Located a short flight from the East Coast of the US, a trip to Bermuda is a no-brainer for Americans looking for idyllic getaways of sun, sand, and sea.
Though technically not in the Caribbean, this British Overseas Territory has the same cultural roots, island flavors, and powdery sands as its Caribbean counterparts.
So, if you’re looking for a safe place to travel or you’ve always longed to visit this jewel of the Atlantic, now is your chance to have a true island experience close to home.
Here’s how to enjoy three days on the island.
Day 1 – Beaches and water
No trip to Bermuda would be complete without enjoying any of its stunning pink-sand beaches.
Hear gentle waves ripple over the pink shores of Elbow Bay Beach, Warwick Long Bay Beach, or Horseshoe Bay Beach, one of the most photographed places in all of Bermuda.
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Sail to smaller islands within the archipelago with companies like Sail Bermuda and experience crystal clear waters and centuries-old traditions in one of the world’s sailing capitals.
Bermuda is also a renowned diving destination due to its proximity to deep water and the prevalence of more than 300 shipwrecks, which offer many points of interest under the sea.
Day 2 – Hamilton and St. George
Learn about the history, culture, and cuisine of the island by exploring its two major cities, Hamilton and St. George.
Hamilton, the capital of Bermuda, is the government and business center of the island with beautiful pastel-colored buildings, a marina, and a waterfront promenade filled with upscale boutiques and restaurants.
St. George, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the historical center of the island and was one of the first English settlements in North America, second only to Jamestown, Virginia.
Full of history, color, and charm, St. George has many delightful places to discover outside of its well-preserved historical attractions.
Peruse cedar-scented perfumes at Lili Bermuda Perfumery, and admire the words of empowering women of color at Long Story Short bookstore, both of which are wonderful places to bring home a few mementos from your trip to Bermuda.
African Heritage Diaspora Trail
Even though Bermuda has a majority Black population, the contributions of Black people to the island’s history have not always been highlighted. Created in 2001 as part of the UNESCO Slave Route Project, the African Heritage Diaspora Trail pays homage to the island’s African ancestry with 13 historical sites located across Bermuda.
Notable sites include Cobbs Hill Methodist Church, the island’s first Black church, which was built by slaves in 1827, and the Bermuda Heritage Museum, which honors the contributions of Black Bermudians to the island.
While you can visit the Heritage Trail on your own, for a more comprehensive experience, join a scheduled (or private) tour, such as those offered by Bermuda Island Tours.
The Gombey Dance
Dating back to the 1600s, the iconic Gombey Dance is a delicate masquerade of colorful dancing and drumming that is derived from the few times per year that slaves were allowed to dance.
During summertime, catch a Gombey performance on Wednesdays in Hamilton during Harbour Nights and on Tuesdays in St. George during Market Nights.
Bermudian Food
Did you know that the island of Bermuda is shaped like a fish hook? This means Bermuda undoubtedly has some ‘reel’ good seafood!
Though the toppings may vary from ‘Bermuda’ onions to different types of cheese, the main ingredients of Bermuda’s fried fish sandwich are fried cod with tartar sauce on raisin bread or wheat bread. One of the best places to try the famous sandwich is Art Mel’s Spicy Dicy.
Other unique Bermudian foods are the codfish breakfast and Bermuda fish chowder, the island’s national dish. Bermuda also has a national drink, Rum Swizzle, which originated in the 1900s in Bermuda’s oldest pub, The Swizzle Inn.
Day 3 – Natural attractions
Take in the beauty of Bermuda’s natural wonders.
Crystal and Fantasy Caves
Among Bermuda’s top tourist attractions are Crystal and Fantasy Caves, two proximate caverns near Castle Harbour with spectacular limestone stalactite and stalagmite formations and subterranean waterways that flow into the ocean.
Though you can’t swim in these caves, you can swim at nearby Walsingham Nature Reserve and Blue Hole Park, a 12-acre mangrove forest with its own caves, pools, and underground tunnels.
Perhaps, the most extravagant cave activity you can do is the Serenity Cave Experience at Grotto Bay’s Natura Cave Spa. The natural sound of dripping water and the calming sight of aquamarine pools and hanging stalactites create a spa atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.
Cross-island Railway Trail
There are very few islands in the world that you can bike or walk across in a day. Bermuda is one of them!
Biking along Bermuda’s 18-mile Cross-island Railway Trail is an exciting way to tour the island and discover its rugged coastline and off-the-beaten path places. Pedego Tours offers electric bicycle rentals and a variety of bicycle tours to different parts of the island, including along the Cross-island Railway Trail.
Where to stay in Bermuda
While you can opt for a vacation rental, staying in a hotel can certainly make your trip to Bermuda more convenient, due to amenities such as beach clubs and taxi services.
Given its size, getting around Bermuda is not very difficult to explore. However, since there are no rideshare services in Bermuda, and foreigners cannot rent conventional cars, you’ll need to use a professional driver or take public transportation. Alternatively, you can opt to rent from Bermuda’s fleet of electric rental vehicles.
Regardless of how you get around, book a room in one of these four fabulous properties to elevate your stay.
In Hamilton
With a fantastic waterfront location in the heart of Hamilton, the Hamilton Princess and Beach Club is one of the island’s most historic addresses, first opening in 1885. Recently undergoing renovation in 2016, the hotel has completed many updates, including its 150+ rooms, and has added a number of onsite amenities such as a new infinity pool, new spa, high-end retail shops, and two new restaurants.
In Castle Harbour
Located on 240 acres in Tucker’s Point Club on 240 acres, Rosewood Bermuda is perhaps the island’s most exclusive property. The resort boasts an 18-hole golf course, 88 luxury guest rooms and suites, and the island’s largest private pink-sand beach. Rosewood’s Relax at Sense spa is the epitome of spa luxury, offering a relaxing reflecting pool and the signature full-body Cedar Warming Massage, which utilizes essential oils from Bermuda’s iconic cedar trees.
In Smith’s Parish
Recent years have brought a number of high-end resorts to the island, including The Loren, which is reminiscent of the contemporary vibe you’d find on Miami’s South Beach. This luxury resort features 45 modern spacious suites, villas, and residences with private terraces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and marble bathrooms with walk-in rain showers. The hotel also has two outdoor heated pools and endless ocean views, given its close proximity to the gorgeous Pink Beach.
In St. George
One of the few luxury resorts in the East End, the newly opened St. Regis Bermuda is only a few steps from St. Catherine’s Beach. The resort has its own golf course, two outdoor pools, and a luxury spa housed in a former fort. Each of the resort’s 120 luxury rooms contains luxury decor and marble bathrooms with rain showers and large soaking tubs.
Have you taken a trip to Bermuda? How was your experience?
