Bermuda’s hotels are reporting strong demand over the Christmas and New Year period, with operators pointing to tight room capacity and continued spillover from the prolonged closure of the Fairmont Southampton.

Smaller properties as well as large resorts said bookings were running ahead of last year, particularly over peak holiday dates, as visitors sought winter escapes and festive fun.

John Young, the owner and manager of The Ledgelets Cottage Colony, said 2025 had delivered solid growth for the property.

“Year to date, we saw an increase in total room nights from 2024, up 34 per cent,” Mr Young said. “That is an additional 107 room nights.”

December, he added, had exceeded expectations.

“This December has certainly been a pleasant surprise with an additional 15 room nights over 2024, contributing to Christmas and New Year’s being completely sold out in both of our cottages,” he said.

Early indications for 2026 are also positive. Mr Young said the one-bedroom cottage was already booked from January through March, while the larger unit was beginning to see increased interest for the spring shoulder season.

At the luxury end of the market, Rosewood Bermuda reported strong seasonal demand driven by winter travel and on-property events.

“Bermuda continues to be one of the top destinations for winter travel,” said Patrick Graham, managing director of Rosewood Bermuda.

He said guests were booking around curated New Year’s Eve dining, live entertainment and traditional events such as the Tucker’s Point Plunge on January 1, where guests kick off their year with a brisk swim in the Atlantic.

Hamilton Princess & Beach Club also reported strong holiday bookings, supported by both leisure and corporate travel.

“We’re seeing strong demand for the Christmas and New Year period, with bookings tracking well over the peak holiday dates,” said Diarmaid O’Sullivan, director of sales and marketing.

He said the wider winter season was being supported by events such as the Chubb Triangle Challenge road race, set for January, and interest in short winter escapes.

With hundreds of rooms still offline at the Fairmont Southampton, demand continues to be absorbed by remaining hotels, operators have said, particularly during peak travel periods.