Mark Twain said it best “You go to heaven if you want, I’d rather stay here in Bermuda.” Elysium Magazine recently travelled to Bermuda and immediately understood where Mark Twain was coming from, the promise of sun along with its beautiful beaches brings many looking to relax and recharge to the Bermudian shores.
It is no secret that Bermuda is home for a number of celebs like Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, and millionaire executives from both sides of the Atlantic pop over for a little bit of paradise. Bermuda certainly does cater for the discerning gent and all his needs. Romantics will find characteristic inns with four-poster beds and candlelight dining. Adventurers can jump on a motor scooter and let the wind whip through your hair, darting around the island. Joy seekers will have no problem going out on the town to dance the night away in the seaside capital, the City of Hamilton.
Bermuda boasts a blissful climate that’s warm all year round and friendly locals who readily strike up conversations with strangers, happy to provide information on Bermuda and some rather joyful stories of the Bermuda Triangle. Elysium Magazine was impressed with the distinctive local colour as well, from a landscape of tidy pastel houses to dapper businessmen dressed in Bermuda shorts. Bermuda certainly had a charm, which was hard place on a specific element.
Elysium Magazine has put together the discerning gent’s guide to Bermuda – read on to find out what you should be doing when visiting the island.
Where to stay
Bermuda boats a wide range of accommodation, from small decadent inns and B&Bs to luxury resorts. The Fairmont Southampton is based on the south shore and has its own private beach. It is a popular venue for weddings and includes a luxurious spa for visitors to retreat to after a long day exploring the island. Elbow Beach is another luxury resort based in South Shore and boasts one of the best beaches in Bermuda. The beach certainly was popular with visitors and residents and we could see why. Both the Fairmont and Elbow Beach are easily accessible to the historical town of St George and Hamilton.
What to do
St. George Town, named after the legendary dragon slayer and patron saint of England, was Bermuda’s capital for more than 200 years. Located on the island and within the parish of the same names, settled in 1612, was the first permanent English settlement on the islands of Bermuda. With such rich history a Walking Tour of St. George Town is certainly recommended.
The Wreck Centre, located on Elbow Beach, is a great way for beginners to have a trial dive in the amazingly clear ocean. As the “Wreck capital of the Atlantic”, Bermuda also has over 300 shipwreck locations to visit with intact and historic sites lying close to Bermuda’s shoreline with depths ranging from 32 feet to 70 feet of crystal clear water. One of these shipwrecks, the “Pollockshields”, lies just one hundred yards from Elbow Beach’s private beach.
Gibbs Hill Lighthouse – Built in 1844 Gibbs’ Hill Lighthouse is the oldest cast iron lighthouse in the world. The views of the island from the top of the Lighthouse is amazing, it’s tough to get a better view from anywhere else on the island. However, ensure you are prepared for the 185-step climb to the top!
Royal Naval Dockyard provides an amazing setting for all the cruise ships docking into Bermuda. It is the entrance to the large number of tourists visiting the island and has a number of attractions including the famous Rum Cake Factory, the Maritime museum, the Dockyard Glassworks and Arts Centre. Its also home of Dolphin Quest – the only place on the Island to swim with the Dolphins.
The Botanical Gardens are a 36-acre paradise, showcasing Bermuda’s stunning flora and enhancing the Body, Mind & Soul aspect of nature. A visit to the Masterworks Museum is a must. Another highlight is the new John Lennon statue inside the Gardens – it is a well-known fact that Lennon wrote his last album on Bermuda and named it after the islands trademark flower, Double Fantasy.
The views of Bermuda’s beaches are stunning and the sunsets are the most dazzling anywhere. But to see the most breathtaking views on the island, you must get down to the underground, and discover the astonishing wonders of The Crystal and Fantasy Caves of Bermuda. The Crystal Cave is one of Bermuda’s signature sights and is certainly a visual spectacular! Be sure to take a camera.
The discerning gent cannot leave Bermuda without a couple of holes at Port Royal. Ranked among the world’s best public golf courses by Golf Digest and named Bermuda’s finest course it is certainly worth a visit – you will not be disappointed by ocean view gold course, which recently hosted the PGA Grand Slam.
Since 1928, the Bermuda Perfumery manufactures exclusive and rare perfumes under the brand Lili Bermuda. In 2006, the Perfumery launched Coral to celebrate its new location, at Stewart Hall in St. George’s. Coral is a beautiful fusion of freesia, essence of rose, Clementine and ginger. The visit to the Perfumery will allow you to see how the fragrances are infused to celebrate Bermuda.
Food and Drink
Ascots Restaurant is based in Pembroke, just outside Hamilton. It is well known by locals for its outstanding cuisine, atmosphere and service. It markets its menu as Progressive Continental Mediterranean, it certainly provides a good range of dishes ensure the discerning gent it well catered for. It also has a extensive wine list and a range of cocktails too.
Mad Hatters Restaurant is one of the more casual restaurants we visited, we couldn’t help but don crazy hats and get involved in the eccentric atmosphere that developed after a few Dark ‘n’ Stormy cocktails. The food, much to our surprise, was particularly good. Certainly one of the culinary delights of the trip with a nice twist of randomness.
Blu Restaurant is another fine dining restaurant but is located within the scenic and picturesque Belmont Hills Golf Course. A fine offering of steak and fish, it’s a fantastic venue to take friends for a special occasion, fine dining at its best in Bermuda.
Swizzle Inn Restaurant is Bermuda’s take on a pub restaurant, always busy and well recommended for somewhere to grab a drink, Swizzle Inn has a good selection of pub food available. Its signature drink, the Rum Swizzle, is certainly worth a try.
Rest & Recharge
In Bermuda, the discerning gent and his entourage will have no problems finding a suitable establishment to relax and recharge. The variety of spas available is fantastic but be warned, the most popular ones book up quickly – especially during peak season.
The Spa at Elbow Beach offers tranquil private treatment suites, a river pebble lined shower and tub for utter relaxation. Ancient Ayurvedic treatments, as well as other holistic therapies, add to the Zen experience. The only spa we visited where you get your very own spa room.
The Hideaway Salon, nestled in a peaceful garden setting overlooking the South Shore, is run by a European-trained Beauty Therapist who specializes in massage, facials, hair care, reflexology, electrolysis, manicures and pedicures.
Willow Stream Spa’s décor is inspired by Bermuda’s ocean and lush foliage, perfect for a day of relaxing luxury treatments. The facilities you’ll find include 15 treatment rooms including a couple’s massage suite, a fitness centre with panoramic views of the South Shore, a ladies’ and gentlemen’s lounge with Willow Stream Energy signature products, hair & beauty salon, steam, inhalation and sauna showers. Relax in the spa pool, on the sun deck or in the Bermuda gardens.
Getting there
British Airways operates flights from London Gatwick direct to Bermuda’s L.F Wade International airport, daily. Economy flights start at £650 return. Bermuda is also a 2 hour flight from New York, it could make for a great city and beach break for those in search for an extended trip.
Prestige Holidays (01425 480400 www.prestigeholidays.co.uk/bermuda) is offering a week’s stay in the Fairmont Southampton, departing 3 April 2014, from £1715 per person on room only, saving £208 pp (includes two free nights). The price includes return British Airways flights from London Gatwick and private transfers. Book by 31 December 2013. Package subject to availability.
For more information about Bermuda, please visit www.gotobermuda.co.uk