Bermuda, Elevated – How to Take Your Cruise Stop or Island Stay to the Next Level

Tucked quietly across the harbor from Hamilton, Newstead Belmont Hills is a hidden gem—and one of the most practical ways to upgrade a cruise stop or island stay without adding travel stress. The property is 30 minutes by taxi from both the Royal Naval Dockyard and the airport, making it a seamless option for pre- or post-cruise nights, or even as a restful base if you’re flying in for a long weekend.

Our arrival experience was admittedly a bit unusual—no warm welcome or luggage help, and the front desk agent was… let’s say, less than enthusiastic. However, things improved quickly once we settled in. The glass-walled lobby is airy and elegant, with modern décor, a guest-use computer, a lounge area for early departures, and a small market for snacks and essentials. While our room wasn’t quite ready (and we didn’t expect it to be), we were offered full access to the property—a nice touch that made it easy to settle in poolside and enjoy lunch.

And that pool. Wow. The infinity pool overlooking Hamilton Harbor is one of the highlights of the resort. Spotlessly clean and beautifully tiled, it offers ample space for both kids and adults to swim, splash, and unwind. Behind the loungers and umbrellas is a bar serving drinks, sushi, and snacks, and during our visit, a local steel drum musician added just the right ambiance. There’s also a ping pong table and outdoor seating—a fun area for kids and teens that could use a little refresh, but still totally charming.

Rooms here are gorgeous. We stayed in a Deluxe Room with two queen beds—the only category that accommodates this layout, so book early if that’s your need. Our room featured rich dark wood floors, huge windows, and a private balcony with panoramic views of the water. A deep soaking tub, walk-in closet, desk, plenty of storage, and a clean, modern aesthetic made it feel elevated without being overdone. This room type is perfect for families, and there are also one- and two-bedroom suites with kitchens for longer stays or groups.

Wi-Fi was a bit of a challenge. If you need strong streaming capabilities—especially for work—be aware that signal strength varies. We experienced occasional issues in the room and at the pool, and when one guest had to take video calls, the rest of us had to disconnect our devices entirely. That said, for unplugging or casual browsing, it’s more than sufficient.

For golf lovers, the resort shines with its attached Belmont Hills Golf Course. Guests receive discounted green fees and complimentary shuttle service to and from the course, and the pro shop staff was a pleasure to work with. Even non-golfers will appreciate the manicured grounds and laid-back luxury vibe.

But perhaps the resort’s biggest perk? The free private ferry service across the harbor to Hamilton. Running hourly throughout the day, this makes exploring the island effortless—no taxis needed. We used it to attend Hamilton’s Harbor Nights, a lively weekly street fair with music, art, and food. It was an absolute highlight of our trip, and the return ferry under the stars with the city lights behind us was pure magic.

This property is a game-changer for cruise passengers—especially those arriving in Bermuda early or looking to avoid crowds. Consider booking a night at Newstead Belmont Hills to enjoy the pool, golf, spa, and ferry access—or even just a day pass if available.

Ferry schedule matters: Be sure to check the latest ferry schedule at check-in, especially if planning to attend evening events in Hamilton. The return trip ends early, and missing the last boat can mean an expensive taxi ride back.

Dining: The onsite restaurant is beautiful, and offers a wide-ranging menu including Asian fusion dishes, burgers, sushi, and full entrees—but it is pricey. Expect $25–30 per entree and $18–20 per cocktail. Worth it for the setting, but I recommend venturing into Hamilton for more variety.

Connectivity caveat: If your stay requires streaming, video calls, or large file transfers, the resort’s Wi-Fi may not be robust enough during peak usage hours. It worked fine for light browsing and social media.

Families welcome: Though the resort is quiet and upscale, it’s absolutely family-friendly. The pool layout works well for kids; staff engaged warmly with children, and the ferry makes it easy to explore without long walks or traffic. Suites with kitchens and extra space are ideal for multi-gen groups.

Get those cabanas early: The pool cabanas are popular and first-come, first-served. Arrive early if you want one—they offer shade, comfort, and prime views of the harbor.

Best of both worlds: Staying here offers a peaceful, scenic alternative to Hamilton hotels or Dockyard crowds—but with fast, free access to both. You don’t sacrifice convenience for serenity.

Let me help you elevate your Bermuda plans—whether you’re cruising in or planning a relaxing escape, Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort & Spa offers a boutique luxury experience with all the right touches. From harbor ferry rides and hot stone massages to oceanview cocktails and family-friendly pool days, this resort is a Bermuda secret worth sharing.

Ready to book or want help customizing your itinerary? I’ve got exclusive perks waiting. Let’s plan something special.

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