Good things come in small packages, and Bermuda is no exception. The island feels like it’s been edited down to the best Paradise has to offer. From the pink sand beaches to the gorgeous limestone cliffs, and you’ll be able to tour every inch.
The air, the land and the waters of Bermuda are teeming with beauty year-round. Hear the song of the tree frogs while you take in the fragrance of a Bermudiana blossom bursting with colour. You’ll hardly believe your senses.
Located just two hours by air from most U.S. East Coast gateways, Bermuda is the ultimate, nearby island escape. Home to award-winning accommodations and a range of activities for all types of travelers, Bermuda offers “so much more” than just pretty beaches. A rich array of distinctive arts, cultural, historic and culinary experiences await on this jewel of the Atlantic.
Airlines that fly to Bermuda’s L.F. Wade International Airport include: AirTran Airways, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, United Airlines, U.S. Airways, Air Canada, WestJet and British Airways. While there is never a bad time to visit Bermuda, the most direct flights are during the high season, between May to October when the weather is the warmest, ranging between 75°F – 85°F.
So Much to See:
Guests should plan on bringing their golf clubs to hit the links on one of Bermuda’s seven golf courses, bathing suits and sunscreen for sunbathing on the beach, and comfortable walking shoes for exploring the safe island. Despite the inability to rent cars on-island, Bermuda is extremely accessible for tourists through buses, ferries and taxis, allowing visitors to take in the whole island during their trip.
Some of the can’t miss spots include:
Historic Town of St. George, a UNESCO World Heritage site
St. George’s was the Island’s first capital in 1612 and in December 2000 was deemed a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in recognition of their “outstanding universal value.” It’s also the oldest English-speaking colonial town still in existence. Today visitors can experience walking tours, outdoor dining, craft markets, the Bermuda National Trust Museum, the Bermuda Perfumery and St. George’s Historical Society Museum.
Hamilton
A cosmopolitan city with Bermudian flair, the island’s current capital is where tourists and locals alike visit when seeking signature restaurants and thriving nightlife with multiple clubs, bars and outdoor live music. Hamilton is the hub of international and local business on the Island and home to historic buildings, churches, shops, parks, gardens and the Bermuda National Gallery, a world-class museum that showcases art from Bermuda and beyond.
Royal Naval Dockyard
Located on the western tip of the island, the Royal Naval Dockyard includes an abundance of history alongside multiple leisure activities. The Bermuda National Museum is located within the Dockyard Keep, a 19th-century fortress. Shoppers can visit Bermuda Clayworks where local artisans and potters use a converted warehouse as a workshop or the Bermuda Craft Market, the Island’s largest, most extensive craft outlet with more than 60 friendly local artists.
South Shore
With its natural beauty and pink sand beaches, the South Shore is home to some of Bermuda’s best beaches and parks, in addition to some of the island’s best golf courses and resort accommodations. Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse and St. David’s Lighthouse are both over 100 years old and offer breathtaking panoramas from the top balconies.
Off Shore
One of Bermuda’s most alluring attractions is what lies beneath the crystal clear waters. A mecca for watersports lovers, Bermuda is the wreck diving capital of the world and home to over 300 shipwrecks waiting to be explored. Most beaches offer snorkel rentals on site, so visitors can easily slip on a mask and fins and take a peek under the sea. Adventurers looking to stay dry can travel by glass bottom boat to experience the underwater world without getting wet. Additional attractions include kayaking, parasailing, jet skiing and big game fishing.
So Much to Eat:
While fresh local seafood is always a tasty choice, Bermuda also serves an eclectic array of Italian, American, Asian and European-influenced cuisines. Talented local Bermudian chefs, along with culinary artists from around the world, are inspired by the island’s natural wonders and bounty to make dining out an unforgettable experience.
A must for any visitor is the island’s world renowned fish chowder. To get the true flavor of this national treasure, add a dash of Gosling’s Bermuda Black Rum and sherry pepper sauce for some extra zest. Always in demand, Bermuda fish chowder can be found at most restaurants throughout the island.
A trip here wouldn’t be complete without sampling the famed Bermuda Rum Cake. This mouthwatering treat, flavored with Gosling’s Bermuda Black Seal Rum, is locally baked by the Bermuda Rum Cake Company in the Royal Naval Dockyard. Today, cakes even incorporate flavors like chocolate and coconut. These sweet treats can be found island-wide.
So Much to Do:
Cup Match
The island is abuzz each year for the annual Cup Match tournament. Cup Match, a two day celebration, is centered on the cricket match between St. George and Somerset. In addition to the cricket match, the festivities include picnics, camping, concerts and gambling, the only time of the year it is legal in Bermuda. The public holiday, also known as Emancipation Day, marks the anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Bermuda.
PGA Grand Slam of Golf
The PGA Grand Slam of Golf, hosted by Bermuda through 2014, is known as being the most difficult tournament in golf to qualify for as only the winners of the four major championships can compete. Hosted at the famed Port Royal Golf Course, the PGA Grand Slam has the year’s four major winners compete for the title “Champion of Champions.” Recent winners have included Padraig Harrington, Keegan Bradley, and Ernie Els.
Top Hotel Recommendations
From quaint bed and breakfasts to expansive beach resorts, Bermuda offers accommodations for every traveler’s preference. In 2013, Condé Nast Traveler featured four Bermudian hotels on their Gold List, including Pink Beach Club, The Reefs, Rosewood’s Tucker’s Point and Pompano Beach Club. For travelers who need to check in with business back home, most hotels offer Wi-Fi on property.
Vision 2000 highly recommends these Best of the Best Hotels in Bermuda
Fairmont Southampton
Fairmont Hamilton Princess
Elbow Beach Bermuda
Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa
Rosewood Tucker’s Point
If you are interested in exploring all Bermuda has to offer you can start planning your trip by visiting www.gotobermuda.com. Get up-to-date information from Bermuda on Twitter @GoToBermuda or Facebook www.facebook.com/BermudaTourism.