The history of Elbow Beach spans the twentieth century, beginning in 1908 as a simple guest cottage and now, the 98 room resort is renowned as one of the world's great landmark properties.

Elbow Beach began as the first hotel on Bermuda's spectacular South Shore.  Never had anyone built on the beach before and locals were sure the tiny guesthouses would wash away with the first hurricane.  However, Mr. R. B. Johnson, the British owner, had only great success over the ensuing 16 years with the newly burgeoning tourist trade of visitors who wished to stay in close proximity to the island's famed pink sands.

In 1924, Johnson sold his guesthouse to Mr. Harold H. Frith, who realized he was purchasing the finest hotel site on the island, Frith renamed the hotel Elbow Beach Surf Club and over the next twenty years he reinvested his earnings to eventually expand the hotel to 200 rooms, adding two wings and the front entrance area.  Guests, who then arrived by ship, disembarked in nearby Hamilton and were transported to Elbow Beach Surf Club by private ferry or horse and buggy.

During World War II, the hotel was closed down and used by the Wartime Supplies Commission as a storage warehouse for grain and meat and some sections were later used by the U.S. Navy.  After the war, Mr. Frith lacked the capital to properly refurbish the hotel and, after a severe illness, sold the Elbow Beach Surf Club in 1947 to the soon-to-be Sir John Moore.

Sir John added the swimming pool and beachfront cabanas in 1959 and leased the present-day cottages from Bermudian, Dr. W.E. Tucker.  He upgraded and added more facilities over the next two decades, including the center and east wings, ocean-view lanais, tennis courts and restaurants.

In 1991, the hotel came under private ownership and closed for five months while a major renovation program was completed.

From the beginning, Elbow Beach has catered to a clientele of discriminating taste who appreciate the best available comforts and entertainment.  When people of distinction visited Bermuda, Elbow Beach was undoubtedly their choice for accommodation.  The grandest of balls, including the Bermuda Regiment's 10th Anniversary Ball, attended by Princess Margaret who had come to the island to give the trooping of the colors, are held at Elbow Beach.

Due to its ideal location and magnificent beach, Elbow was also the place to be during College Weeks from the 50's through the 80's.  Thousands of students came to the hotel over the spring breaks to enjoy live music, beach barbecues, a beauty pageant and to socialize.  College Weeks was a promotion of the Bermuda Department of Tourism, who hoped that when these same kids decided to marry, they would return to Bermuda for their honeymoons.  Many of them did.

Today, Elbow Beach, Bermuda is an intimate luxury island resort. Guests enjoy personalized service and privacy is assured. Elbow Beach has recaptured the spirit of when it was the grand dame of Bermuda, a quality resort with a sense of place and history with the most modern operations.

Elbow Beach, Bermuda overlooks the sparkling blue waters of South Shore and is within close distance of Hamilton –Bermuda’s capital. Elbow Beach is a brilliant assemblage of 98 rooms and suites spread amongst 50 acres of lush manicured gardens that gently slope down to a signature pink sand beach.

Guests will be delighted to find that the newly refurbished 98 guestrooms are gracefully arranged along paved paths that wind through a tamed jungle of subtropical flora, exotic plants and manicured green lawns.  The guest rooms and suites herald a distinct Bermudian ambiance with pastel interiors, tile and wood floors, open-beamed ceilings and private patios.

Nestled around the temperature controlled 25-metre swimming pool, the fitness room, Kid’s Club and spa inhabit the Garden level of the hotel. The newly renovated gift shop, new Desmond Fountain Art Gallery and business centre are directly behind the majestic lobby.  

Our half-mile pink sand beachfront has been enhanced with new luxury beach lounge chairs and a new spa beach pavilion offering holistic spa therapies ocean-side. Guests can also enjoy first-class beach amenities including umbrellas, cool towels, chilled water and waiter service. Cabanas are also available to rent. A range of water sports, including snorkeling and diving is also available in season.

Elbow Beach, now managed by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, lies on the south shore of Bermuda in Paget. Elbow Beach is seven minutes from downtown Hamilton, Bermuda's capital, and 30 minutes from the airport in St. George's.