pool, games room, and the fabulous beach, the resort also has its own supervised children's facility: The Camp, which is open every day. There is a charge to use the club, but everyone I've spoken to says it's well worth it with the range of activities and entertainment on offer (including water sports, excursions, talent contests and more) – all aimed at the young ones. There are four onsite restaurants, and you'll probably try them all, but the family favourite is always Mickey's, set right on the beach and with an excellent kids’ menu. The resort also offers a babysitting service for an additional fee if you need some adults-only time. Fairmont Southampton – Southampton It's big, it's beautiful and it's perfect for a family holiday – offering special deals on family plans and even free interconnecting rooms for kids. The Fairmont Southampton is set within a 100-acre estate and offers everything from six tennis courts, its own golf course, and a shopping arcade, to Wi-Fi and multiple swimming pools. While it's virtually a guarantee that you'll never hear the words, "I'm bored", here, if you do, help is at hand with the resort's own Explorers Kids' Camp. The club offers a daily schedule of safe, supervised children's activities, including water sports, entertainment, arts and crafts, treasure hunts and excursions. What's gratifying about these resorts is that being 'family-friendly' is not just an afterthought, as in some places. Not only do they welcome children, I've found that many of their dedicated facilities are specifically designed to cater to the young ones. And that's music to any parent's ears – because a happy child means a happy holiday. John Dixon is an experienced world traveller and the Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For over 30 years, he has been providing luxury Bermuda accommodation, as well as holidays to Croatia, Sicily and many other destinations around the globe. John tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of his properties, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.
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