As a tropical island, Bermuda is in a class by itself. About a 90-minute flight from the east coast, Bermuda is one of our favorite islands to visit. Its pink-sand beaches, upscale resorts, and rich culture make Bermuda the kind of destination you’ll want to experience multiple times!
By: Les & Anne Heintz
Bermuda is famous for its pink-sand beaches, rich culture, and laid-back island vibe. The moment you arrive, you know you’re in a special place… one that embraces the “island life” but adheres to its English roots and appreciates luxury. This British territory is a true island paradise. It’s also fiercely protective of its strong sense of identity, Bermuda's atmosphere is upscale, artsy, and naturally wild.
The Pink Sands and Turquoise Waters
Bermuda's claim to fame is undoubtedly its breathtaking pink sand beaches. The rosy hue, a result of crushed shells and coral mixing with the sand, creates a visual spectacle that is both unique and mesmerizing. Horseshoe Bay Beach is one of most beautiful stretches of pink sand in Bermuda. In fact, it’s considered among one of the best beaches on the planet. It’s worth a visit even if you’re not staying on that side of the island.
Be sure to stop by a nearby beach bar and take in the view with a classic Rum Swizzle cocktail. Better yet, enjoy the rosy sights whenever you want at The Reefs Resort & Club where you’ll glimpse pink sand and blue water from the balcony of your two-bedroom beachfront suite.
Upscale Resorts
Bermuda is synonymous with luxury, offering a selection of world-class resorts and accommodations that cater to the discerning traveler. There are many choices for different tastes and budgets. But usually, people who visit Bermuda are looking for a little luxury, so if you’re hoping for something cheap, Bermuda is not your best choice! After all, the allure of Bermuda lies not only in its natural beauty but also in the luxurious escapes that invite visitors to unwind in style.
There are many wonderful resort properties on Bermuda to accommodate a variety of tastes. Our favorite is Rosewood Bermuda. It’s Bermuda’s most luxurious resort with a price tag to match. That said, Rosewood delivers on all fronts. It is a classic seaside hotel with direct access to the island's largest private beach. The 5-star luxury resort offers elegant and informal accommodation, golf, beach and tennis amenities, and water sports activities.
Guests feel they are part of an elite club with exclusive access to the largest private pink-sand beach on Bermuda as well as the island's finest amenities.
The resort has also been recognized by leading publications and organizations for its quality and sustainability and is part of the Living Reefs Foundation aimed at restoring Castle Harbour’s coral reefs and helping to implement measures needed to keep Bermuda’s reefs and marine life healthy.
There are 88 rooms and suites, all of which have a fresh new look. No gaudy flower print duvets. Instead your room will be straight out of the pages of a design magazine, with crisp white linens on elegant four-poster beds, spa-like bathrooms with oversized soaking tubs, and large private balconies offering Atlantic views. At a minimum of 500 square feet, the rooms are also some of the biggest on the island, so you’ll have plenty of space to stretch out after a day under the Bermuda sun.
British Customs & Traditions
A visit to Bermuda means that there's a good chance you'll see men milling about the capital city of Hamilton dressed in crisp and prim business shirts, tucked neatly into seemingly casual short trousers. Their "Bermuda shorts" fit well into the mystique surrounding these lonely islands of the Atlantic – islands that hold tight to their British customs, elegance, and etiquette, but still know how to let loose under the subtropical sun.
Away From the Beach
At the heart of Bermuda lies the capital city, Hamilton, nestled around the iconic Hamilton Harbour. The harbor is a hub of maritime activity, where pastel-colored buildings line the waterfront, housing boutique shops, cafes, and cultural attractions. Front Street, the main thoroughfare, beckons shoppers with its array of boutiques and local crafts.
If you're doing just one excursion for shopping and lunch, Hamilton is the choice.
That said, the town of St. George's is also worth a visit. It transports visitors back in time with its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and charming colonial architecture. Wander through the narrow lanes, where pastel-painted houses adorned with white stepped roofs exude timeless elegance.
Getting Around
To add a touch of adventure to exploration, Bermuda offers an array of popular transportation options available for rent. Biking enthusiasts can navigate the island's scenic trails on two wheels, enjoying the fresh air and stunning landscapes. Mopeds and scooters (helmets required) provide a convenient and exhilarating way to explore Bermuda's charming streets, offering flexibility and the freedom to uncover hidden gems at your own pace. Whether cruising along the coastline or winding through historic towns, these rental options add an exciting dimension to the island experience.
Culinary Delights and Local Flavors
Bermuda's culinary scene is a delightful fusion of international influences and local flavors. Fresh seafood, including the island's renowned spiny lobster, takes center stage on many menus. Traditional dishes like fish chowder and Bermuda fish sandwiches showcase the island's culinary heritage.
The fish sandwich is a perennial menu staple in Bermuda. It's served basically everywhere from no-frills joints to fine dining bistros. The basic recipe is usually the same island-wide: deep-fried fillets of fish with tartar sauce piled on raisin bread or whole-wheat toast. Go for “the works" and add on lettuce, tomato, grilled Bermuda onions, cheese, hot sauce and coleslaw.
Visitors can dine at waterfront restaurants, enjoying the sea breeze and panoramic views while savoring the diverse and delectable offerings of Bermudian cuisine.
Say Yes to Bermuda… Again & Again
In case you haven’t figured it out, we LOVE Bermuda. There is really nothing like it in this world. We spent our honeymoon there nearly 45 years ago and have returned many times since. What’s not to love? Pink-sand beaches, upscale resorts, and rich culture… topped off with a lot of sunshine and a little bit of luxury. Spoil yourself, you’re worth it!
** Les and Anne Heintz launched TravelAnne.com in 2020 as a way for Anne to stay connected with her clients during the lockdown. Anne is a Travel Advisor. Les is a television & media producer. They are based outside Washington, DC and have been traveling the world since they met and started dating in high school.
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