For decades, the pink sand-fringed island of Bermuda has been synonymous with luxury resorts. The hotels are so enchanting, some travelers don't even realize there's even more to explore beyond the poolside cabanas, beaches, and on-site activities.
Enjoying Bermuda from a hotel lounge chair means you're only experiencing a tiny sliver of the joyful island life. With its world-class dining, natural wonders, and delicious rum, this sun-soaked isle is one of the most dynamic places on earth to relax and recharge. Ahead, the top 10 reasons you'll want to explore all Bermuda has to offer.
1. Its weather is ideal year round.
If you're looking for a tropical vacation that doesn't need to planned around hurricane season, your search is over. Unlike its island neighbors, the average September temperature here is a balmy 84 degrees, and you can count on plenty of sunshine, clear blue skies, and gentle trade winds any time of year. Essentially, perfection.
2. The pink sand beaches are real.
Pastel-colored sand seems like something that could only exist in storybooks, but in Bermuda, soft, pink sand beaches are not just the stuff of imagination—they're real and easily accessible. You can use public transport to visit stunning Horseshoe Bay Beach, known for its crystalline blue waters and pink sand. There's a lifeguard on duty during the summer months and you can rent everything from beach chairs to boogie boards. If you'd like to explore further, a coastal trail connects Horseshoe Bay to other scenic beaches.
3. There's nowhere better to pick up a pair of shorts.
Yes, they really do wear Bermuda shorts there, and after just a day on the island, you'll be wondering where you can buy your own pair. Like the island itself, the shorts are playful yet refined, and they can be worn anywhere from the beach to a parliamentary session. We recommend scoping out TABS (The Authentic Bermuda Short) for your first pair; the store stocks men and women's styles in a rainbow of hues.
4. The island is a sailor's paradise.
If you prefer to explore the water from a boat, there's no better place to do it than Bermuda. The temperate climes and trade winds make the sailing world-class. In fact, the island hosted the famed America’s Cup in 2017 as well as many other prestigious competitions, including the Bermuda Sail Grand Prix. Charter options are available across the island, as are sailing lessons at places like the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club. For an excursion in which you are the passenger, hop aboard one of the myriad sunset and sightseeing cruises.
5. You can get a massage in an underground cave.
A vacation without some quality spa time is hardly a proper vacation. And in Bermuda, it would be nearly sacrilegious to not take advantage of the country's superb facilities. At Sense, the spa at the luxe Rosewood Bermuda, treatments include exfoliating beach repair facials and deeply satisfying natural aloe massages. For something truly one-of-a-kind, head to Natura Spa, where you can enjoy body wraps, facials, and other treatments inside a 500,000-year-old cave.
6. The fish sandwiches are a cut above the rest.
While Bermuda certainly has its fair share of signature dishes, none captures the spirit of the island as deliciously as the fish sandwich. Think fresh fried snapper, Bermuda onions, tartar sauce, and lettuce all piled high onto the quirky choice of raisin bread. It's savory and sweet, and there's nothing else like it. Art Mel's Spicy Dicy is the most famed spot to grab one, but there are plenty of local restaurants offering their own tasty versions.
7. There are more golf courses here than anywhere.
With Bermuda's excellent year-round weather, it's no surprise that the golf courses here are some of the world's best. And, with more courses per square mile than anywhere else in the world, it's also not shocking that the island is home to a major PGA Tour competition: the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, which returns this October. Port Royal Golf Course or Tucker's Point Club are two popular options for stunning views while you play.
8. It's the shipwreck capital of the Atlantic Ocean.
We've all heard of the Bermuda Triangle, so perhaps it's no surprise that the island has more shipwrecks per square mile than anywhere else in the world. The reefs that circle the area have been responsible for over 300 sunken ships, dating as far back as the 1600s—and many of the see-it-to-believe-it wrecks are available to explore by snorkel and scuba. Book a visit through one of Bermuda's many dive operators, then try and make the agonizing decision between visiting older boats (on the western end of the island) or newer (on the east side). Or, you know, extend your trip and see it all.
9. A world-class chef can make you dinner on a private island.
While it's a totally respectable choice to live off fish sandwiches alone, Bermuda is also well-known for its fine dining. For the most intimate and elevated experience, consider renting a private island. Hawkins Island, for example, is a private residence of villas that come equipped with an entire team to make your vacation as seamless as possible and a private chef to cook up any cuisine you desire.
10. The rum cocktails are legendary.
It's no exaggeration that Bermuda put rum cocktails on the map: Two of the most popular mixed drinks—the Dark 'n Stormy® and Rum Swizzle—were invented here. Bermuda rum tends to be darker and sweeter than other rums from the Caribbean, and it pairs especially well with ginger beer or fresh fruit juices. Swing by Swizzle Inn, Bermuda's oldest pub, to try a Rum Swizzle in its birthplace.
