Less than a 2 hour flight from the NYC region and you are in PARADISE! Bermuda makes the perfect year round getaway for people who want to escape from the stress of everyday life. This was my fifth trip to Bermuda and what never ceases to amaze me is the gorgeous aqua blue waters that surround the island, the kind and friendly Bermudian people, the cleanliness of the island, the lush gardens and foliage, the wonderful weather and, of course, their phenomenal beaches.
I was invited to Bermuda by the Bermuda Tourism Department as a thank you for completing their Destination Specialist Program. Although, I visited in mid March, part of Golf and Spa Season, the pools were open and in use. The weather was 70 degrees during the day, compared to the 40’s that I left in NJ. It was a bit cooler in the evening- nothing more a light jacket or sweater was needed.
Bermuda is a British colony but their currency is based on the US $ which means greater value for American tourists. You can find British china and linens at very good prices and since there is no sales tax, even French perfume and make up that you would find back home is a relative bargain.
Bermuda has the reputation of being expensive but the average price of a dinner runs about the same as dinner in a good New York City restaurant, which is pretty comparable to most Caribbean islands. With over 150 restaurants on the island, and not one fast food restaurant, Bermuda is a true culinary treat. Seafood is a definite specialty, including fish chowder, fish cakes and Bermudian lobster. From the restaurants on Front Street in downtown Hamilton to the meals at the hotels, I thoroughly enjoyed the food.
Bermuda has some of the most wonderful beaches in the world but Horseshoe Bay is my favorite. Although the sand is only sprinkled with pink flecks and isn’t truly pink, it is soft and powdery under your feet. Church Bay, Tobacco Bay and Warwick Long Bay are less crowded but equally as fabulous. In addition to relaxing on the beach, snorkeling, scuba and snuba are available. Each of the beachfront hotels has their own water sports hut offering kayaks, wind surfers and paddleboats. Sailing is a popular sport because of the mild weather and challenging and unpredictable winds. The dolphins are back, just at a new location- at the Royal Dock Yard on the western tip of the island. If you are visiting in the summer when the cruise ships are due in, it is best to make your reservations in advance.
Golf is one of the more popular pastimes in Bermuda with 8 courses on the island. Mid Ocean is considered by many to be the best of the courses with killer holes overlooking the water and with lush rolling hills. Although Port Royal is closed for renovation, when my husband played there he was mesmerized by the sheer beauty of the location. This public course is a bit less expensive than some of the private ones. Most of the hotels can arrange for tee times in advance for many of the island’s courses.
Bermuda is fast becoming a mecca for fabulous spas. Three resorts that I visited have sensational spas- Cambridge Beaches, Elbow Beach and the Fairmont Southampton. These deluxe spas offer every treatment you can think of including couples treatments, for the ultimate in romance.
Whether you are looking to relax on pink sand beaches, golf at world class courses, rejuvenate your body and soul with spa treatments, shop ‘til you drop, dine in great restaurants or just want a fast getaway to a gorgeous destination, Bermuda may fit the bill. For questions, please email me at mindy@myvacationlady.com.
