a recent article in a top Florida travel magazine.

The Island is also described as a "litter-free cultural blend of London and Beverly Hills.'' The article, which was written for South Florida magazine by travel writer Mary M. Goddard, is headlined "Island-Jaded? Try Bermuda, No Billboards, No Pollution, No Crime''.

It outlines Ms Goddard's own experience on the Island, which she calls "a sliver of paradise which motivated Shakespeare to write such plays as The Tempest.'' Bermuda's claim to fame, writes Ms Goddard, includes the oldest cast iron lighthouse, the smallest drawbridge in the world, and the most golf courses per square mile.

And she adds: "More impressive: No billboards, pollution, poverty, illiteracy, or heavy industry.'' The article goes on to brand Bermuda a cultural blend of London and Beverly Hills.

"Mopeds and sailboard-decked cars line streets named Duke of York, Queen, and Burnaby Hill.

"Black robed lawyers and judges in powdered wigs stroll beneath palm trees.

Merchandise in stores with names like Trimingham's, the Crown Colony Shop and A.S Cooper & Sons Ltd. rivals that of Rodeo Drive. People take afternoon tea and later `queue up' at the Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet.'' The article also focuses on St. George's 400 years of history, mentioning several landmarks, including the Town Hall and the State House.

Bermuda's "marriage to the sea'' highlighted by the Maritime Museum is noted as well.

Ms Goddard discusses moves to prevent overdevelopment.

"The government has established a moratorium on hotel rooms. Bermuda will not become Condo World,'' she says.

And she concludes: "It hardly needs mentioning that Bermuda has a full range of resorts, hotels, guest houses and water activities you'd expect from a warm water vacation destination.

"But where else can you find so much natural beauty, history and fine shopping packed into such a tiny place? Bermuda is proof that good things come in small packages.''