Images and Text Courtesy of St. Regis Bermuda Resort
Two decades after inheriting the original NYC-based St. Regis hotel from his father, John Jacob Astor IV, Vincent Astor built a lavish 22-acre retreat on St. George’s Island, complete with observation deck, railway, and waterfront mansion of Bermudian craftsmanship. Today on St. George’s Island—the easternmost parcel of Bermuda’s fishhook-shaped archipelago—guests of St. Regis Bermuda Resort embark on an elegant stay steeped in Astor family traditions handed down from the Gilded Age. Sporting the pseudonym “House of Astor,” the posh playground is an homage to the founding family’s fondness for Bermuda and the finer things in life.
Facing the azure waters of Gates Bay, the hotel and residences encompass a tableau of stunning scenes: the labyrinth of tunnels and watchtowers of Fort St. Catherine’s to the north, the seaside links of Five Forts Golf Course on the backside, and the blushing sands of St. Catherine’s Beach directly out front. While pink sand is a hallmark of Bermuda, resort guests are often surprised to discover that tiny, single-celled invertebrates called red foraminifera are to blame. After being digested by parrotfish or meeting another demise, the red magnesium and calcium carbonate shells of the “forams” mingle with white quartz sand, bestowing a postcard-perfect rosy tint.
Curated by bespoke designers OBMI, the 30 well-appointed beachfront residences of St. Regis Bermuda Resort intertwine the vitality of Bermudian culture with the Astor legacy of glamour and sophistication. Set slightly apart from the main hotel in two buildings, the homes feature exquisite interiors draped in natural textures, earthen palettes with splashes of tropical color, local artwork, and panoramic views of the North Atlantic Ocean. In each of two penthouses, a rooftop pool, expansive terrace, and private entrance add an aura of exclusivity. Guests of the residences can also revel in a host of resort amenities, including the infinity pool and family pool, fitness center, wellness spa, in-residence dining, and private chef service.
Also part of the “House of Astor” experience are several cherished St. Regis rituals, including Afternoon Tea Service, with exquisitely prepared delicacies and tea-inspired cocktails, and Daily Sabrage at Sunset, a collective sipping of champagne uncorked saber-style. During the Bloody Mary Ritual and Masterclass, guests are invited to imbibe and appreciate the brand’s longtime signature cocktail, along with The Gates Bay Mary, a local adaptation made with fresh fennel, Bermuda black rum, and island spices. Many of the resort events—such as free tours of Fort St. Catherine’s and Codfish Breakfast on Sunday mornings—weave in intimate retellings of Bermuda’s storied past.
Less than three hours by airplane from New York City, the 181 islands and islets of Bermuda reflect a curious mash-up of British and American influences—the consequence of British colonization and close proximity to the United States. Though a brief stopover by Spanish explorer Juan de Bermúdez in 1505 inspired the naming of Bermuda, a fateful shipwreck a century later ultimately led to British settlement of the archipelago. En route from England to the Jamestown Colony in 1609, the Sea Venture encountered a massive storm and collided with the reef a half mile off the coast of St. Catherine’s Beach. Though most continued on, a handful of colonists stayed behind on the uninhabited island and settled St. George’s Town as a territory of England. Today, visitors can explore submerged remnants of the Sea Venture not far from St. Regis Bermuda, and tour the well-preserved landmarks of St. George’s and surrounding British military forts.
Perhaps the most legendary embodiment of the Astor family’s indelible mark on luxury hospitality is the customer-tailored butler service, a game-changing innovation that lives on inside St. Regis Bermuda Resort.
“We want everyone to see and do everything on their list, and feel like they didn’t have to lift a finger while they were here,” says Head Butler Eugene Ball. As a native Bermudian with 15 years in the service industry, Ball contends one of the reasons St. Regis Bermuda Resort stands apart is his team’s tireless drive to create unforgettable experiences. From enlisting certified tourism ambassadors to plan a daytrip of St. George’s charming streetscapes and colonial architecture, to arranging transportation, to recommending the best expressions of Bermudian cuisine, St. Regis Butlers are on-hand 24-hours-a-day, with dedicated staff attending to each residence.
Whether it entails pre-arrival pantry stocking, delivering fresh-pressed coffee at just the right moment, or conspiring to carry out a creative surprise, the butler ethos of abiding care and attention is rooted in a strong desire to fulfill every visitor’s wishes.
Ball recalls a time when a 4-year-old guest misplaced a cherished toy during his stay: “This small fire truck went with him everywhere, so he was devasted when it disappeared. On the way to work the next morning, I picked up a small ATV-style vehicle from a local shop. It made his day, and hopefully reminds him and his family that they are now part of our St. Regis Bermuda family.”
For visitors seeking optimal sun, Ball recommends booking St. Regis Bermuda Resort between April and October. During golf season, from November to April, residences enrolled in the rental program traditionally offer a drop in rates.
