Bermuda is a British island territory in the North Atlantic Ocean, prized for its pink-sand beaches, turquoise coves, and a laid-back sophistication that blends British tradition with American ease. Just a short flight from the U.S. East Coast, this cluster of islands packs an outsized amount of history, natural beauty, and seaside luxury into a footprint just 21 miles long.
Pink Sand and Turquoise Water
Bermuda’s beaches are the stuff of postcards, their blush-pink hue coming from crushed coral and shell fragments mixed into the sand. Horseshoe Bay remains the island’s most photographed shoreline, a wide crescent beach backed by dramatic limestone cliffs, though it can get busy when cruise ships are in port. For a quieter alternative, Warwick Long Bay offers a long, secluded stretch of coral sand, while nearby Jobson’s Cove is a sheltered, calm-water spot ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Tobacco Bay, near St. George’s, is another favorite for its clear, shallow water and easy snorkeling right off the shore.
History, Culture, and Adventure
Bermuda’s Royal Naval Dockyard complex is a highlight for visitors of all ages, pairing the interactive Dolphin Quest experience with the National Museum of Bermuda, which chronicles the island’s seafaring past inside historic fortifications. History buffs should also make time for St. George’s, a UNESCO World Heritage town of narrow lanes and pastel cottages, home to the Unfinished Church and the Old State House, one of the oldest buildings in the Western Hemisphere.
For a dose of natural wonder, descend into the Crystal and Fantasy Caves, a pair of underground caverns discovered by two boys chasing a lost cricket ball in the early 1900s, now open for guided tours past illuminated pools and limestone formations. Climb the 185 steps of the cast-iron Gibbs Hill Lighthouse for sweeping island views, or spend an afternoon exploring the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo, with its living coral reef and resident flamingos.
The island’s distinctive blend of British and American culture is most visible in Hamilton, the capital, where colonial-era architecture houses contemporary boutiques, art galleries, and some of Bermuda’s best restaurants. Don’t miss a classic afternoon tea, a nod to the island’s British roots, served at spots like Lili Bermuda Perfumery’s garden tearoom.
Where to Stay
Bermuda’s accommodation scene favors smaller, character-filled properties over sprawling resorts, with options ranging from oceanfront luxury to intimate boutique guesthouses.
Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, A Fairmont Hotel anchors the capital with harbor views, a private beach club, and easy access to Hamilton’s restaurants and shops — a smart pick for travelers who want a city base with beach perks.
The St. Regis Bermuda Resort brings polished, contemporary luxury to historic St. George’s, with oceanfront pools and a spa just steps from St. Catherine’s Beach.
Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa, one of the island’s most storied properties, offers private cottage accommodations spread across a secluded peninsula with four beaches and an ocean-view spa.
The Loren at Pink Beach is a design-forward boutique hotel in Tucker’s Town, with just 45 rooms perched above a pink-sand beach and a villa option with its own private pool for those wanting extra space.
The Reefs Resort & Club, set on the South Shore, suits couples chasing sunset views, with terrace dining and private hot-tub suites adding to the romance.
Grotto Bay Beach Resort & Spa stands out for its natural underground cave pools and the island’s only PADI 5-Star dive center, making it a strong choice for adventure-minded travelers.
For a smaller-scale, local feel, boutique guesthouses such as Rosedon Hotel and Royal Palms Hotel in Hamilton offer personal service and Bermuda-pink charm at a gentler price point than the island’s marquee resorts.
The Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) is an independent, non-government entity and the official destination marketing organization for the island. The BTA promotes Bermuda globally as a world-class destination for leisure and group travel and tourism investment. For more information, visit gotobermuda.com.
