The sun begins to climb — meetings are canceled, your phone is nowhere to be found, and the sound of the ocean lapping echoes in the distance. Welcome to Bermuda, where the culture is rich, the experience is restorative, and the beaches are just a few steps away. There are regular vacations, and then there’s this island — a 90-minute direct flight from the (returning) hustle of New York City. Bermuda is a destination to help you restore, recharge, and reset your brain after a hectic year spent isolated; the ideal place to take a step back into the world.
We gathered everything you’ll want to know before going, from what to eat and which activities to try, to ways to unwind after a year of confinement and stress. Don’t forget to pack your sense of adventure, a bunch of bathing suits, and an open mind.
What to do on Bermuda:
Thrill-seekers, rejoice: Bermuda has a whole range of exciting activities to get your heart pumping. Hike on lush forest trails and explore subterranean caves at Walsingham Nature Reserve, a 12-acre reserve brimming with local animals. The gleaming blue waters are more than a social media snapshot — take a boat ride to a hidden cove and explore a shipwreck, set sail on the Atlantic, or embark on a sunset voyage through the Great Sound. If you need even more excitement, fire up your wild side while parasailing over Bermuda’s beaches.
More Activities to Enjoy:
• Enjoy a stand-up paddleboard lesson with an expert
• Take a jet ski to tough-to-get-to gems along the water
Where to stay:
From intimate cottage colonies to historic oceanfront resorts, Bermuda has plenty of gorgeous options for booking your stay. Instead of a cookie-cutter hotel room, feast your eyes on a cliffside residential enclave overlooking South Shore. Or, take your pod to a private vacation rental close enough to the water to hear the waves splashing.
Other Places to Unpack:
• Sleep tight at Rosemont Guest Suites, a tranquil hotel
• Choose an all-inclusive stay at Grotto Bay Beach Resort & Spa
How to recharge in Bermuda:
We all need a little R&R these days, and what better way to recharge than with one of Bermuda’s many soothing activities? If you’re a spa person — who isn’t? — then find relaxation at the Natura Spa. (Its treatments are given alongside an azure underground lake in a 500,000-year-old natural cave.) If you’d rather stretch your limbs and break a sweat, take a barre class at Hamilton Princess & Beach Club’s Exhale Barre. Doing absolutely nothing is also a good way to recharge, so take advantage of Jobson’s Cove, a secluded beach perfect for sunbathing and lounging.
More Ways to Reset:
• Get an exfoliating, sweet-smelling massage
• Sink into a whirlpool or visit a beach club
If you’re feeling hungry:
With food as distinctive as the island’s heritage, the delicious options are endless. You can try local delicacies, like codfish cakes, spiny lobster coated in butter, and fish tacos at Wahoo’s Bistro & Patio. Feel free to prepare your own meal of grilled snapper with pineapple salsa at a local cooking lesson. Then for a nighttime drink, nightlife spots like The Birdcage on the City of Hamilton’s Front Street bring Bermudian cocktail culture into the spotlight. (Don’t miss the idyllic waterfront and rooftop views there.) Bermuda has international roots and offers flavors and cuisines you won’t find elsewhere.
Other Eateries to Try:
• Share small, wholesome plates and taste coffee-spiked cocktails
• Order wings and nachos while watching some sports at Dockies
Traveling safely and responsibly is top-of-mind after 2020’s tumultuous days. Bermuda is the perfect destination to visit with your favorite pod — and there are plenty of safety guidelines set in place. Before you go, take a look at the island’s Covid-19 protocols and guidelines. Fill out the easy Travel Authorization Process form and follow the pre-arrival Covid-19 PCR test protocols. Start planning so you can be on island time in practically no time.
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