With its pink sands and golden sunsets, Bermuda is one of the world’s truly undiscovered treasures. What’s more, this island paradise, which is only 21 miles long and lies in the middle of the North Atlantic, will play host to the 35th America’s Cup next summer after seeing off stiff competition from New York and San Francisco.
So, what better time to arrange a combined visit to see the world’s elite sailors up close and discover Bermuda’s enchanted shores?
With its mix of British, American, and Afro-Caribbean culture, history and tradition, Bermuda makes for a culturally rich holiday destination.
But given its proximity to the US East Coast and the key role it played in American, it also has a strong American influence.
Aside from its immediate charm, Bermuda also has some well-kept secrets including old smugglers’ coves, underground caves, and wild nature trails just waiting to be discovered.
Places to visit
The capital Hamilton is a good base to explore the rest of the island with its array of art galleries, parks, and cathedrals.
Among the pick is the splendid Bermuda National Gallery at City Hall & Arts Centre, Sessions House, where the House of Assembly sits, and Fort Hamilton, from where you can get the best views of the city.
Outside the city, the Botanical Gardens offer some respite from the hustle and bustle of the capital. Within its grounds, Camden House, the official residence of Bermuda’s Premier, and the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art, home to more than 1,200 exhibits, are also well worth a visit.
St George’s, in the island’s far east, is a UNESCO World Heritage steeped in old-world charm with its narrow streets and alleyways scattered with quaint old souvenir shops.
On the western side, the Royal Naval Dockyard is dominated by the imposing House, while the impressive Museum of Bermuda and Dockyard Glassworks are other must-sees.
For a panoramic view of the island, head to the top of Gibbs Hill Lighthouse in Southampton Parish.
Activities and attractions
Given its location, sailing is the sport of choice in Bermuda. To get on the water, the Royal Bermuda Yacht runs sailing courses from £110 per person.
With one of the highest concentrations of golf courses per square mile in the world, there’s a different course to play every day of the week.
Port Royal Golf in Southampton is the island’s official PGA when it was last played in Bermuda, but the Mid-Ocean Golf Club in Tucker’s Town and Tucker’s Point Golf Club are excellent alternatives.
Hidden Gems runs various adventure activities including a trek through Tom Moore’s Jungle to explore caves, cave swimming, and cliff-jumping. Tours start at £113 per person.
For the gentler pursuit of bird watching, the 34-acre Spittal Pond Nature Reserve in Smith’s Parish is a great place to ramble with its woodland trails and pond that’s home to a vast selection of migratory birds.
After an exhausting day, it’s time to hit the beach. There are no fewer than 34 to choose from, the pick of which is Horseshoe Bay in Southampton.