last year, have seen a warmer side to Bermuda.

The Texas couple enjoyed a free return trip, thanks to warm-hearted local businessmen.

Horrified by the Bradshaws' ordeal, the group raised $2,000 holiday cash for them. And Glencoe Harbour Club and Grotto Bay also chipped in by offering free rooms.

Yesterday the couple -- still haunted by the robbery -- flew home with memories of a very different Bermuda.

"I think this must be the most beautiful place in the world,'' exclaimed 41-year-old Mr. Bradshaw.

It was last September the Houston couple suffered a horrifying ordeal in Tucker's Town. They were attacked by two stick-wielding robbers as they rode to their hotel after a happy night out.

The bandits forced them off their bike on an unlit stretch of South Road, Hamilton Parish, near Mid Ocean Golf Club.

Mr. Bradshaw was repeatedly struck around his face, back and upper body.

The robbers then reached into his pocket, removing a wallet containing about $85 and credit cards.

Forty-year-old Mrs. Bradshaw was also assaulted, although luckily she was protected by a crash helmet.

Former Bermuda Regiment commanding officer Lt. Col. Cragin C. Curtis, who lives near the scene, found the couple bruised and battered in the street.

The robbery provoked outrage, and triggered a fund-raising effort to fly the couple back to the Island for a week.

The businessman behind the drive was Mr. Colin Curtis, from the Perfume Factory.

Before flying off yesterday, the Bradshaws expressed their thanks to Mr.

Curtis and his colleagues, who wish to remain anonymous.

"I think it's just great. They really wanted to make up for the robbery,'' said Mr. Bradshaw.

The couple say they will always carry the scars of the attack, and are much more cautious when going out at night, especially along South Road.

But they still rate Bermuda as one of the safest destinations, and are determined to keep coming back.

"I don't think we would have returned so quickly without Mr. Curtis, but we would have come back eventually,'' said Mr. Bradshaw.

The couple, who honeymooned in Bermuda, have been to the Island 14 times.

BERMUDA'S THE BEST! -- The Island is still number one for Gary and Celia Bradshaw.