Happy Thursday Hidden Gem Travel community! It was COLD this week in the northeast, so I was dreaming of warm, sunny places I’ve been and loved. At the top of the list is Bermuda which is a quick flight from US East coast cities. I was last there in Fall 2019 and had such a memorable time! Honestly, you can’t go to Bermuda and not drink in the British island culture, beaches, and of course the Dark ‘n’ Stormys. With a backdrop of water that covers a full range of shades of brilliant blues – cerulean, turquoise, azure – you will never forget your time in Bermuda. Highlights from my Bermuda vacation include:
*Exploring the many picture-perfect beaches and coves
*Riding in a Twizy across the island (two-seater electric vehicle)
*Playing golf with spectacular ocean views
*Eating dinner at sunset with my feet in the sand
*Dancing with the locals at a barbecue
What’s my #1 tip when considering a vacation to Bermuda? Book your resort with a travel advisor who has access to the VIP upgrades and valuable perks! Bermuda is a more expensive vacation, so why leave money on the table by booking yourself?
Ready to take a virtual vacation to Bermuda? Then read on for the scoop!
21 Stunning Square Miles
Fun fact – Bermuda is only 600 miles due east of North Carolina – yes, it’s that close!
Bermuda is divided into nine parishes and 3 main regions. The regions are West End, Central, and East End. In 1616, the islands were surveyed and divided into tribes (shares of land), and each one was named after a member of the original Bermuda Company. These tribes are today’s nine parishes.
Touring the island is so much fun with a diversity of activities by area. From west to east the nine parishes offer:
SANDYS:
• Port for ships, westernmost parish
• Bermuda Arts Centre, showcases Bermuda artists
• National Museum of Bermuda, artifacts from the Sea Venture
• Casemate Barracks in the Dockyard
• Clocktower Mall, a shopping center at Dockyard
• Dolphin Quest, swim with dolphins at Dockyard
• Royal Naval Dockyard, port, entertainment, and shopping complex
• Somerset Village, one of Bermuda’s five main settlements
• Somerset Bridge, world’s smallest drawbridge
SOUTHHAMPTON:
• Church Bay, public beach for snorkeling
• Horseshoe Bay, the most photographed beach
• Gibbs Hill Lighthouse (built in 1846), tallest Bermuda structure with 185 steps to the top
WARWICK:
• Two fine public golf courses
• Cliffs and beaches on the south shore
• Long Bay Beach
PAGET:
• Botanical Gardens with an orchid house, fruit groves, and formal gardens
• Camden House, historic house in typical Bermudian architecture
• Hungry Bay, national park, and nature reserve
PEMBROKE (Hamilton, the capital and a port):
• City Hall, seat of government
• Fort Hamilton
• Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, sponsor of the Newport-to-Bermuda race
• Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute
DEVONSHIRE:
• Arboretum
• National Sports Center
• U.S. Consulate General
SMITH’S:
• Devil’s Hole, a sinkhole that forms a natural aquarium
• Harrington Sound, for fishing, sailing, kayaking, and viewing
• Spittal Pond, island’s largest nature reserve and wildlife sanctuary
• Verdmont Historic House & Gardens, manor house unchanged since the late 1700s
HAMILTON PARISH (different from the site of the city):
• Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo
• Crystal Caves, natural limestone caves
• Flatt’s Village, one of Bermuda’s five main settlements
• Mangrove Lake
• Swizzle Inn (I love their frozen Dark ‘n’ Stormy!)
ST. GEORGE’S:
• Port (cruise ships dock here)
• Bermuda National Trust Museum
• Former U.S. Naval Air Station, Lighthouse Hill, the Natural Arches
• Tucker’s Town, one of Bermuda’s five main settlements
• King’s Square in St. George’s, designated World Heritage Site
• Forts surrounding St. George’s
• St. Peter’s Church (1617), oldest Anglican Church in the Western Hemisphere
Yes, that’s a lot of information which is why it’s helpful to work with a travel advisor to plan your vacation.
When to Go & What to Do
This handy chart from the Bermuda Tourism Authority will give you an idea of when to go and for which activity. Bermuda is most popular during the late Spring and Summer but depending upon your desired activities, you can go and enjoy year-round, especially if golf and/or tennis are on your list.
Believe it or not, as I’m typing on this mid-January day, it’s 11 degrees in my town (New York City metro area) and 66 degrees in Bermuda – perfect for outdoor activities!
If you golf, play tennis, sail, fish and/or love everything British, Bermuda needs to be at the top of your travel bucket list.
Where to Stay
While I went to Bermuda last on a couple’s trip, Bermuda is an ideal family beach vacation. Matching my clients to the best resort on the island is part of what I love to do. And as I mentioned previously, booking through a travel advisor to get the valuable perks and upgrades is key! Think VIP upgrades, breakfast daily, resort credit, and more depending upon the resort.
Rosewood Bermuda – Only four miles from the airport and recently renovated, Rosewood Bermuda is the centerpiece of Tucker’s Point Club, Bermuda’s premier resort, golf club, and residential community. Gracing 240 beautiful coastal acres on the island, the award-winning tropical hideaway neighbors the estates of Tucker’s Town and offers breathtaking vistas of the ocean and sound. With 88 rooms and suites, guests feel they are part of an elite club, with access to private pink-sand beaches, as well as the island’s finest amenities. They can golf, sail the ocean blue, dive to shipwrecks, play a friendly game of tennis, or “spa” to their heart’s delight within this well-appointed setting.
Fairmont Southampton – Currently under renovation and reopening this year, the Fairmont Southampton is ideal for families with younger children and multi-generational vacations. The hotel offers a game room, children’s programs, a spacious toddler playroom with slides, toys, and more to keep them busy. For adults, golfers adore the Turtle Hill Golf Club overlooking the South Shore. Those searching for relaxation flock to the Willow Stream Spa, while more active people head for the shores to go snorkeling or scuba diving at the private pink-sand beach. Enjoy the added perk of the complimentary ferry that will take you into town to enjoy the shops, restaurants, and nightlife of downtown Hamilton.
Cambridge Beaches – Adults-only and tucked away on a 23-acre private peninsula, Cambridge Beaches is a pink cottage, a beach-side paradise that’s ideal for couples! This resort is where I stayed in 2019, and it was low-key nirvana. You’ll explore the private beaches and coves, relax by the infinity pool, and dine like royalty in their three waterfront restaurants. The sunsets are truly amazing!! Upon arrival, I was upgraded to an incredible cottage with a million-dollar view of a small marina and enjoyed breakfast daily due to my VIP perks. Yes, you can get those benefits too 😊
Feast Your Eyes
My iPhone photos from Bermuda are eye-candy. Don’t you agree? I think I’ll book a trip now… I can work anywhere (perks of the job). Join me!!
Inspired? If you’re thinking about a bucket list trip to Bermuda, here’s the link to schedule a chat with me www.hiddengemtravelconsulting.com/contact
💎 Hidden Gem Tip: Follow my Facebook/Instagram pages this week for more travel inspiration: www.facebook.com/hiddengemtravelconsulting or Instagram: www.instagram.com/hidden.gem.travel
Wishing you and your family continued good health,
Susan
