The Beach at Elbow Beach, Bermuda

"In the next few years, when the last stroke of clotted cream–colored paint is applied to the grand dowager duchess of Bermuda resorts, when the last lacy fan of dried marine algae is mounted in a box frame and hung, Elbow Beach will be rebranded as a Mandarin Oriental resort"

"Foremost is its proximity to the beach, even if that means crossing a long series of lawns"

"About that beach: It's the largest private slice of sand in all of Bermuda and guests of the hotel get the red carpet treatment while they relax on its comfy chaise lounges and under its large navy blue umbrellas (think cold facial towels and fresh fruit brought to you by waiters who'll also take your drink order when you let a small red flag blow in the breeze)"

"The Spa at Elbow Beach offers a variety of innovative treatments, including soothing tranquility wraps"

"Thirsty? Quench your thirst at a bar/lounge, a beach bar, or a poolside bar"

"This luxury resort faces the delightful Elbow Beach and its cottages and suites come with walk-in marble bathrooms, and high-tech goodies such as iPod docks and LCD TVs"

"And so might the Elbow Beach Tennis Facility, helmed by resident tennis pro David Lambert, that regularly organizes impromptu round-robin tournaments for guests"

"Rooms feature all the modern amenities you’d expect of a luxury hotel (iHome docking stations, personal espresso machines), but the real winner is still the beach, a nearly mile-long stretch of powdery pink sand"