THERE doesn't seem to have been a dull moment for me since returning to Bermuda just over a week ago. This past weekend being the highlight of more likely than not the dull, dreary months ahead if the current weather is anything to go by.

One of my friends was celebrating his birthday and his wife decided to put together a group of people to go and stay Saturday night at Pompano Beach. What I didn't realise is that they do a special rate for Bermudians, not only in the winter months but all year round when there is availability.

Of course this time of year is perfect because occupancy is down and so you get a choice of all the best rooms. This special rate includes afternoon tea upon arrival, a five-course dinner and then a wonderful breakfast the following morning.

Now I've been to Pompano a couple of times for lunch and I think I even did a brief write-up about it in this column but nothing prepared me for the gloriousness of actually staying there. What started out as a somewhat haf-hearted fishing expedition on my part (I'm always on the lookout for good quality, affordable Bermuda getaway spots) turned into an absolutely first-class weekend.

We checked in at around 3 p.m. and then were shown to our rooms. All the rooms are named after Bermuda fish and I was in a most pleasant Parrot Fish room. It wasn't the sort of room that you walk into that causes you to exclaim "WOW!" about the d?cor. But in this instance I really did blurt out "WOW!" because of the spectacular view from the balcony.

I was literally right on the ocean with the most gorgeous panoramic, unobliterated vista of the southwest shore of our beautiful island. As you may remember last Saturday was particularly nasty with tempest-type winds and wild, boiling seas. This made the outlook from my balcony even more dramatic and had I been capable of writing a sonnet I would have done so then and there - Shakespeare would have been in his element!

I am being slightly unfair about the room. It was perfect, large, airy and with every amenity that you could possibly desire. But it was decorated with the normal Bermuda hotel job-lot bedspread and matching curtains with the archetypal prints of the island the walls. But you had everything that you could have possibly wanted (as long as you bring all the wine etc. that you require) ? the sum total of which you can't guarantee in a top-notch city hotel.

I was terribly happy with an iron and ironing board, a coffee machine with the proper stuff, a fridge, lots of body lotion and shampoo (of a good make), bathrobe and, most of all, a hair dryer. God, from the sounds of it I could have stayed at home and spent a weekend doing my chores and ablutions but, honestly, for us girlies these appliances and added extras make a lot of difference! I was enthralled with the bathroom, which was really top of the range. The shower in itself could have housed a family or two from a Third World country and the bath (which I filled to the brim with lovely, overflowing bubbles) sent me into raptures especially as at my house baths are at a premium due to a recent cleansing and re-filling of the tank.

OK, so we checked in and then went to join the others who were languishing in the lounge area (overlooking the sea with the waves crashing on the rocks below) either enjoying their tea or starting the cocktail hour a little prematurely (but who caredL we were all on holiday).

Tommy and I then decided to join some of the others in the games room to have a table tennis tournament. He was being extremely verbose about his expertise in this particular field and I decided to challenge him as I consider myself also to be highly accomplished in this sport (I had secretly been practising up in New Hampshire the weekend before but I didn't tell him that. Boy, things got pretty steamy down there with some world-class rallies taking place. A lot of the time I must admit was spent trying to find the ball, which kept getting whacked behind the TV set. But nonetheless it was quite a spectacular match. I hate to admit that I did in fact beat him but in all fairness to Tom it was a very close call with an atmosphere rife with tension.

It was now time to go and prepare ourselves for the evening ahead and to relax a bit after the stress of the tournament. I retired to my lovely room to sit out on the balcony for a bit with a delicious glass of Pinot Grigio and to gaze at the enthralling view before the daylight disappeared. By 6.30 p.m. the bar area was jumping with all the various party guests congregating and catching up on whatever news had occurred since everyone had convened at the last Christmas party. It really is such a good idea to have a party in January; everyone is ready for it as I think that most of us do suffer from post-Christmas blues and withdrawal from the continuous party buzz. I can never understand why people go on the wagon in January. It is usually the most depressing of months and the thought of not having a little bit of "Oh be joyful" at the end of the day would just about finish me off! It appeared though, from scanning the assembled company, that luckily no one was in "wagon" mode!

We went from bar to dining room at around 8 o'clock to enjoy our delicious five-course dinner. Most of us, I think, only opted for three-courses and I must say that what I chose was excellent. The menu changes on a daily basis with a choice of three appetisers, various soups and salads, six main courses and four desserts. I had the most delectable Scottish smoked salmon rose over a red onion and caper potato salad with cucumber carpaccio, drizzled with a dill vinaigrette (that's a mouthful ? and it certainly was!) I also grabbed a good-sized piece of my neighbour's Duck Spring Roll. This was a golden fried wonton filled with duck confit and sir fried vegetables served over Asian vegetable slaw and finished with plum sauce; these both got rave reviews, as did the Game Terrine.

Next was a perfectly cooked, melt in the mouth Filet Mignon. This came with a smoked cheddar and walnut crust and was served with Dauphinoise potatoes, saut?ed sugar snap peas and finished with a Worcestershire and shallot jus. It seemed that most of us chose the same things so apart from what was deemed a very good Seafood Coconut Curry.

I can't really comment of the other dishes on offer. All I know is that by the end of it all not many people had room left for dessert so I think that you would be hard pressed to manage the five courses. It probably had something to do with all the lovely hors d' oeuvres that we were served with our cocktails.

I have to mention our two wonderful Bermudian waiting staff because not only were they most adept in their service but they were both so much fun, with terrific senses of humour. Thank you so much Madree and Tracy for putting up with us and for maintaining that humour until after serving us our breakfast the following morning. You both deserve a mention in the Queens next Birthday Honours List!

The rest of the evening was spent boogying to Bubbles Darrell's disco which, as always, was superb and had us all yelling at the top of our lungs to each word of our all time favourites. When Bubbles departed, so did I. The old stamina isn't what it used to be. However I do know that a lot of people were revelling until gone 3 a.m. and that some not-to-be-mentioned party goers were seen and heard splashing around in the hot tubs in the wee hours of the morning. The hot tubs are a real added bonus (one by the pool area and one right on the sea front) and I wish that I'd had an opportunity to do some frolicking in one or other of them but there just didn't seem to be enough time to fit everything in.

The following morning we all assembled back in the dining room (there were a few absentees!) for what can only be described as a sumptuous breakfast. There was everything that your little heart or throbbing head could have wished for. Some people were chowing down on Eggs Benedict with side orders of crispy bacon whilst others were getting their vitals from Belgian waffles or gorgeous cheesy omelettes. I do think I also saw some villainous people sipping Bloody Marys and Mimosa's but I could have been hallucinating as it was still quite early.

Unfortunately checkout time is 11 a.m. and I actually felt quite bereft as this hour approached. It was almost like being back at school again, having all your mates around you and having such a fun time. We all decided that next time round that we will book for two nights, as there was still so much to do. There is shuffleboard, tennis, a fitness room, all the water sports (probably not for any of us until after May 24th!) and of course golf at nearby Port Royal. I can tell you that even though we were only there for not even 24-hours it still felt as though we had been away on holiday.

I cannot recommend Pompano highly enough; you should really consider getting a group of friends together and going away for a weekend in Bermuda. The deal that they offer is extremely reasonable, the setting is beyond breathtaking and what with the delightfully efficient, friendly service I think that you will be very happy that you did so ?- I know that I am!

Here are a couple of fireside dining recipes that are very quick and easy to prepare and perfect to have during this chilly, inclement weather.

3 1/2 cups chicken broth, 1/2 cup dry white wine, 3/4 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped, 1-tablespoon olive oil, 1 medium shallot, minced, 2 minced garlic cloves 2 cups Arborio rice, 3 medium tomatoes, roughly chopped (8 ounces each) 3/4 teaspoon salt, fresh black pepper, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

In a covered 2-quart saucepan heat broth and wine over a high heat until it starts to bubble around the edges. In a 4-quart microwave-safe bowl or casserole combine oil, shallots, garlic and 1/4 cup of the basil. Cook uncovered in the microwave on high for 1 minute or until the garlic and shallots are soft. Add rice and stir to coat - cook on high for a further minute. Stir the hot broth mixture into the rice in the casserole. Cook and cover on medium (50%) for 15 minutes until most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring once. Stir tomatoes, salt and pepper into the rice mixture. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 minutes or until the rice is cooked but still firm. Stir once and then toss in the Parmesan and remaining basil incorporating well.

1 teaspoon olive oil, 2 boneless beef top loin (strip) or rib-eye steaks each weighing about 10-ounces and 3/4-inch thick, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper, 1 medium onion, sliced, 3 crushede garlic cloves 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar, 2 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary, 1 pint cherry tomatoes, 1 can cannelloni beans, rinsed and drained, rosemary sprigs for garnish

Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat until hot. Sprinkle streaks with salt and pepper and cook in this pan for 8 minutes on each side. Transfer to a cutting board, keeping warm. Reduce heat and add the onions and garlic to the pan stirring for 5 minutes until nice and brown and tender. Stirring constantly add 2 tablespoons of water, rosemary and vinegar, scraping up the brown bits. Add the tomatoes and beans and cook for a further 2 minutes stirring occasionally. Thinly slice the steaks and serve with the bean mixture garnished with rosemary sprigs.