THIRTY-FIVE years ago today, the Fairmont Southampton ¿ originally known as the Southampton Princess ¿ was officially opened with a snip of gold scissors by then-Governor Lord Martonmere during a glittering Hollywood-style gala.

It was the beginning of an era for the hotel that was, and remains, the largest in Bermuda and was considered visionary for its time.

Built as a luxury hotel capable of accommodating major conventions, as well as individual vacationers, its structure, design, and facilities anticipated many of the Fairmont Southampton's future needs.

Notwithstanding millions of dollars invested in renovations over the ensuing 35 years, the Fairmont Southampton's original footprint remains unchanged.

Along with the original Princess Beach Club ¿ now the site of the Fairmont Southampton's Ocean Club restaurant and Southampton Princess Golf Club ¿ the hotel offered visitors headline-making elegance, amenities, and entertainment (the hotel's first performer was Frankie Avalon). Behind the scenes, the hotel boasted a state-of-the-art Ionics plant, capable of producing 250,000 gallons of water a day, not only for itself, but also for five nearby South Shore hotels.

Intent on building a major world-class resort in Bermuda, the hotel was the dream of American businessman and shipping magnate Daniel K. Ludwig, who also owned the sister property, the Princess Hotel (now the Fairmont Hamilton Princess).

The development of the Fairmont Southampton (pictured above) employed thousands in the construction, transportation, and hospitality industries.

In 1998, the sister hotels were purchased from Princess Hotels International by Canadian Pacific Hotels, which took over Fairmont Hotels and Resorts in 1999. It was during this period that the hotels came under the Fairmont brand and were renamed the Fairmont Southampton and the Fairmont Hamilton Princess.

In September 2003, the hotel was extensively damaged by Hurricane Fabian and was closed for major repair and renovations, reopening seven months later in the following April.

The regional director of human resources for Fairmont Bermuda, Nelda Simons, said: "The Fairmont Southampton's success has been defined by Bermuda since the day it opened ¿ our hotel and our community will always be intertwined.

"Our first 35 years have been remarkable in so many ways, thanks to our guests and the tireless commitment of our many Fairmont colleagues ¿ to whom I extend our deepest gratitude. Together, we are all working hard to ensure our next years are equally bright."

The Fairmont Southampton will mark its anniversary with a Fairmont Colleague Celebration for staff later in the month.