The Reefs has become Bermuda's first resort to be voted the best in the Atlantic by readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine.

And Bermuda was named the number one island in the Caribbean and Atlantic by the same survey polling more than 25,000 readers. Reefs president David Dodwell, the former Tourism Minister, accepted the award at a ceremony last week — the fourth major award picked up by the resort this year.

Mr. Dodwell said in a statement: "This award is truly a great honour as it is the travellers, the readers of Condé Nast Traveler, who have distinguished our hotel as the best in the region.

"Such recognition is the highest compliment to our staff who deliver The Reefs vacation experience and without whom this honour would not be possible."

The Condé Nast Traveler survey ranks the best cities, islands, cruise lines, airlines, hotels, resorts and car rental agencies across the world. Fairmont Southampton was ranked seventh in the list of resorts, with Cambridge Beaches tenth.

The complete results of the awards can be found in the November issue of Condé Nast Traveler, available online at www.cntraveler.com/readerschoice.

Last year, The Reefs came third in Condé Nast's poll. In the past two years, $55 million has been invested to renovate two of its three restaurants, build a designer kitchen and create a La Serena Spa overlooking the ocean.

The hotel is about to conclude a major expansion adding The Reefs Club, billed as an affordable option to individuals who are considering owning a Bermuda vacation home.