Bermuda's dignified yet laid-back style has long been an attraction for travelers: executives are clad in plaid shorts, pastel stucco homes stand tall behind manicured hedges, and colorful island markets are surrounded by lush golf courses. With a tranquil atmosphere free of social unrest, tourists can absorb the dazzling beauty of the island at their own relaxed pace. An array of versatile accommodations provide a peaceful getaway and myriad activities await your exploration.

The Crown Colony's elegant British demeanor never changes. It has an enduring "civilized" appeal, sun-drenched pink sand beaches and many kid-friendly attractions. It's the perfect family destination. And best of all, it's roughly an hour and a half flight from most of the east coast.

Unlike the Caribbean, Bermuda's mid-Atlantic location, 600 miles east off the coast of North Carolina, means lower prices during its rainy winters and a temperate high season from Easter through the fall. Several resorts have extensive children's programs, and the following are among our member's favorites, listed alphabetically:

Resort Hotels

Ariel Sands Beach Club
34 Shore Road
800/468-6610 or 441/236-1010
$$$$
Kids under 16 stay at a discount in their parents' room at this secluded "cottage colony", a cluster of individual bungalows located on the south shore. The cozy Ariel Sands offers active children a private beach, fresh water pool and two natural ocean pools, and 14 coastline acres to run free and play. Meanwhile, parents benefit from access to two all-weather tennis courts, sun patio with a beverage/snack bar and full restaurant and dining facilities. The central main clubhouse has a large lounge and fireplace, dining room, cocktail lounge, bar, and terrace-- all with pleasant ocean views. Babysitting is available through the concierge for $20/HR.

Cambridge Beaches
30 Kings Point Road MA02
800/-468-7300 or 441/234-0331
$$$$
This family-oriented resort draws a large British clientele that returns annually with nannies and kids in tow. Guests can also hire local babysitters for around $20/HR. Although the resort does not have specific programs for children, the cottage-style accommodations, safety of their private beaches and other leisure facilities attract many families. The hotel staff can also offer countless ideas and tips on fun activities like a tour of the Aquarium or Maritime Museum. Families can also rent motor and sail boats, snorkeling equipment and more from their private marina. Children ages five and older are welcome.

Elbow Beach
60 South Shore Road HM455
441/236-3535
$$$$$
One family compared The Elbow Beach Hotel with other 5-star properties and thought it was far and away the most kid-friendly. They found the sandy pink beach easily accessible for their toddler to play at low-tide while they relaxed in the ocean breeze. Their daughter happily played for hours with shovel and pail while they sat a few yards away with peace of mind. The hotel is in close proximity to a variety of kid-friendly attractions including Gibbs Hill Lighthouse and horseback riding. Elbow Beach also has first-rate babysitters available and a charming playroom full of toys, books and games, for kids to enjoy while parents are off motorscooting or exploring the island. In the summer, a camp program for 5-12 year olds is available for $5/HR and includes beach-combing, pool games, hide and seek, golf putting, board games, DVD's, video games and more. The Elbow Beach Kids Club runs daily 9am-4pm from June 1st to September 3rd.

Grotto Bay Beach Resort
11 Blue Hole Hill CR04
800/582-3190, 441/293-8333
$$$
Grotto Bay Beach Resort provides both parents and children with a wealth of fun activities. This family-oriented resort boasts a beachfront pool, excellent water sport facilities and a wooden playground. Kids 5-13 can participate in the camp program ($5/day, school breaks only) and go cave exploring, kayaking, hiking, sightseeing, join sand castle competitions, pizza parties, fresh water pool swims or feed fish, all supervised by Grotto Bay Beach Resort staff. Parents can play tennis, participate in the vast array of sport activities, or take a boat cruise nearby. There is also a fitness center at Grotto Bay and nearby golf courses. During the summer season, kids 12 and under stay and eat free with two parents on the adult meal plan. Shoulder and winter seasons offer discounted meal plans for kids 12 and under.

Pink Beach Club and Cottages
116 South Shore Road HS01
441/293-1616; 800/355-6161
$$$$$
This resort is conveniently located near the airport, the capitol of Hamilton, the town of St. George and two of the island's finest golf courses. The most strenuous requirement of guests is relaxing on one of two pink sand beaches or at the pool. Other leisure activities include two tennis courts, a fitness center, in-cottage massages and excellent snorkeling. Although there is no traditional children's program, the hotel warmly invites families with children of all ages and frequently offers discounted specials. The suites can be suited to a family's needs as parents can enjoy privacy in the bedroom while their children sleep in the living area or an adjacent bedroom. Cribs and evening babysitting services are available.

Fairmont Southampton
101 South Shore Road SN02
800/257-7544, 441/238-8000
$$$$
Deluxe accommodations, discreet but attentive service, and the best amenities characterize this upper crust resort. Two children under 16 stay free in their parent's room and the ocean or bay view guestrooms are so large that cribs can be set up in the walk-in closet. On the family getaway package, kids under 18 eat free from the children's menu or 50% off the à la carte menu. For the rest of 2008, families also get a second connecting room at half the price so kids can have their own space. Year round, the $15/D Explorer's Camp opens its gates to ages 5 to 13 (9am-5pm daily). The evening 7 and Up Club welcomes kids for movies and playing from 6:30-10:30pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Your kids can enjoy the video arcade, Play Station II, air hockey, ping-pong, arts and crafts and more. Looking to get away for a little adult time? Sitters are also available at a 3 hour minimum for $15/HR with $2/HR per additional child; meal fee if over 6 hours.