My wife is a homemaker who was coached by friends who had recently visited The Reefs in late 2007, with rave reviews right down to the rooms recommended. Granted, we visited at the end of April, to May 1st and we were told that construction would interupt two of the formal dining areas due to construction of new units for fractional ownership. In spite of this caution, we redeemed our Aeroplan miles for the flights online and called The Reefs directly to enquire. My wife made all the arrangements with the front desk staff, and asked all the right questions about noise, interuption, and dining capacity due to the construction on site.

Let me tell you the booking process was seamless. We booked their finest suite overlooking the ocean. Having newly renovated every room and bath, freshly furnished, we can tell you this reno have given the Reefs a new lease on life. How can I describe this? Every square inch of exterior is bearing fresh high-quality paint, Right down to the walk ways. Classic soft Bermuda coral on the exterior walls, like the sand, with pristine white walkways, trim and roof tiles. Once inside, and we looked at other rooms to get an idea of junior suites, and poolside rooms, and all featured limestone floor tiles, soft pastel walls, traditional Bermuda vernacular of arches and sconces, then furnished with soft pasel greens, natural blond woods, and thoughtful lighting. Ceiling fans, and brand new digital A/C units. Balconies feature loungers, table and chairs and in our units, a private hot tub in a discrete corner location out of view of all but the longtail birds.

Our impression was: This is Paradise!

But it does not stop there. Bathrooms have been completely renovated with limstone tiles, huge walk in showers with massive shower head, and a hydrotherapy spa tub for two. Again we were taken with the lighting fixtures all on seperate switches so that moods can be set for day or night.

The property is self-containied with pool, hot tub, spa, dining areas and gathering rooms all tastefully refreshed.

The food is five diamond and the serving staff are awesome. While we visited, Coconuts was the only dining area available. This is no sacrifice as the fare that came out of this kitchen is a credit against any high end restaurant. As the staff get to know you, they remember your preferences and offer new suggestions for culinary adverture. For those brave parents who brought toddlers, the staff behaved like nannies, and grandfathers, engaging the youngster's every need.

To give you an idea of the lifetime loyalty of Reef visitors, we talked to a couple who visit twice a year and they had passed their 50th visit last fall. Imagine the connection they have made to this oasis.

The beach is spectacular. It is groomed every day by a "Sandboni", which is a cleaver northern parallel to our ice rink Zanbonis! Bravo beach staff creativity. Every day, lounges and umbrellas are arranged in perfectly straight rows, to set a colourful array of Bermuda colour on an otherwise perfectly pink beach.

Glass bottom and single kayaks offer a glimse of the reefs close up, and snorkel equipment is available. The ocean at this time of year is 72 degrees, so the saying goes, Bermudians do not swim until May 24th. As a northener, the temperature did not deter us from dashing into the crystal waters. Air temp rose to a comfortable 72 degres during the day.

All in, this was the finest four-night vacation we have ever taken. Bathered in luxury, warmth and new friendships, we struggled to return to Canada on the last day.

And, if you are wondering about the construction, we hardly noticed the workers or the site noises over the music of the ocean surf. The workers were highly respectful of their location, and not one cat call or whistle was ever heard as they worked on erecting the new high tech kitchen and dining area to be opened this August, 08. We met the Executive Shef, Laurent Ajas and shared his passion for a world class kitchen that will come online not a moment to soon to tantilize futures guests.

Would we go again? We learned a little secret while checking out. If you book your next visit, you can hold your suite of choice with a future deposit to be requested closer to you next visit. yes, we booked a longer stay, five nights in 2009. Can't wait.

Thanks Reefs for give us a new lease on life!

Sincerely,

Peter and Karen Watson
London, Canada