Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort and Spa

Newstead Belmont Hills is a harbourside resort on Harbour Road in Paget Parish, set on a hillside above Hamilton Harbour on the quieter, residential side of the capital. It suits travellers who want a full resort with a pool, a spa and sports facilities but do not need the beach at the front door. Every room category is described as having an ocean view, and the accommodation ranges from deluxe rooms with two double beds, through deluxe studios with a king bed, to one-bedroom and larger suites with sofa beds that sleep four or more. Rooms typically include air conditioning, a balcony, a refrigerator, an electric kettle, an in-room safe, a flat-screen television, bathrobes and free Wi-Fi, and several have jetted tubs. The resort side is where it stands out. There is an infinity pool and hot tub with loungers and umbrellas, a poolside bar and a terrace, and a seasonal outdoor pool as well. Two outdoor tennis courts are on site, and staff can arrange golf lessons and golf outings on the resort course and nearby fairways, which makes it a natural base for anyone who plays. The spa offers facials, massage and manicure and pedicure treatments, and there is a hair salon and a garden to wander through. Two restaurants, Blu and Aurora, serve breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, so you can eat on site without leaving the hill, though a full breakfast is available at a surcharge on some rates, so check what your rate includes when you book. Getting around is easier than the hillside setting suggests. A water ferry connects the resort with Hamilton, and guests often mention that it is free and a pleasant way to reach Front Street, with its shops, bars and restaurants. Front Street is about a four-minute drive by road, Elbow Beach is roughly three minutes by car, and a beach shuttle is mentioned by past guests, so confirm the current timetable and any charge when you book. Paget Marsh and Nature Reserve is a walk of around fifteen minutes. The airport is roughly half an hour away by taxi. Bermuda does not allow ordinary rental cars, so plan on taxis, buses, ferries or a rented scooter, and note that the resort has complimentary self-parking for those who do arrive on two wheels or with a vehicle. The atmosphere is relaxed and a little old-fashioned in the best sense: a resort for couples, anniversary trips, golf holidays and families who want space. The larger suites, with up to two bedrooms, give groups and multi-generational families room to spread out, and free infant beds and extra beds are available. Wedding services and a concierge are on hand, and beach towels are provided for trips to the south shore. Babysitting is available for a surcharge. Compared with the beachfront hotels along the south shore, you trade sand underfoot for harbour views, a larger pool area and a calmer evening. That is a good trade for many visitors, especially those who plan to spend days out on the island and want a comfortable, well-equipped place to return to. Rates change a great deal by season, with summer the busiest and most expensive, so look at the full price including taxes and fees before you decide.