a 1680 farmhouse at Christian Bay in Southampton. It was not until September 14, 1947 however, that the Reefs Beach Club opened its doors as Bermuda's first cabana-style beach resort boasting a main clubhouse and 24 cabanas.

According to the resort's records, during the traditional Bermuda roof wetting celebration, "several copies of the September 13, 1947 newspaper and five shillings of British currency, together with a copy of the Companies Act, were sealed into a secret chamber built into a chimney.'' It was not until two months later, that the entire building was complete. Over the years, much has been expanded at the South Shore property. In 1969, some of the original cabanas were demolished while additional rooms were built. In 1972, the pool was constructed, and in 1975, more rooms were completed under the terrace.

"The main clubhouse was remodelled in 1982 with the addition of the northern dining room and the remodelling of the bar,'' state the records. "In April 1984 and April 1985, eight of the original cabanas built in 1947 were demolished and 16 new guest accommodations in two blocks of eight were constructed to the south of the steps leading to the beach.'' In the winter of 1985/1986, the beach bar was rebuilt as was Coconuts -- a premier dining attraction for guests at the hotel, visitors to the Island, and locals.

Situated so that it adorns the face of the coral cliffs, ocean waves provide a dramatic background to the Coconuts dining experience. In 1988, the Conservatory was built enabling guests the pleasure of dining in an intimate alcove. Today, the Reefs has earned a well-deserved reputation for excellence.

Featuring 67 rooms and suites in its cliffside location along Southampton's South Shore, it also boasts two tennis courts, a fitness centre with state-of-the-art Cybex equipment and a small, freshwater swimming pool. As an added pleasure, the facility overlooks its own beach and welcomes guests with a charm that is truly Bermudian. "As it was in 1947, the Reefs still remains one of the most beautiful resorts on the Island,'' continue the records. "The entire premises of the Reefs suggests a lull and tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, which our many thousands of repeat guests have come to expect and look forward to year after year.'' PHOTO The Reefs as it was in 1947, the year it opened... ...And ten years later in 1957 Manager of the Reefs, Neal Stephens