A Guide to Grotto Bay Beach Resort Bermuda

 

 

Category: $$$   Location: Hamilton Parish 

 

Updated: August 2026 

I have explored dozens of hotels across this island, and Grotto Bay Beach Resort always holds a unique spot on my list. Located in Hamilton Parish, it is the only resort in Bermuda that offers a true, comprehensive all-inclusive package. 

 

I recently walked the property to review the massive upgrades completed between 2023 and 2026. If you are trying to decide if this 21-acre resort is right for your vacation, you need facts, not brochure speak. This guide will walk you through exactly what to expect on the ground this year. 

 

Before diving into the full review, you might want to quickly verify if they have rooms available for your travel dates: 

 

Check your dates for live rates and availability. 

 

At a Glance

 

 

Why Grotto Bay Stands Out (The Experience)

 

The resort recently finished a multi-phase renovation that completely transformed the property. The guest rooms have been modernized, shaking off the dated tropical prints of the past. The outdoor beach terrace was expanded by nearly 40 percent, giving guests much more space to lounge by the water. 

 

 

Photo: Grotto Bay Beach Resort 

 

What really sets Grotto Bay apart today is its streamlined logistics. You can land at the airport, clear customs, and be checking into your room in under ten minutes. They also have dedicated charging stations for EV micro-cars, making island exploration incredibly easy. 

 

Who This Resort is For (And Who Should Skip It)

 

Grotto Bay is perfect for families, couples on a budget, and travelers who want maximum convenience. If you love knowing exactly what your vacation will cost upfront, the all-inclusive option here is unbeatable. It is also ideal for short weekend trips since you waste zero time traveling from the airport. 

 

You should skip this resort if you are looking for ultra-luxury, white-glove service. It is a solid four-star experience, not a five-star luxury compound. This property might not be a fit if your dream is to wake up and step directly onto miles of open-ocean pink sand. 

 

Practical Details for Your Stay

 

Grotto Bay is located in Hamilton Parish (11 Blue Hole Hill). It is less than two miles from L.F. Wade International Airport. A taxi ride from the terminal to the lobby takes exactly five minutes and typically costs around $15 to $25. 

 

The resort is open year-round. However, if your primary goal is swimming in the ocean, book between late May and October. The water in the winter months typically drops to around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, which is too brisk for most visitors. 

 

Check out our Hamilton Parish Bermuda guide for more local insights. 

 

Grotto Bay Beach Resort (Road Map) 

 

What Surprised Me the Most

 

Even after multiple visits, swimming in Cathedral Cave remains a surreal experience. You walk down a set of steep, humid limestone steps right on the resort property. Suddenly, you are floating in the crystal clear water of a 500,000-year-old underground cave while water drips from the stalactites above. 

 

 

Photo: Grotto Bay Beach Resort 

 

I was also surprised by how heavily I relied on the public bus. The pink Bermuda buses (Routes 1, 3, 10, and 11) stop right at the top of the resort's driveway. You can catch a ride into the City of Hamilton in about 25 minutes without the stress of navigating left-hand traffic.  

 

The All-Inclusive Package vs. Room Only

 

Deciding whether to book the all-inclusive supplement is the biggest choice you will make. The all-inclusive package covers your breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus unlimited bar drinks and house wine. It also includes afternoon tea, non-motorized water sports, and unlimited public transportation passes. 

 

If you plan to eat off-property most days, book the room-only rate. Bermuda has an incredible culinary scene, and being tied to the resort for every meal can feel restrictive. However, if you plan to drink a few cocktails by the pool daily, the all-inclusive package pays for itself very quickly. 

 

Pro-Tip: If you do not have the all-inclusive transit pass, you can pay using the Shorelink digital fare app, or with exact change in coins or tokens. 

 

Property Layout and Room Types

 

The resort is spread across 21 acres of sloping, lush terrain. Instead of one massive hotel block, rooms are divided into 11 traditional Bermudian cottages with white stepped roofs. This layout provides great privacy but requires walking up and down paved hills to reach the lobby and restaurants. 

 

When booking, you will choose between Superior and Deluxe rooms. Superior rooms are on the ground floor and feature a walk-out patio. Deluxe rooms are on the second or third floors and offer a balcony with elevated water views. 

 

If you have mobility issues, request a room close to the Great House to avoid the steep inclines. The Great House is the main central hub of the property, housing the primary dining rooms, main bar, and social lounges. 

 

 

Photo: Grotto Bay Beach Resort 

 

Room rates fluctuate quite a bit depending on the season and how far out you book. You can see what the pricing looks like for your specific trip here: 

 

Check your dates for live rates and availability. 

 

Dining at Grotto Bay

 

The food quality here has improved significantly with the recent renovations. The main dining room, the Hibiscus Room, serves traditional breakfasts and formal dinners. For a casual lunch, the Bayside Bar and Grill serves excellent fish sandwiches right by the water. 

 

My favorite spot is the newly redesigned Palm Court. It has a relaxed, modern vibe and serves excellent local dishes. I highly recommend ordering a bowl of traditional Bermuda fish chowder, and do not forget to add a splash of black rum and Outerbridge's Original Sherry Peppers. 

 

On-Site Attractions and Amenities

 

Grotto Bay is practically a destination in itself. You could easily spend three days without leaving the property. 

 

Natura Spa and The Caves

 

The resort sits on top of an active cave system. Cathedral Cave is open for guests to swim in at no extra charge. Prospero's Cave has been converted into the stunning Natura Spa, where you receive massages in a subterranean cabana surrounded by floating candles. 

 

 

Photo: Grotto Bay Beach Resort 

 

Pro-Tip: The steps down into both caves are naturally wet and very slippery. Wear shoes with good traction. 

 

You can learn more about the history of the caverns on our Prospero's and Cathedral Caves page. 

 

The Beaches and Blue Hole Water Sports

 

The resort features two private, sheltered coves and three private beaches. The sand is soft, and the water is incredibly calm, making it perfect for young children. This is a bay, so you will not find the crashing waves or deep pink sand of the South Shore here. 

 

Down by the main beach, you will find a rental hut. They provide kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear. 

 

 

Photo: Grotto Bay Beach Resort 

 

Dive Bermuda

 

If you are a certified scuba diver, you are in luck. Dive Bermuda operates a PADI dive center directly on the resort beach. They run daily boat trips to some of the best shipwrecks and coral reefs on the eastern end of the island. 

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

 

The biggest mistake guests make is waiting until they arrive to book a massage at the Natura Cave Spa. Because it is highly unique, it books out weeks in advance. Reserve your spot the moment your flights are confirmed. 

 

Another common mistake is expecting to walk to a South Shore beach. You are located in Hamilton Parish, on the eastern side of the island. To see the famous pink sand beaches like Horseshoe Bay, you will need to take a 40-minute taxi or Twizy ride. 

 

Finally, do not rent a scooter if you are nervous about riding. The roads are narrow and winding. Rent a four-wheeled Twizy or use the bus stop at the end of the driveway instead. 

 

What's Nearby (Walking Distance)

 

One of the best things about Grotto Bay is that you actually have great attractions within walking distance. Just across the street and up a short hill is the famous Swizzle Inn, Bermuda's oldest pub and the birthplace of the Rum Swizzle. 

 

A five-minute walk down the road takes you to the spectacular Crystal and Fantasy Caves. Right next to that is Blue Hole Park, locally known as Tom Moore's Jungle. It is a free nature reserve filled with mangrove trails, hidden grottos, and deep blue swimming holes. 

 

Whether you're looking for a quick getaway or an extended stay, you can find the best current prices in the platform below: 

 

Check your dates for live rates and availability. 

 

Alternatives to Grotto Bay

 

If you are reading this and realizing Grotto Bay might not be your perfect match, you have excellent alternatives. 

 

If you want to stay in the same general area but require five-star luxury and a world-class golf course, look into Rosewood Bermuda in Tucker's Point. 

 

If your absolute priority is waking up to the sound of crashing waves on a pink sand beach, look at The Reefs Resort and Club on the South Shore. It offers a more traditional oceanfront experience, though it lacks the all-inclusive convenience of Grotto Bay. 

 

Related Articles

 

 

1) Check out Top Bermuda Luxury Hotels for all the great star accommodations in Bermuda. 

 

2) Check out Bermuda All Inclusive Resorts 

 

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