Once again my wife and I have enjoyed your lovely country, with its warm and courteous people, and its scenic beauty and climate which few places can rival. I wonder if your readers take for granted that which we both enjoy so immensely, and that which is so evident once one is immersed on your island paradise.

We have visited Bermuda on eight occasions during our 32 year marriage, first for an enjoyable honeymoon, next on our tenth year anniversary, and since then, for reasons of rest and relaxation from our careers as educators. I am happy to say that since July, both my wife and I have retired from this noble profession, after a combined 65 year term or service, and look forward to visiting Bermuda on several more occasions before we pass on.

However, the purpose of this letter is to let you know that Bermuda is quickly becoming unaffordable for many who are in similar economic positions. Round trip air fare generally runs over $600 per person, and the hotels we have stayed in for our weekly trips (we have booked with five different establishments) are in the $500/day range for the American meal plan. For a week's vacation, my wife and I must expect to spend close to $5,000, and that is without shopping and other entertainment.

Two weeks ago, we did visit Bermuda, but this time on the Norwegian Majesty -- our first time cruising - from Boston. Although we were only in Bermuda three days, the cost of the week's trip was less than one-third the price, $1650 for two, than we would have paid at a hotel. The chefs of Bermuda are outstanding, but I would have to say that the culinary delights we experienced on this ship surpassed the food prepared at three of the five establishments previously visited. The Stonington Beach Hotel and the Ariel Sands, however, still remain our favourites.

We are returning to Bermuda in May for a week's stay and to take part in our son's wedding. He and his fiancee are both American citizens living in Connecticut and working in law firms. Why marry in Bermuda? Their choice was simple -- your country's beauty, warmth and charm.

In closing, I look forward to visiting and enjoying your "other world'', but must admit that after this next special occasion in May, finances dictate that our visits only occur on cruise ships, for shortened stays. You and I both lose -- we pay companies that are based farther than our American shores for only a three-day stay, and you lose the revenue that we would prefer to give your establishments, but only if the rates were more affordable.

THOMAS H. BENOIT Mystic, Connecticut