We had a chance to experience the reopening of the Fairmont Hamilton Princess over the July 4th weekend. First opening it’s doors in 1885 the Pink Palace has long been considered the gem of Bermuda. In recent years various parts of the hotel have been closed for major renovations. The reopening events allowed travel industry professionals and media to experience the hotel firsthand and the renovations certainly did not disappoint. Both the Hamilton Princess and Bermuda have succeeded in providing a brand new option for an exciting incentive destination. Over the course of the three-year renovation process, the 400-room property has added 43 new suites, three new restaurants, an Exhale flagship spa, gym and boutique fitness studio, a private beach club, and a 60-berth marina.
For incentives and meetings, the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club offers more than 22,000 square feet of newly restored indoor and outdoor event space. The outdoor event space provides dramatic event backdrops of the marina surrounded by mega-yachts. There is additional outdoor event space in a spectacular grass covered area on the top of ocean cliffs at the Hamilton Princess Beach Club. Private events can be hosted on the ocean cliffs with guests looking out to the Atlantic Ocean vistas and the many reefs and volcanic cliffs that encompass the island.
A Transforming Culinary Experience
Creative and distinct food experiences have become such a big part of successful incentive travel experiences and these culinary options are sure to invigorate your guests palate. Three new culinary venues include Bermuda’s first and only celebrity-helmed restaurant, Marcus’. The restaurant is led by internationally-acclaimed Chef Marcus Samuelsson. The focal point of the open-air restaurant is a colorful subway-tiled 30-seat bar lined with teal high-backed stools, surrounded by mid-century wood tables, leather banquettes and a private dining alcove decorated with Warhol portraits of Mick Jagger. A menu created by Samuelsson celebrates the island’s vibrant flavors, freshly-caught fish, and locally-sourced seasonal ingredients.
Modern Art and America’s Cup
To go along with the modern theme and renovation The Hamilton Princess & Beach Club also boasts a very nice collection of modern art from Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Josef Albers, Philippe Decrauzat and more. There are even curated hotel art tours that your guests can take as part of their overall experience with the hotel and destination.
With the recent announcement of the 2017 America’s Cup coming to Bermuda and the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club as the host hotel, this is an exciting time for both the hotel and Bermuda as an incentive destination.
