Craig Clark
A Christian Vacation!
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I'm not sure where to post this, so I hope it's appropriate here. Please feel
free to cross-post this in any other echo (or local conference) as you see
fit.
In Bermuda there is a Christian hotel/cottage colony. My wife and I spent
our honeymoon there (we could not afford a vacation off the Island!), and we
returned for our second anniversary. We felt blest and renewed each time.
It is different from most resort hotels in that it has no bar or nightclub,
and does not allow smoking or alcohol on the property. Guests are housed
mainly in attached cottages, most with ocean views. The hotel also has a dock
and a lovely beach. Bathing suits should be modest, of course.
The hotel is owned by a non-denominational Christian trust, and is staffed
and managed completely by Christians. The room rates include breakfast and
dinner (fixed menu). All guests eat in one large dining room at the same
time, and someone is always chosen ahead of time to lead in a prayer of
thanksgiving for the food.
Mid-mornings there is normally a structured bible study or mini-sermon from
the 'resident prophet', normally a pastor or preacher that is staying for a
week or two. There are rooms available for private or group bible studies
and other activities (like praise sing-alongs). The larger rooms have a
piano and/or electronic organ and small sound system, and plenty of extra
chairs are available.
Afternoon tea is served at 4pm in true British style (that means with scones,
bisquits, etc.). In the evening there is usually a film shown on a
projection TV, normally either a G-rated one or a Christian one. This is the
ONLY television set on the property, as the rooms don't have TV or telephones
(but there are pay phones available).
Many people find the lack of TV, radios and telephones strange at first,but
after you've stayed there you will be glad they don't have them! This allows
time for reflection and mediation on God's Word and purpose in our lives,
without the distractions we have in our 'normal' lives. The scenery around
the property is simply gorgeous (they are nearly on the edge of a cliff,
overlooking the ocean), and it can't help but remind you of God's presence in
all things.
My wife and I met many other couples, some who come every year at the same
time, and some who had been coming for over 30 years! Singles,groups and
families should not feel left out either, as there are many special
promotions thoughout the year for them. Both times we stayed there it was a
GREAT time of fellowship, so great we didn't want it to end and we will be
returning again for another anniversary.
I'm not sure of the room rates right now, but they are a lot less than most
other hotels in Bermuda. The rates tend to be 20% - 30% lower in the winter
months too. For families, children under 16 stay free and only pay a meal
charge. There is a free daily children's programme for ages 3 to 12 that
includes Bible stories, crafts, swimming, etc.
If you want more information, I would be glad to pass on your name and
mailing address; their name is Willowbank, BTW. They also have toll-free
numbers: from the US 1-800-752-8493, from Canada
1-800-463-8444. Their mailing address is Willowbank, P.O. Box MA 296,Sandys
MA BX, Bermuda.
I'm not associated with them in any way except having been a guest there
twice (and other times for day-long retreats and banquets), and I certainly
don't get any commission from them. I've posted this since my wife and I
received a blessing (and spirtual renewal) from staying there, and I feel
this could help other Christians looking for an alternative vacation. If you
do decide to come, let me know in advance and we'll try to get together with
you while you're here!
