I love Ariel Sands

September 28, 2004

Dear Sir,

Out of a strong conviction and love of Bermuda I am compelled to respond to the letter posted on September 28 entitled "Shame on you, Michael".

As a Bermuda specialist and travel agent from the United States that represents the beautiful properties of Bermuda, I am most observant and cognisant of appearance and services. Ariel Sands is certainly a beautiful property and has a staff dedicated to keeping it that way. The beauty of the island is what is clearly reflected throughout all of the accommodations on the island with Ariel Sands definitely being top on the list.

It appears that there was an intention of fault to find at first arrival and the guests continued on that journey to bring themselves to the end result of being displeased. For myself, having stayed many times at Ariel Sands and having a very critical eye on behalf of all my clientele, I most certainly disagree with their unfair critique.

To further speak on behalf of a very large amount of satisfied clients I can further state that the evaluation these visitors depict is far from the norm, but more focused on total inaccuracies.

There are many erroneous accounts throughout the letter, but then to suggest that Aqua is an unappealing restaurant is simply a joke!! I would only wonder if the beauty of the ocean, the setting, the peacefulness and the Bermuda hospitality totally escaped them?

I do notice that they did not mention where they did end up and the absence of any positive comments.

I therefore must say "shame on them" for there is no further disgrace to Bermuda than a visitor that does not see and appreciate the true beauty that lies there.

LINDA MITCHELL

Bermuda Travel

Melrose, Massachusetts

I love Ariel Sands too

September 29, 2004

Dear Sir,

In response to the letter to the editor, "Shame on you, Michael", dated September 15, 2004, I found it very distasteful and unfair.

Perhaps Mr. Lokay and his lady friend were drawn to a place owned by Michael Douglas expecting a Hollywood atmosphere. I returned to the Boston area yesterday after my tenth annual visit to Ariel Sands and I find it to be a very warm and friendly environment. To me the wonderful staff there is more important than the worn welcome mat which I personally had never noticed.

The food at Aqua Restaurant is outstanding and Claudio and his most personable wait staff add to our wonderful Bermuda experience. The wide variety of breakfast food served in the open air restaurant could not be more enjoyable and the lunch and dinner menu is superb.

I'm personally happy that Mr. Lokay did not stay at the resort as that is not the type of person that fits in well at Ariel Sands. I'm already booked for next year and look forward to returning to our friends at Ariel Sands.

NANCY FERGUS

Boston, Massachusetts