Bermuda Holidays

Imagine if Britain was made up of pink-sand beaches, coral reefs, fabulous golf courses, pretty houses picked out in fetching pastel shades, sunlit waterways and channels, reliable summer temperatures well into the 80s Fahrenheit, the briefest of mild winters – all rounded off with cricket, pubs and afternoon tea. Well, it exists and can be found 600 miles off the coast of Florida. No prizes for guessing where we’re leading! . . .

 

A unique amalgam of long colonial rule, American trade and African resonances, stylish Bermuda is serene, sedate and sporting. Just buy a pair of those famous shorts – and relax. If you want to travel at more than 20 mph best hire a windsurfer!

 

Island Adventure                         

Take a ride on the wild side with an around-Bermuda catamaran trip along the island’s beautiful coastline. Watch the wind billow through your sails, while surrounded by glistening crystal-clear waters, an ideal way to enjoy the scenery with a leisurely cruise.

 

Gourmet Cuisine & Dining Out

Nowhere is far from anywhere else on Bermuda – and that goes for the hotels and restaurant choices too. There’s no excuse for not enjoying Bermuda’s quality dining-out options; from chic international cuisine in lavishly appointed restaurants to island cuisine; a reflection of its blended heritage and coastal access to premier local seafood such as the angelfish, wahoo and ubiquitous rockfish.  Traditional dishes include Peas and Plenty (black-eyes peas with onions, salt pork and sometimes rice), Hoppin’ John (peas and rice) and Pawpaw Casserole, and, of course, Bermuda Fish Chowder (traditionally served with a splash of Sherry Pepper sauce).

 

World's Best Scuba Dive Sites

10 or more great sites – including famous wrecks (the Constellation and Cristobal Colon among them) and the South West Hole (featured in the film The Deep) and Tarpon Hole.

 

World-Class Golf Courses

With eight golf courses, Bermuda claims to have more golf courses per square mile than any other country in the world. There are holes everywhere!  Golfers have always been drawn to the island’s gorgeous scenery, highly agreeable climate and sophisticated array of before – and after-game activities.  But the greatest enticement is the eight championship courses and stunning golf academy. Conceived by some of the game’s most renowned course designers, each offers a stunning array of challenges and spectacular ocean vistas.  Better still, they are open for play year-round. Fore!

 

Family Holidays

Bermuda’s an ideal choice for families, thanks to its safe beaches and environment and many hotels where children are welcomed.

 

Bermuda’s magic derives from its perfect fusion of pink beaches, blue seas, long warm summers, eventful history, picturesque architecture, superb sports, delicious cuisine and a polished old-fashioned charm . . . There’s much to see and do – or every excuse to just relax!

 

 

WHAT TO SEE

 

Beaches

Bermuda famous pink-sand beaches and turquoise waters are at their best along the much-photographed South Shore, with Warwick Park, Warwick Long Bay and Horseshoe Bay forming a mile-long coastal park. Dozens of coves and bays along the way offer protected swimming and snorkelling. The mile-long Elbow Beach and John Smith’s Bay are favourites for locals and visitors alike – and there are numerous small beaches scattered elsewhere around the island.

 

Hamilton

The elegant old buildings of little Hamilton, Bermuda's capital, are a delight. Look out for the Cabinet Building and the Sessions House. Front Street is the heart of ‘downtown’ Hamilton and runs along the water's edge. Visit the ramparts of the restored 19th-century Fort Hamilton for a spectacular view. And take a ferry trip around Hamilton Harbour, or a longer cruise through the Great Sound to the west.

 

Fort Scaur

A perfect spot to picnic, swim and take in the panorama of the picturesque Great Sound.

 

The Town of St George

Bermuda's quaint original capital (dating from 1612) enjoys UNESCO World Heritage status. Its narrow winding lanes and historic landmarks seem little changed over three centuries.

 

Gates Fort

Gates Fort built in the early 17^th century on a promontory overlooking Town Cut and the sea, and delivering a superb view of the ocean and harbour.

 

Fort St Catherine

Largest and one of the most historic of the island's fortifications, built in 1614.

 

Bermudian Heritage Museum

See the history of Bermuda's people come to life at this fascinating cultural centre in the town of St George.

 

Bermuda Maritime Museum

The grand buildings of the Keep fortress, guarding the sprawling Royal Naval Dockyard, house a host of maritime, social and military exhibits, including historic vessels. Most popular attraction is Dolphin Quest - a chance to get into the water and touch, play with, and swim alongside dolphins.

 

Gibbs' Hill Lighthouse

Enjoy the best island view from this Southampton parish landmark.

 

Botanical Gardens

This impressive 36-acre haven is the best place to enjoy and identify the Bermuda’s glorious subtropical plants, flowers and trees.

 

Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo

A diver's view of Bermuda's living coral reefs and colorful marine life, wildlife from Caribbean and Australasian islands, a close-up look at alligators, Galapagos tortoises and more!

 

Somerset Bridge & Village

Keep your eyes peeled or you’ll miss this, the world’s smallest drawbridge. This charming little Somerset Village looks much as it did when it featured in the 1962 film A Touch of Mink with Doris Day and Cary Grant.

 

Crystal Caves

Explore spectacular stalactite formations in a vast 120 ft deep cavern made up of sprawling underground systems and crystalline tidal pools.

 

WHAT TO DO         

 

Sports

Bermuda does the sports-lover proud on both water and land. Snorkelling and scuba-diving opportunities are excellent – visibility underwater is often as much as 200 ft - and endless. Kayaking, windsurfing, parasailing and waterskiing are widely available – and romantics can sail away on a small sunfish across the calm waters near the Paget and Warwick side of the harbour. Bermuda is a leading venue for shore, reef and deep-sea fishing (the best time is May – November, when something is always biting). Take in a round of golf in fabulous sunlit settings at one of eight island courses. Tennis is a favourite at most resorts and horse riding is another popular pursuit. See At a Glance section for more information on scuba-diving and golf.

 

Shopping

Imported luxury goods are Bermuda best buys – there’s no sales tax - while Bermuda-made items include handicrafts, pottery, cedar-ware and rum. Bathing suits, sports clothes, straw hats and, of course, Bermuda shorts, are other good buys.

 

Nightlife

In the long summer season Hamilton, the East End, the West End and resorts have bars, pubs and clubs that between them offer after-dinner entertainment and dancing ready to keep you going until late. Hamilton especially offers plenty of nightlife with discos, sports bars and intimate jazz clubs. The mood is distinctly quieter during the winter months.

 

Despite Bermuda’s modest scale, the island’s calendar of events is both large and impressive - topped by three international showcases featuring music, food and rugby. Below is just a taste of what to expect. There are many more events set to happen, on both land and water.

 

January

Opening of the six-week Bermuda Festival of the performing arts - bringing the finest classical music, ballet, dance, gospel and jazz to a number of venues.

 

March

The mid-month Bermuda Film Festival presents independent films from around the world. Then from screen to green with the Bermuda Travel + Leisure Golf Players Championship tournament contested over three top island courses.

 

May

May 24 is both Bermuda Day and Junkanoo carnival time when music, dancing, singing, music and drinks are the order of the day. During the month of May see a number of fine island homes and gardens open to the public – Wednesday only.

 

June

Sailing enthusiasts will know that the Blue Water Cruising Race from Massachusetts to Bermuda takes place bi-annually in odd-numbered years. June also see the Bermuda International Invitational Golf Tournament.

 

July

Bermuda’s Soca Festival is a lively Caribbean musical event celebrated here in late-July or early-August.

 

August

Bermuda’s Reggae Sunsplash hits the island this month. August is also the time of the time-honoured Cricket Cup match between the St George’s and Somerset Cricket Clubs (a two-day public holiday).

 

September

Bermuda’s Grand Prix cycle race brings some of the world’s best cyclists to its sunlit byways.

 

October

The Bermuda Music Festival showcases an impressive array of local and international performers on an overwater stage at the Royal Navy Dockyard. Then it’s the turn of the Bermuda Culinary Arts Festival, with wine seminars, cooking demonstrations and gourmet food tasting hosted by celebrity chefs. The PGA Grand Slam of Golf, the season-ending showcase featuring golf’s biggest names, is also to be held here mid-month.

 

November

Early-November brings the Bermuda Tattoo and its grand finale of fireworks. It’s also the time of the World Rugby Classic, when ex-international players represent their country in a high-class competition.