Rendezvous on Warm Bermuda

The British Crown colony of Bermuda is beckoning to the mature traveler to enjoy this small group of islands about 600 miles off the U.S. mid-Atlantic Coast.

Special incentives for senior travelers 55 or older are offered during the “Rendezvous Season,” Nov. 15 through March 15, 1989, when temperatures range in the 60s and 70s.

Bermudans boast that they have no billboards, illiteracy, unemployment or pollution. What you will enjoy, they claim, are beautiful beaches, temperate weather, charming hotels, an abundance of water sports and the world’s best shopping.

No Rental Cars

Because the islands are only 20 miles long and less than half a mile wide, with narrow roads, there are no car rentals. Transport is by taxi, bus, bicycle and moped, all held in check by a 21-m.p.h. speed limit. Driving is on the left side.

Bermuda is convenient from most major East Coast cities, being just over 90 minutes’ flying time away.

The colony-nation has geared up to welcome senior visitors during the off-season, and in addition to special packages for hotels and meals there are reductions for shopping and sightseeing.

A group of seven small and picturesque beach-front hotels, known as the Bermuda Collection, has prepared some attractively priced packages for the season. Each of the Bermuda Collection hotels has its own beach, many of them private, along with extensive water sport facilities plus access to tennis courts and arrangements for golf.

A choice of three packages is available for the winter season, all of which include midweek round-trip air transportation from New York or Boston, deluxe room or cottage for three nights, full American breakfast and dinner each day, tennis, a Monday evening swizzle (rum drinks) or wine-tasting party. Then there are traditional English afternoon tea and airport transfers. These components make up the “Holiday to Value” package priced at $432 per person.

A “Holiday to Golf” package includes all of the above plus two rounds of golf on two of the finest golf courses, and is priced at $476 per person. A third package, “Holiday to Shopping,” features all of the aforementioned (except golf) and includes a $50 gift certificate from a leading department store plus a gift basket, champagne on arrival and afternoon tea in a botanical garden. This package is priced at $499 per person.

All package prices are based on double occupancy, and extra nights at $70 per person include full breakfast and dinner, plus tea, each day. Tax and tip are extra. Package prices are valid from Nov. 16 until March 31 except for the Christmas holiday period, Dec. 23 to Jan. 4. Brochures and information on Bermuda Collection packages: (800) 872-0872.

Other Packages

Off-season packages are being offered by 30 other resort hotels in Bermuda, beginning at $299 per person for three nights/four days. There are also moderately priced five-day packages. Quoted prices include round-trip air fare from the United States. In instances where all meals may not be included, a “Dine Around” plan offers a choice of 22 restaurants with dinners starting at $17.50.

To lure the mature traveler to enjoy the sights and sounds of Bermuda, the government has declared February as “Golden Rendezvous Month,” when even greater discounts are offered throughout the island.

Discounts or gift-with-purchase offers for seniors will be available at 17 top stores offering men’s and women’s clothing, jewelry, cameras and equipment, Irish linens, cutlery, ceramics and glassware, plus merchandise bearing many fine trade names from the United Kingdom such as Wedgwood.

To qualify for all packages and discounts, proof of age (55 or older) is required. Proof may be a membership card from the American Assn. of Retired Persons, any other recognized organization for seniors or a driver’s license. For two people sharing accommodations, only one must be 55 or older.

For full information on Bermuda’s Rendezvous Season, contact the Bermuda Department of Tourism, 310 Madison Ave., Suite 201, New York 10017. Information on resort hotel packages: (800) BERMUDA. General information: (800) 223-6106.