Bermuda is unlike the other “tropical destination islands” in the Caribbean.  It hangs on to much of the culture that comes from its status as a British overseas territory.  It is more about high tea and country clubs than rum-based punches and lounging on the beach (though there are plenty of sandy stretches to explore and plenty of unique alcoholic beverages available).  The old forts, classy restaurants, low-key nightlife, and high-quality golf courses make this one of the more unique destinations in the North American tropics.

Unfortunately Bermuda is one of the more expensive Caribbean islands to visit.  Import taxes raise the price of goods, which are further inflated in tourist areas, and steep airport fees cause airlines to charge much more than standard Caribbean fares.

This is all the more reason to take advantage of special promotions when they come along.  An early March promotion offers a reasonable flight and hotel package for the Grotto Bay Beach Resort, which sits one a few minutes from the town of Saint George and the international airport.  The 4 night fly-and-sleep deal starts at $639 per person.

This will be one of the better chances to see Bermuda on the cheap.  The only catch is that you have to book by the end of this week (Friday, March 5th) and travel by March 26^th.  That might seem like a last minute trip, but there are some welcome extras to take some of the uncertainty out of the deal.  The $639 includes both trip insurance, should weather make travel impossible, and a $100 discount if there is a significant amount of rainfall during the four day stay.

Grotto Bay is more than your typical, bland “package” resort.  It features well manicured lawns, three private beaches, an in-house dive shop, tennis courts and a network of underground caves (which give the resort its name).  Yes, there are cheaper packages if you choose another Caribbean island, but you will not be able to find the landscape, attractions, activities, and atmosphere of places like the Grotto on other islands for this price.

South Beach is the glitziest part of the Miami metro.  Known for its hot beach scene and hotter nightlife, the district draws the city’s scene-makers and visitors from across the country looking for the perfect combination of glitz and good times.

The Mondrian Hotel fits perfectly into the South Beach scene.  The over-sized, fairy-tale-inspired decor and stylish mix of amenities earned it a spot on Conde Nast Traveler’s 2009 Hot List.  It was the only hotel in the area to earn such a distinction.  But, at least for most of December and January, you don’t have to be on a “hot list” yourself to afford a room at the Mondrian.

An early winter promotion puts the hotel within any South Florida visitor’s reach.  The regular nightly rate of $295 will be reduced to $175 per weeknight (Sunday-Thursday) from December 1st to 24th.  Weekday rates remain below normal for all of January, at $225 per night.

via kevgibbo

The Mondrian’s studio rooms include plasma screen TVs and iPod docking stations.  The spacious bathrooms feature rainfall shower heads and high-quality bath products.  The whimsical, over-sized decor found in the hotel’s public spaces is carried over into the studios, though at a much smaller scale.  The indoor/outdoor lounge on the hotel’s terrace overlooks Biscayne Bay and the 5-star Asia de Cuba Restaurant consistently earns praise for its gourmet take on the fusion cuisine fad.

Those who want to make the Mondrian part of their South Beach experience will need to book by November 30th.  The promotion is not in effect during Christmas and New Year.  The only other blackout dates are between December 3rd and 5th.