SOUTHAMPTON, Bermuda – The kitchens and restaurants at The Reefs (www.thereefs.com) have undergone an “extreme makeover,” and the result is nothing short of spectacular. More than $3 million have been invested in the complete redevelopment of the kitchens alone at The Reefs. The two expanded and redesigned restaurants, Ocean Echo and Royston’s designed by Vision Design (Rosewood’s Mansion on Turtle Creek), have just reopened.
The new kitchens, designed by William Caruso and replete with more than $1 million in state-of-the-art appliances and operational flows honed by Baring Industries, will ensure top level service, according to the hotel. The entire culinary undertaking is being directed by The Reefs Escoffier Chef Laurent Ajas. Chef Laurent, solidly grounded in the basics of fine French cuisine draws on his experiences from around the world – Toulouse, Cannes, Ireland, Grand Cayman, Luxembourg, Thailand and Bermuda – to provide guests innovative international dining. “The hotel always has been famous for its dining, and now Chef Laurent will have a platform to take gourmet dining to the highest level,” says Managing Director Ben Tutt.
Ocean Echo, located in the newly-renovated south side of the main clubhouse, feels like an ocean lookout with a large curved window-wall providing nearly 180-degree views of the horizon from its perch high on the cliffs. Designed to be Bermuda’s most serene fine dining experience, Ocean Echo features colors and materials chosen to enhance the native Bermudian architectural elements of coral stone and high peaked ceiling with cedar trusses. Silvery blue-green tones for the furnishings are accented by a select collection of Bermudian works of art and nautical antiques.
Bermudian classic starters like Cod fish cakes served on a chayote squash slaw and Bermuda fish chowder are offered alongside salmon “gravlax” or asparagus with wasabi hollandaise. The main course will feature a daily fresh Bermudian delicacy as well as enchanting pasta and risotto dishes, pan fried rock fish, grilled beef tenderloin and seared maple duck breast. The menu has mouth watering descriptions. Inside Ocean Echo jackets are recommended but not required; patio dining is slightly less formal.
Royston’s, on the north side of the clubhouse, has the feel of a supper club, a huge fireplace, beamed ceiling and views of the display kitchen where chefs plate their creations. Attention to detail is apparent in the lighting – showcasing custom fixtures and a wall of candle niches with glowing alabaster shades to create a warm and convivial atmosphere.
The ambiance is casual affluence, staying true to the traditions of Bermudian hospitality that have been developed over the last 60 years. Food is ample in portion and elegant. The supper club feel is reflected in the menu with items like Gosling soaked pork chops and Steak Wellington.
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Royston’s accents The Reefs’ impressive wine list, by featuring an adjoining Wine Room, built around a custom-built, temperature-controlled, mahogany wine storage fixture holding over 1,200 bottles. The Wine Room, with Bermuda stone on the walls, can be separated from Royston’s by double doors to serve as your private dining room. After a dinner at Royston’s a nice Cognac would be the norm.
The popular Reefs beachside dining venue, Coconuts, is promoted by the hotel as “best place to fall in love in Bermuda.” Its private pink sand beach, available for reservations May through November, provides romantic dining beneath the stars, complete with tiki torches and the rhythm of the waves.
Development of the The Reefs Club next to the resort has allowed The Reefs to expand and enhance its amenities. Phase I, the redesigned bar, lounge and terrace provides elegant and relaxing places to unwind.
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La Serena Spa is the first spa in Bermuda to offer the relaxing Thai massage therapy. An expanded facility in 2009 will quadruple in size going from 2 to 8 treatment rooms. The new spa will sport two saunas and a full locker facility along with expanded manicure and pedicure stations. A large relaxation area with expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean is a new feature sure to please every guest.
The 19 private residences of The Reefs Club are planned for completion mid-2009. They are being offered for fractional ownership in two- and three-bedroom homes. For information on the residences, please visit www.reefsclub.com
For information and reservations at the hotel, call 800-742-2008 or visit www.TheReefs.com
