It hasn’t been easy to reach the pink sand beaches, mysterious shipwrecks, and azure waters of Bermuda, a small island in the Atlantic Ocean with an area of just 21 square miles. Now, thanks to new nonstop flights from Reagan National on American and Baltimore-Washington International on BermudAir you can have a rum swizzle, Bermuda’s national drink, in your hand by lunch.
Bermuda has been waiting for this moment, too. For one, the country opened a shiny new airport terminal in late 2020 (entirely replacing the former air terminal). Bermuda has been quietly upgrading the island’s hotel scene, opening a brand new St. Regis in May 2021, the island’s first Marriott property, and completing a makeover of the Cambridge Beaches Resort in July 2022.
Last summer, the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club debuted a new art deco–style restaurant. The resort also added to its impressive art collection. The works guests see include those of Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Andy Warhol. The Fairmont Southampton, which shuttered in 2020, recently kicked off a large-scale renovation. The plan is to reopen this luxury hotel in late 2025.
Here’s what to see and do in this island paradise that’s now oh so easy to reach:
Hit the Beaches
The beautiful pink sand beaches of Bermuda are largely set on the island’s South Shore, including Horseshoe Bay Beach and Southlands Beach. Some hotels, like the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, are close to shopping on Front Street, but have resort beaches with cabanas and tiki bars that are reachable by the hotel’s jitney shuttle.
Try the Fish
As an island destination, it’s to be expected that there are delicious fish dishes in Bermuda — and are there ever. A curious, yet delicious, fish sandwich you absolutely must sample is Woody’s Famous Fish Sandwich at Woody’s Restaurant. It’s cheese, coleslaw, and tartar sauce, all on lightly toasted raisin bread (yes, raisin bread). Another must-try is lionfish, an invasive species that can be fished and made into a lionfish ceviche, which can be found at Lost in the Triangle, a seafood spot.
Explore the Caves
Bermuda is known for its natural caves with crystal-clear saltwater pools, like Crystal Cave and Fantasy Cave. These underground attractions are stunning, even boasting impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Grotto Bay Beach Resort is home to two caves, including Cathedral Cave, which is open daily for swimming. The second cave, Prospero’s Cave, is home to a spa.
Brush Up on the Bermuda Triangle
Get schooled about the infamous Bermuda Triangle. The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute has an exhibit within its Ocean Discovery Centre called Bermuda Triangle: Unlock the Secrets. Here you can dig into one of life’s biggest mysteries. At Albuoy’s Point, a plaque marks the northern point of the Bermuda Triangle, which connects with Miami and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
See the Churches
Bermuda is a place to see both finished churches and unfinished churches, including one church – aptly named Unfinished Church – that dates to the late 1800s. This neo-Gothic church, with its dramatic arches and slender columns, was never completed and the ruins serve as a popular island attraction, even as a venue for weddings. The Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity is widely known for its views across the island from the top of the cathedral’s tower.
Go Snorkeling or Diving
More than 300 shipwrecks are said to be scattered off the shores of Bermuda, making snorkeling and diving popular island activities. These sunken treasures have given Bermuda claim to the title of “Shipwreck Capital of the Atlantic Ocean.” Go snorkeling off the beach or venture out to the reefs and wrecks with an outfitter like Dive Bermuda.
Feature image by Erin Gifford
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