Bermuda

If island destination is what you are looking for, perhaps you need to look no further than this nature's jewel. Bermuda is a cluster of islands on the north Atlantic with a total area of about 21 square miles. Several islands are joined to the main island with bridges. Being a sub tropical island, the weather is pleasantly warm for most time of the year (April to November) and people are even warmer. 

There are many stunning beaches in the island and some with lovely pink sandy beaches. Snorkeling is excellent from several beaches while nearby reefs offer views of amazing corals and marine life. And there are lovely caves with awesome limestone formations and natural lakes, aquarium, numerous historical sites, museums, churches, historical forts and even nature reserves and parks. 

One of the most popular and photographed of Bermuda’s pink-sand beaches is Horseshoe Bay Beach, which is bordered by rocky areas great for snorkeling. A lifeguard is on duty here from May to September, making this a good choice for families. Tiny Jobson’s Bay Beach is surrounded by jagged, picturesque rocks. Warwick Long Bay boasts Bermuda’s longest stretch of sand, and at West Whale Bay Beach you can see humpback whales in April as they migrate north. If you’re in search of seclusion, head to Astwood Cove.

Bermuda Hotels and Resorts

You’ll find a few different types of accommodations in Bermuda: B&Bs; efficiency units, including cottages, suites and apartments that come with kitchen facilities and are good options for families; small hotels; and resorts that offer fine restaurants, spas, pools and more. Another more unusual option is Bermuda’s collection of cottage colonies, a series of cottages with a central clubhouse for socializing, drinking and dining, plus a pool or beach. Luxury accommodations abound; finding bargains is more of a challenge.

Bermuda Restaurants and Cuisine

The most famous local dish is fish chowder served with a splash of Sherry Pepper sauce. Other traditional dishes include Peas and Plenty (black-eyed peas with onions, salt pork and rice) and Hoppin’ John, another pea and rice dish, which should not be confused with Johnny Bread, which is pan-cooked cornmeal bread. However, you also can find restaurants serving everything from curries to pasta. In addition to restaurants in resort hotels, there are large concentrations of eateries in Hamilton and St. George Town. Wash meals down with a Dark and Stormy, a mix of ginger beer and local Gosling's rum.

Bermuda Culture and History

Settled by the English in 1609, Bermuda became a self-governing colony in 1620. West Indian indentured servants, then slaves from Africa, later arrived. Slavery was abolished in 1834. After the American Revolution, the Royal Navy built a dockyard in Bermuda to guard its Atlantic shipping lanes. In the early twentieth century, Bermuda became a popular destination for rich tourists. Bermuda’s British heritage is found in its architecture; African influences are mainfest in dance and music, especially the Gombeys dancing and drumming troupes.

Bermuda Nightlife

As a general rule, nightlife is not big on Bermuda. Since rental cars are not allowed on the island, many visitors prefer to hang out in their hotel lounges and bars rather than travel via scooter (or take an expensive taxi) at night. However, Hamilton has a number of fun bars, including Hubie’s, which showcases local musical talent. The island also is known for its collection of authentic English pubs, such as the Frog and Onion, Henry VIII, and the George and Dragon.

Although the island is tiny, it offers numerous water and land based activities. You have choices like golfing in some of the word's best courses, horseback riding, kayaking, snorkeling, jet skiing, parasailing, paddle boarding, fishing and lot more. It's a paradise for scuba divers to explore shipwrecks around. 

And there are many operators who offer guided tours - both land based and boating tours. Such tours operate both on groups (on per person rates) as well as on private charters. 

Hamilton City located centrally is the capital of Bermuda. St. George at the eastern end and close to the airport is a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped with history. And Royal Naval Dockyard at the west end is the main cruise port. Most shops, restaurants and bars are located at these places. 

Bermuda never looks crowded. There are no billboards or neon signs, and relatively few cars to spoil the wonderful countryside. The houses with gabled limestone roofs and pastel colors fit in beautifully into Bermuda's landscape. You can get around the island using air-conditioned public buses and ferries. Privately operated taxis and minibuses are also popular transports in the island.