Nothing beats dining on a fancy yacht off the coast of France - or so we've been told.

So, putting all vicarious thrills aside, allow us to present an experience that comes pretty close:  the Newport Room, Bermuda's answer to all you sea-faring food lovers out there.

Think of the Newport Room as your luxury yacht dining room away from home, its luxurious interior complete with plush leather armchairs, sumptuous teak and rosewood paneling, and not-so-subtle brass accents.  As you make your way inside the grand dining room, you'll notice a mural of the Newport-to-Bermuda race, which has been held annually since 1938, and which grounds the nautical theme of this diner.  The only AAA, 5-diamond-rated restaurant outside of the US, Newport Room certainly lives up to its reputation as Bermuda's numero uno, serving an international selection of fine wines in even finer Irish crystal - meaning, it's a fancy joint and you'll need a jacket (a date isn't a bad idea either).

Start with some cocktails while you peruse the menu (it'd be indecorous of us not to highlight the food), and get ready for the amuse.  Follow that up with a three-course meal that ranges from Lobster Bisque and Bouillabaisse to Dover Sole and Butternut Squash Tortellini.  The French Laundry-trained chef carefully prepares his ever-changing menu items from fresh ingredients, and serves the artistic plating on bone china, with silver service.

Even he knows when there's too much brass.

 

Newport Room | Fairmont Southampton Resort, 101 S. Shore Road, Southampton Parish, SN02, Bermuda | 441 239 6964 | www.fairmont.com