The road to romance leads to Aunt Nea's Inn nestling in historic St. George's on quaint Aunt Nea's Alley.

Proprietor Delaey Robinson shares the historic home, which dates back to the 1700s, with his wife of eight years, Andrea Dismont - the resident innkeeper - and their two sons, Kelsey, three, and Myles, one.

Mr. Robinson, a graceful host, enjoys sharing past details and said that Aunt Nea's was once the residence of the American Consul.

“The property has been in the Wright Robinson family since 1916. In 1961 my family, primarily my mother, Trew Robinson, was immensely proud of our property and decided to lodge guests under the name of Hillcrest Guest House. Now the third generation continues this tradition in the newly renovated Aunt Nea's Inn which offers 12 rooms with queen four poster or sleigh beds, some with Jacuzzis,” he said.

The inn is named after Nea, the adored subject of Odes to Nea, a volume of verse by the Irish poet Tom Moore. In real life Nea was Hester Louisa Tucker, the daughter of Captain Tudor Tucker and she married a cousin, William Tucker. The three formed a close friendship but as Moore's attentions blossomed towards Nea, the two men became estranged, and Moore turned his romantic feelings to rhyme.

Odes to Nea are posted in every bedroom and perhaps casts beautiful and romantic love spells on those who dwell. The bedrooms are wonderful and seem very romantic with four poster beds and eclectic antiques.

One of my favourites was the Green Turtle Room, which used to be the kitchen when Mr. Robinson's mother was a child. The room is light and airy with several windows. There is a Jacuzzi in a bricked alcove which was once a cooking fireplace and a beautiful wicker four poster bed with a generous bathroom. The old Bermuda cedar beams give the room a special historic charm.

Today Aunt Nea's is an upscale bed and breakfast and is like a gracious country inn with all the modern conveniences such as air conditioning, lavish baths and showers, and televisions. Although lovely and modern, the atmosphere reflects the graciousness of the past with fine antiques and tasteful furnishings.

“We have a wonderful location as one can easily stroll to historic sights, beaches, shopping, golf, tennis, railway trails, water sports and museums. If you want to be busy you can. If you want solitude and peacefulness that's here too. You can have tea on the upper veranda that overlooks the garden or be tucked away on the back patio.”

Breakfast time is especially enjoyed by the guests who gather around the dining room and enjoy delicious scones and jams, fresh fruit, juices, tea and coffee while exchanging accounts of their Bermuda experiences as tourists.

“I love to hear guests tell me about their wonderful experiences, how they did a walking tour and I answer their questions. I think first-hand stories are more profound. Sometimes I feel like I have a PhD in life as I meet so many different people. I extend support to my guests.

Relating to people and sharing history come quite naturally to Mr. Robinson who travelled the world for five years as a young man following graduation from college in England.

“After college I returned to Bermuda and worked for 23 months in the Ministry of Finance, left and did a five year circumnavigation. Yes, I have seen the world. Travel is educational and a superb teacher. I use what I learned every day - that knowledge is a part of me. I am continuing to learn,” concluded Mr. Robinson.