From the airplane window, a vast expanse of pink sand and turquoise water stretches out below, evoking the thought that if paradise exists on Earth, it probably resembles the enchanting island of Bermuda. This notion isn’t entirely novel. In fact, more than a century ago, Mark Twain remarked, “You can go to heaven if you wish, but I’d rather remain right here in beautiful Bermuda.”
From Northern Virginia, you can reach paradise in about three hours, on a nonstop flight on BermudAir or American Airlines. Upon arrival, visitors step off the plane onto a narrow archipelago surrounded by endless blue sea. A deep breath of the salty air and a rum swizzle cocktail, Bermuda’s national drink, will set the tone for a heavenly escape.
A taxi ride across the causeway winds through a maze of narrow roads before reaching the hotels, possibly in time for tea. This tradition has its roots in the 17th century when English settlers first arrived on the island. Today, Bermuda is a self-governing British territory of approximately 65,000 people who embrace maritime culture.
Where to Stay
Situated 650 miles off the coast of North Carolina, this clean and safe island offers a diverse range of luxurious lodgings, from all-inclusive resorts to charming guest cottages. Many of these accommodations boast private beaches and waterfront dining.
The Reefs Resort & Club welcomed its first guests in 1947 and is beloved by solo travelers, couples, and families. The pastel pink hotel sits on a cliff above a secluded stretch of sand and sea. A private spa, infinity pool, tennis courts, and pickleball are a few of the attractions. Guests can use the complimentary paddleboards and kayaks to explore inlets and enjoy dinner on a sandy private beach.
For walkable action, the adults-only Rosedon Hotel in Hamilton is a midcentury luxury boutique hotel steeped in Bermudian heritage and history. The colonial manor house has 30 rooms and suites, a gracious lawn, and a heated pool. Founded in 1954, the family-owned hotel’s recent renovations lend a chic vibe. The location offers easy access to restaurants, art galleries, historic sites, sightseeing boats, and shops in Hamilton.
Pompano Beach Club is a family-friendly resort with a private beach in a peaceful cove. Accommodations include spacious suites with patios and oceanfront townhouses. The resort’s delicious buffets offer choices that satisfy both kids and adults.
Top Tours
Visitors aren’t allowed to rent cars, but there are taxis and buses to help you get around. Also available to rent are scooters, electric microcars, and go-cart style vehicles called Tazzari. Remember to drive them British-style, on the left side of the road.
A delightful way to see Bermuda is on a tour or boat ride. Hop aboard a sunset catamaran cruise or taste Bermuda’s classic dishes on a food tour. For those who enjoy cycling, the Railway Trail traverses the entire island. (There are some busy intersections to cross.) Bike rentals are available at several beaches and at the Royal Naval Dockyard.
Blue Sky Flights, a small-plane sightseeing tour agency, debuted recently and provides bird’s-eye views of the island nation. Go down under and explore Bermuda’s Crystal Caves on a guided tour. Ever dreamed of a horseback ride on the beach? Watson’s Performance & Trail Horses offers a 90-minute trot along the beach and nature trails. For the best sunset views, visit Gibbs Hill Lighthouse.
For a glimpse of Bermuda’s storied history dating from the 1600s through World War II, tour Fort St. Catherine Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The huge fortress is fortified with a drawbridge and ramparts overlooking St. Catherine’s Beach.
History and Culture
The first people to live in Bermuda were British subjects on their way to Virginia’s Jamestown in 1609. After their flotilla of ships crashed on a reef, survivors founded a settlement called the Town of St. George on the northeastern tip of Bermuda.
St. George is the oldest continuously occupied English town in the western hemisphere. The alleyways are flanked by white-roofed colonial buildings constructed in the 1600s. Walk around King’s Square to see the 400-year-old State House and St. Peter’s Church with photos of a young Queen Elizabeth visiting her subjects in 1953.
Bermuda has always served as a vital refueling stop for ships crossing the Atlantic Ocean between Europe and North America. In 1809, the British Royal Navy erected the Royal Naval Dockyard, which now houses a cruise ship port and an entertainment complex featuring art galleries, mini-golf, and the National Museum of Bermuda.
Best Beaches
Bermuda’s public beaches are like stepping into a postcard or a hidden treasure island. Some even have full-service amenities. The most famous is Horseshoe Bay Beach, but it can get a bit crowded with cruise ship passengers. For a spot where the locals hang out, head to Warwick Long Bay. The mile-long shoreline has gentle waves, and from there, visitors can stroll to Jobson’s Cove, a photo-worthy spot with massive boulders on either side.
Snorkelers can dive among the colorful reefs at Church Bay and Tobacco Bay. Families love the nature trails and playground at Clearwater Beach, and the shallow waters of Shelly Bay Beach are perfect for swimming.
Shopping
Bermudian artists find inspiration in the island’s gorgeous landscapes. Alexandra Mosher Studio Jewellery’s pink sand collection and Raw Island Jewels’ gemstone rings evoke the colors of the island. Perfumers at Lili Bermuda create fragrances from local blossoms and fruit trees. The Island Shop sells Bermuda-themed pottery with scenes of candy-colored houses and sailboat racing.
Nothing says Bermuda like those knee-length shorts. Bermudas are a staple on the islands, and at TABS you’ll find them in crisp cotton and bold colors. They’re worn for all occasions (sometimes with a blazer).
Where to Dine
Bermuda’s culinary scene is an amalgam of cultures with strong Caribbean and British influences. Traditional dishes showcase fresh seafood and Bermuda’s signature products, Goslings Black Seal Rum and Outerbridge’s Original Sherry Peppers sauce.
Fish sandwiches are popular all over the island and often served on raisin bread with black rum for dipping. Bermuda fish chowder is a delectable spicy tomato broth with white fish, vegetables, and rum. Spiny lobsters are in season in September and frequently stuffed with crabmeat.
To taste these island favorites, try Woody’s Bar & Restaurant, a casual spot with picnic tables overlooking a quiet cove. White Horse Pub is the oldest tavern on the island, with first-rate lobster and fish chowder. Locals love the Wahoo Nuggets at Wahoo’s Bistro & Patio Restaurant, and many consider Mamma Mia’s fish sandwiches the best on the island.
Hog Penny Pub serves classic British pub food such as cottage pot pies and Sunday roast. Henry VIII Restaurant’s menu includes Indian curries, though it’s best known for sushi. Located in the Rosedon Hotel, try the celebrated farm-to-table Huckleberry Brasserie. It’s a favorite for brunch and high tea. Another fine dining experience popular with visiting celebrities is Barracuda Grill Seafood & Chops off Front Street.
When to Go
Bermuda is expensive, but with the right timing, it’s possible to find bargains. Check out the annual Pink Sale in January and February for up to 35 percent off select hotels. While Bermuda’s winter weather is not ideal for swimming, you can shed your coat for golf, tennis, and hiking. Bermuda has become a popular run-cation thanks to the annual Chubb Bermuda Triangle Challenge in late January. In March and April, everything’s in bloom and humpback whales are migrating. Autumn is a great time, with temperatures hovering in the low 80s; the crowds are gone, and the ocean is warm enough for swimming.
Visit gotobermuda.com for planning help. In addition to flights, there are also cruises that depart from Baltimore on Royal Caribbean and Carnival.
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
This story originally ran in our April Issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
