An Honest Grotto Bay Beach Resort Review: What To Expect Vacationing in Bermuda’s All-Inclusive Resort
Are you considering booking a luxurious stay at Grotto Bay Beach Resort & Spa and want to hear someone’s opinion? Well, you’re in the right place. Enjoy this detailed Grotto Bay Beach Resort review.
For the past few months, I’ve been staring at picturesque advertisements for Grotto Bay Beach Resort & Spa on my daily commute to work. These dreamy ads of Bermuda’s pink sand beaches, turquoise waters, and shady palm trees made me long for a relaxing escape to the Atlantic.
I must have talked about visiting Bermuda for so long that when I asked my mom if she wanted to join me, she said, “Yes!” before I could finish the sentence. Every year, my mom books last-minute Caribbean cruise deals. Bermuda is one of her favorite travel destinations; now it’s mine, too!
Although my mom has cruised to Bermuda several times, this vacation was different because we flew in and spent three days exploring the gorgeous Grotto Bay Beach Resort. If you’re looking for recommendations on where to stay in Bermuda, I highly recommend Grotto Bay.
Although there are plenty of Bermuda hotels to choose from, Grotto Bay Beach Resort & Spa is the only Bermuda all-inclusive resort (optional) on the island. This luxuriant 21-acre resort sits on a hilly estate on the edge of Bailey’s Bay in Hamilton, Bermuda.
Grotto Bay Bermuda, has 11 brightly colored Bermuda-style cottages and 201 rooms. The coral, pink, and yellow hues contrast beautifully with the deep blue ocean, the manicured green gardens, and the lush woodlands. This Bermuda resort promises a delightful escape with breathtaking views, friendly staff, and a variety of on-site activities for all ages.
Why Stay at Grotto Bay Beach Resort?
In addition to the well-manicured grounds, Grotto Bay Beach Resort offers many on-site amenities.
Three restaurants serve Bermudian and European cuisine, three private beaches, a gym, an outdoor jacuzzi, and a mid-size heated pool with a swim-up bar. A water sports shop, tennis court, and golf course are nearby. If you don’t feel like leaving the resort, good news, you don’t have to.
Grotto Bay is also near major attractions, only minutes away on foot, including Swizzle Inn, Blue Hole Park, the Crystal Caves, and the historic town of St. George’s.
Explore Bermuda by Cave | Experience the beauty of these jaw-dropping underground caves, which feature crystal-clear underground lakes and stunning stalactite formations. → Book your Crystal Caves Tour through Viator to enjoy a guided experience.
As for nature, there are grottos on the property. One of the caves is Natura Spa, which offers private massages on a raised pagoda overlooking a small cove; talk about romantic!
Is Grotto Bay Beach Resort adult-only?
No, everyone is welcome, including kids. Like other Bermuda hotels and resorts, you’ll see couples, families, friend groups, and solo travelers.
Our Grotto Bay Beach Resort & Spa Review
How far is Grotto Bay Beach Resort from the airport?
After catching a cab at L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA), we arrived at Grotto Bay Beach Resort in less than 10 minutes.
Our cab driver dropped us off at the Great House, where a cheerful bellman took our luggage and reminded us to relax and have a great time on the island.
At check-in, we received a welcome package that included two room keys and a property map. We were also encouraged to call the reception desk at any time or go to the concierge desk to sign up for various resort activities.
Excited to explore the property, we first toured the Great House. With dark wood floors, decorative candles, cozy fireplaces, tropical paintings, and plants, the Great House’s ambiance was elegant.
At the Great House, you could mingle with other guests at the Rum House Bar or dine at Hibiscus Restaurant or the Palm Court Restaurant. The terrace and surrounding patios had expansive views of the resort and the Atlantic Ocean.
Dining Options
The Palm Court Restaurant serves complimentary afternoon tea and casual dinners. Most nights, Mom and I enjoyed live music with our meal, which always ended with the dining room clapping and dancing.
Hibiscus Restaurant offers a daily breakfast buffet from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. for $26 USD per person (non-inclusive guests). Enjoy coffee, an omelet-and-waffle station, crepes, fruit, oatmeal, yogurt, bagels, croissants, pancakes, and French toast.
Hibiscus Dining offers formal evening dining with a dressy-casual code—no jeans, sneakers, or flip-flops. Booster seats and high chairs are available for little ones.
For more on how much I spent dining at Grotto Bay Beach Resort, check out my Bermuda vacation cost breakdown.
Should you go with the all-inclusive plan?
The all-inclusive supplement covers all meals, unlimited beverages (including select alcoholic drinks), non-motorized water sports, and a public transportation pass.
The supplement also includes non-motorized water sports and a public transportation pass. If you plan on participating in these activities, the all-inclusive plan may be a good value.
There are also less expensive dining meal plans: breakfast ($31) or breakfast and dinner ($90). What you might not realize is that gratuity is included in this rate.
Learn more about the variety of Grotto Bay dining plans here.
Deciding whether to go with dining plans depends on your preferences, budget, and travel style.
The all-inclusive plan might not be a good fit if you want to sample Bermuda’s culinary scene by eating out at different restaurants. However, it can be a good option if you prefer the convenience of having meals and drinks already taken care of (and paid for).
In recent years, Grotto Bay has added more dining options at a lower cost, which is quite attractive. Even though I don’t usually promote all-inclusive dining, it can get pretty expensive eating out in Bermuda, so weigh the pros and cons and compare your options to maximize savings.
Remember, the dining plan is optional. You can always stay at the resort without purchasing a meal plan.
Rooms at Grotto Bay Beach Resort Bermuda
Our ocean-view superior room was on the 2nd floor, on the hillside. It was standard.
It had two double beds, a private en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, a balcony with seating, and a safe for our valuables.
Every morning, housekeeping cleaned our room. The staff was courteous and accommodating.
While the resort grounds are beautiful, the rooms are mediocre. With average nightly rates of $337 to $557 USD, I was expecting more. In the future, I’d love to see updates to the room décor and furnishings.
There’s room for improvement here.
Things To Do at Grotto Bay Beach Resort
There were so many things to do at the resort, we barely scratched the surface.
1. Afternoon Tea
Mom and I enjoyed complimentary afternoon tea from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. every afternoon at the Palm Court Restaurant. Tea, coffee, pastries, cakes, and scones satisfied our sweet tooth.
During afternoon tea, we laughed, made plans for the evening, and caught up on everything we had done that day. This was a great mother-daughter bonding activity for us.
2. Cathedral Cave
Exploring the Cathedral Cave at Grotto Bay Beach Resort was an A-M-A-Z-I-N-G experience. Admission to the underground lake is free, and the dramatic limestone stalactites and stalagmites are breathtaking.
Doors open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Follow the stairs that lead to the natural underground pool.
Marvel at the natural beauty, or take a dip!
For safety reasons, I suggest strong swimmers try this. The water is ice-cold, so brace yourself.
Ready to Book Grotto Bay? | If Grotto Bay is calling your name, I’d recommend locking in your dates sooner rather than later. This resort fills up fast, especially in peak season. Check current rates and availability to find the best deal for your travel dates. → Check Rates at Grotto Bay on Expedia
4. Beach and Water Sports
Grotto Bay features a private beach with white sand and crystal-clear waters. Pack water shoes to protect your feet from coral and rocks. The water is shallow, so enjoy a casual swim or snorkel at the nearby underwater shipwreck.
Head over to the East End of the resort and stop in at Blue Hole Water Sports to enjoy a fun day out on the water. Rent a kayak, snorkel gear, or paddle boards.
I rented a single kayak for an hour-long adventure through Bailey’s Bay. The water was a beautiful shade of turquoise blue, and during my tour, I saw colorful Bermudian homes, cliffs, and rock formations.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t take a kayak trip to Whalebone Bay or Walsingham Nature Reserve since it was windy.
For a total beach day, consider visiting one of the best beaches in Bermuda. Tobacco Bay Beach is one of my favorites. There are 34 official beaches to choose from!
Looking for more things to do in Bermuda? I recommend biking the Bermuda Railway Trail.
If you want to explore more of Bermuda, there’s a bus stop right outside the resort. Remember, if you choose the all-inclusive route, you’ll get island-wide transportation, including buses and ferries.
3. Bike Bermuda Railway Trail
Biking the historic 18-mile Bermuda Railway Trail was one of my favorite outdoor activities and a scenic way to explore the island. The trail follows the path of a former railway that was decommissioned in the 1940s. It’s now a national park that spans the island. As you traverse diverse terrain, enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and turquoise bays.
Rent e-bikes from Pedego Bermuda or join a Long Story Short Bicycle Tour with Kristin White.
You can read all about my Bermuda Railway Trail biking experience and essential bike safety tips.
Start Planning Your Bermuda Getaway | Mom and I left Grotto Bay already daydreaming about coming back, and I think you will too. Whether you’re planning a solo escape, a girls’ trip, or a family vacation, this resort has something for everyone. Browse available rooms and compare dates on Expedia to start making your Bermuda dreams a reality. → Find Your Room at Grotto Bay Beach Resort
Final Thoughts: Grotto Bay Beach Resort Review
Only two hours away from New York City by air travel and most East Coast cities, Bermuda is one of the most convenient international island destinations. Mom and I had a wonderful mother-daughter stay at Grotto Bay Beach Resort & Spa and returned home feeling rested.
I only left the property a few times since there were already so many things to do at the resort. Yet I still feel like there was so much I didn’t get to experience, including playing tennis, going on a sunset cruise, lounging in the jacuzzi, and pampering myself at the Natura Spa.
The possibilities for a memorable vacation in Bermuda are endless, and I can’t wait to head back soon.
Unwind at Grotto Bay Beach Resort in Bermuda. Explore enchanting caves, indulge in spa treatments, and relax on a private beach for an absolutely memorable vacation. You’ll never want to leave.
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Disclaimer: Thanks again, Grotto Bay Beach Resort, for hosting my complimentary stay and welcoming me to Bermuda. All opinions expressed are my own.
Danielle Desir Corbett is an award-winning and 6x grant-funded travel writer and podcast host who went from financial struggle to visiting 27+ countries all without waiting until retirement. Her story is proof that budget doesn’t limit adventure. Tune into The Thought Card Podcast for practical strategies to travel smarter and live on your terms. Say hello: thethoughtcard (at) gmail (dot) com.
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