SOUTH SHORE, SOUTHAMPTON — TNN NEWS
It was a beautiful day on Bermuda’s South Shore as TNN News ventured down to the Southampton Princess Palmetto Beach to see firsthand what the newly opened beach club has to offer.
From the moment of arrival, the setting was impressive — a spectacular South Shore view, attentive service, quality amenities, food, entertainment and facilities designed to appeal to both visitors and the local community.
Palmetto Beach Club has now been operating for approximately one month, and according to maître d’ Gihan Gunaratne, the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.
“We’ve been doing our best for the local community, Gunaratne told TNN News, adding that the facility has received “a lot of love and respect” from residents coming to experience the property.
While the hotel operation is not yet open Gunaratne said the beach club is focused on maintaining its momentum over the coming months.
Preparing For The Cooler Months
With Bermuda eventually heading into its cooler season and the traditional tourist season slowing down, TNN News asked how Palmetto Beach Club plans to continue attracting and accommodating locals.
Gunaratne said plans are already in place to heat the pool, allowing both local residents and members to continue enjoying the facility during the winter months.
The pool is expected to close temporarily while the heating system is installed.
The grill and restaurant will also remain open during the off-season.
Gunaratne said the team is looking at additional measures to keep guests comfortable as temperatures fall, including outdoor heaters and other touches designed to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The beach and pool facilities are also expected to remain available to the local community during the slower months.
A Menu Built Around Sharing
TNN News also got a look at what diners can expect from the Palmetto Beach Club grill.
Gunaratne described the concept as a menu built around sharing and family-style dining.
Among the offerings are tomato carpaccio featuring heirloom tomatoes, beef carpaccio, whole Mediterranean sea bass, lobster spaghetti and spicy rigatoni.
Gunaratne said the culinary team intends to increasingly incorporate locally sourced products as relationships are developed with Bermuda fishermen and other local suppliers.
Plans include adding local Snapper and Bonito as whole-fish options, while Bermuda Lobster is expected to feature more prominently as relationships with local lobster fishermen develop.
As the fall and winter seasons approach, Gunaratne said diners could also see seasonal additions such as pumpkin dishes and fish chowder, bringing more local and seasonal flavours to the menu.
Open Thursday Through Sunday
For those looking to experience Palmetto Beach Club before the weather turns cooler, Gunaratne said there are no immediate plans to reduce operating hours.
The facility is currently open Thursday through Sunday.
The pool and beach facilities operate from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The grill is open for lunch from 12 noon to 3 p.m., followed by dinner service from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Gunaratne said those operating hours will remain in place until further notice.
Reservations can be made through OpenTable. He also encouraged customers to contact the restaurant or himself directly if they encounter difficulties making a reservation.
Membership Already At Capacity
One of the most notable developments has been the response to the club’s membership programme.
Gunaratne told TNN News that approximately 92 memberships have been secured, prompting the club to cap its current membership.
He explained that the decision was made with the future opening of the hotel in mind.
Once the hotel becomes operational, the property is expected to accommodate approximately 1,000 to 1,200 guests on a given day, with a reported 600-room capacity.
Gunaratne said the club wants to ensure that members receive the level of service and access they expect, particularly when it comes to reservations, beach beds and cabanas.
As a result, the current membership is effectively sold out.
However, Gunaratne said an additional 30 to 40 memberships may become available once the hotel’s opening timeline is clearer.
He described the philosophy as “quality versus quantity”, saying the club wants to carefully manage its membership numbers so that members and future hotel guests can both receive the experience promised to them.
TNN Shout-Out To The Palmetto Beach Team
TNN News would like to thank maître d’ Gihan Gunaratne and the entire Palmetto Beach Club team for welcoming us during our visit.
But TNN is also giving a special shout-out to Philip Fernandez, whose attitude, communication and level of service stood out during our visit.
His professionalism and customer service were, in TNN’s view, second to none.
For anyone looking for a South Shore escape, Palmetto Beach Club is certainly a location worth experiencing — whether for a day at the beach, lunch, dinner, the amenities or simply taking in the spectacular surroundings.
TNN News will be back.
Stay tuned to TNN News — Bermuda News as it happens.
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