Bermuda topped a list of 71 countries as a US travel writer and editor's favourite place to visit.

An article entitled "Bermuda Still The Best'' appeared in Henry Josten's newspaper column "The View From Here''.

Mr. Josten, who writes for Shore Line newspapers of Connecticut, said: "As a travel writer and editor, I continue to be asked `Of all the places you have visited in your travels, which one do you like the best?' "It's actually an easy question for me to answer even though I've had the good fortune to visit 71 countries in all parts of the world over more than half a century.

"I love Hong Kong and San Francisco, Alaska, Hawaii, Haiti and Rio, most of Europe and Africa, the Middle East, South Pacific, China, India, Thailand -- and Walt Disney World.

"But when asked to name my number one favourite, the answer remains, unhesitatingly, Bermuda.'' Mr. Josten tells his readers that Britain's oldest colony is "the ideal vacation paradise'' for singles, couples and families with its "near-perfect year-round climate'' and infrequent, brief rain showers.

He noted the Island's beauty and the "numerous things to see and do'' including Fort St. Catherine, Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, Crystal and Leamington Caves, Devil's Hole, the Bermuda Museum, Aquarium and Zoo, Dockyard and the Maritime Museum.

The Island's small size allows for easy access of these attractions through a variety of transportation methods, continued Mr. Josten.

The writer also pointed out that Bermuda offers beautiful beaches, challenging golf courses, tennis, horseback riding, snorkelling and diving.

"But, best of all are the people of Bermuda, black and white,'' stressed Mr.

Josten, "who are invariably warm and friendly and go out of their way to make their guests feel welcome.'' The Pink Beach Club gets the nod from Mr. Josten as his favourite place to stay on the Island.

In other travel publication news, five Bermuda properties, including the Pink Beach Club, made Conde Nast Traveler's gold list of the best places to stay in the world.

The quintet -- which also included Cambridge Beaches, Horizons & Cottages, The Reefs and Southampton Princess -- were selected by 37,000 of the magazine's readers who rated specific criteria including rooms, service, restaurants, location/atmosphere and activities.

These scores were then used to calculate an overall total.

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