The Colors of Bermuda

From New York to Bermuda in just 90 minutes, wheels up, wheels down.

From concrete jungle to cascades of greens and blues, pink sand horizons, curative sun, just like that. Bermuda, a semi-tropical paradise exuding British charm. So close, yet you feel worlds away.

Bermuda. Illustrious, seemingly undiscovered—misunderstood, even. This is not the Caribbean. This is the Hamptons meets Miami, with a British twist. The climate is mild—agreeably warm in the summer months, a pleasant 60 degrees even in the winter. There is reason to visit all year long. Go for the colors alone. The sensational turquoise—to behold this hue is to feel grateful for the day. The rows of colorful homes, painted in bright yellows, greens, pinks, and purples. These colors evoke joy and vitality. This is a place that celebrates life, where each day feels special and worth treasuring.

Come golfer and boater, foodies and families. Bermuda has something for everyone: romance, culture, beach life and more.  And the food, oh the food! The island’s restaurant scene is diverse and vibrant, with high caliber culinary talent serving up the unique and familiar in spectacular settings. Hotel restaurants are open to the community, so the locals eat alongside guests. This dining arrangement is a metaphor for the harmonious ethos of the entire territory. Bermuda is one very happy place.

We stayed at Fairmont Southampton, a beach resort perched on 100 acres on Bermuda’s south shore. The beautiful and grand building sits on top of a hill, affording spectacular views. It has 593 spacious rooms – the largest on the island – yet it cultivates a feeling of home. We admired the walk-in closets and warm creams and coral that make up the room’s décor before stepping onto our balcony which overlooks the sea. We sipped the Dark and Stormy cocktail that was waiting for us in our room, a tribute to the island’s signature ginger beer and rum, and again beheld the colors of beach and sky.

That evening, we dined on property, reveling in live music and toasting the night with the island’s other signature drink, the Rum Swizzle.

Breakfast, a lavish affair with decadent spreads, was enjoyed in Windows on the Sound, an elegant restaurant overlooking the property’s lush gardens. We were at the beach in minutes. We walked along the smooth sand to nearby Horseshoe Bay, regarded as one of the world’s best beaches.

You could spend your days relaxing on the picturesque sand, perhaps at Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa, a luxurious and award-wining adult-only property with refined service and a variety of accommodations to choose from. Cambridge Beaches epitomizes Bermuda’s approach to hospitality by visually tracking their return guests on a large wall in the lobby (pictured below).

For a boutique beachfront retreat, it’s The Reefs on the island’s south shore. Named number one in the region by Conde Nast Traveler, it is elegant, peaceful, and pristine.  Guest rooms overlook cliffs and ocean, greens and blues—the perfect setting for a wedding or another important celebration. Your only problem (a wonderful problem to have): Guests won’t want to leave.

In lieu of the beach, how about some golf at courses regarded as some of the most beautiful in the world, including the Fairmont’s 18-hole par-3 championship Turtle Hill Golf Club. Or visit Rosewood Tucker’s Point, a sophisticated and welcoming resort overlooking Castle Harbor, just minutes away from the links at Tucker’s Point Golf Club.

For the curious and the architectural aficionados, there are the caves at Grotto Bay Beach resort, the island’s only all-inclusive experience. One of the caves is a full-service spa, the other a freshwater swimming pool.

For culture and history, explore the Royal Navy Dockyard, built in the early 19th century. Visit the National Museum, the local boutiques and food shops, or even swim with dolphins at Dolphin Quest. We sampled local delicacies, like rum cakes, artisan jellies and Wahoo, a sweet fish that tastes similar to albacore.

At the western end of Bermuda, tour Fort Scaur, built in the 1870s to protect Bermuda from possible attack. Now its surrounding acres are comprised of lovely hiking trails and picnic areas. In Western Sandy parish, stop by Heydon Trust Park, one of the island’s largest. It is home to a storybook white chapel, the oldest and smallest church on the island, which offers nondenominational services and is available for weddings.

As you adventure, pause at any time to take in the views. They are guaranteed to be spectacular, no matter what side of the island you’re exploring. But for a new perspective, brave the climb up Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse and take in panoramic views of the whole territory.

Couples, take a walk through a Bermuda Moongate—practically guaranteed to bring good luck to your romance. Legend has it that a sea captain brought the first Moongate over from a Chinese garden in 1860. Now there are about 40 of these circular gateways sprinkled about, as much a symbol for Bermuda itself as a talisman for romance.

From the beach to the “city.” Visit Hamilton, the territory’s capital and financial hub. Tour the restaurants and shops, and visit Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, a Fairmont property set on Hamilton Harbour and Bermuda’s take on the urban stay. Fondly nicknamed “The Pink Palace,” the sleek property melds history and modernity. The owners’ private art collection adorns guest rooms and common areas, and the entire space feels inviting and chic. Here you can dine at Marcus, by celebrated Top Chef Marcus Samuelsson, well-known for Red Rooster, his award-winning venture in Harlem, New York. Hamilton Princess is also the official host hotel for the 35th America’s Cup, coming to Bermuda in 2017 and bringing more excitement and vibrancy to this enchanting destination.

For dinner, be sure to try Café Lido at Elbow Beach, a luxurious beachfront resort set on pink sand and lush garden, the epitome of modern luxury.  This fine-dining restaurant emphasizes Mediterranean flavors and local seafood. We enjoyed Porcini Mushrooms Crusted Sea Bass as we took in panoramic views of the ocean. The sea looked like a painting.

We spent our last afternoon revitalizing at Fairmont’s spa. We relished a massage with ginger oil, a dip in the spa’s private pool and a visit to the Eucalyptus steam room. Then, our final meal at the historic Waterlot Inn, an esteemed steakhouse on the hotel’s property, where we dined in the private Wine Cellar. We reflected: What was it about this place that we found so enchanting? How could a place so well-known surprise? Is it its versatility, or that the colors of Bermuda astound newcomers and serial visitors alike, no matter how many times you have been there? Bermuda is a place you cannot grow tired of, a place you will miss before your returning plane’s wheels lift up, because you know there is still more to uncover.

Looking to plan an unforgettable travel experience? Contact The Accomplished Traveler today at 212.586.2020.