Travel

The Perfect Weekend, Bermuda-Style

An insider’s guide to the island’s unforgettable experiences

Photo: Nhuri Bashir (2); Meredith Andrews

From left: The beach at Loren at Pink Beach; bike tour in historic St. George’s; and Lejla Hasanovic in Flatts Village.

Dreaming of a winter getaway? Pink sand beaches and crystal clear water are closer than you think. From many East Coast cities, Bermuda’s peaceful, sun-soaked paradise is no more than a ninety-minute flight away. But there’s more to the island than tropical allure. Across the destination’s twenty-one idyllic miles, you’ll find as many adventures off the water as you will on the beach, meaning there’s ample opportunity to kick back and explore.

To make the most of a few blissful days, see the island through the eyes of the locals—a pursuit made easy by a host of tours, activities, and workshops offered by female creatives and entrepreneurs. From bike paths to bakeries, Bermuda’s history, creativity, and cuisine come alive, with plenty of breezy, beachfront locales to hit in between. To map out an itinerary for the perfect girls’ weekend, we took to the island with travelers and tastemakers Venita Aspen, Lejla Hasanovic, and Alyssa Ponticello—now all that’s left is to do is pack your bags.

Things to Do

Take a Baking Class at Sweet Saak Bakery 

Helmed by pastry chef Kamilah Cannonier, this local favorite is known for delicious cinnamon buns and other sweet treats. Check the calendar for monthly classes, where participants can join Cannonier in the kitchen and hone their own baking skills.

Photo: Meredith Andrews

Scenes from a baking class with Kamilah Cannonier at Sweet Saak Bakery.


Tour with Kristin White 

Kristin White is a jack-of-all-trades. Owner of gift and book shop Long Story Short, the writer and entrepreneur also offers fun and informative walking, biking, and ghost tours through historic St. George’s.

Photo: Nhuri Bashir

Kristin White leads a group of women on a bike tour of St. George’s.


Explore with Ashley Harris

Owner of Hidden Gems Tours of Bermuda Ltd., Ashley Harris is a fourth-generation Bermudian with an extensive knowledge of the island. Join Harris or a fellow guide for an adventure through Bermuda’s natural landscape, be it venturing deep into a salt cave, swinging from a vine, or taking in the view from atop one of the island’s ninety-one forts.

Photo: Nhuri Bashir

Swimming in Bermuda’s turquoise waters.


Create Candles with Nina Froncioni of Limestone + Cedar Co.

Nina Froncioni’s natural, hand-poured soy wax candles each have a scent of something distinctly Bermuda—think White Lily, Pink Sand, and Dark Rum. Snag one at the Island Shop in Hamilton, or contact Froncioni to book a private class and master the art yourself.

Photo: Alyssa Ponticello

Creating eco-friendly soy candles with personalized scents.


Go on a Vegan Edible Walking Tour with Doreen Williams-James

Taste the island’s natural bounty with native Bermudian Doreen Williams-James, an expert in foraging for ingredients to incorporate into rich, plant-based cuisine.

Photo: Alyssa Ponticello

Exploring the spoils of the Bermudian landscape with Doreen Williams-James.


Visit Isabelle Ramsay-Brackstone’s Lili Bermuda Perfumery

In 2004, Isabelle Ramsay-Brackstone assumed ownership of the circa-1928 Lili Bermuda Perfumery, a local fragrance purveyor that uses the sights and scents of the island as its muse. Visit the historic eighteenth-century property for an immersive tour or afternoon tea, or simply to shop the fine aromatic collection.

Photo: Meredith Andrews

Isabelle Ramsay-Brackstone leading a perfume-making workshop.

 

Where to Eat & Drink

Photo: Alyssa Ponticello

Bermudian specialties from Wahoo’s Bistro & Patio.

Barracuda Grill

Winner of multiple  awards, Barracuda Grill is known for some of the best fine dining on the island. Fresh seafood and pork chops star on the menu, dreamed up by celebrated chef Derek Myers.


Blû

Overlooking the Great Sound and Hamilton Harbour, Blû boasts some of the best waterfront views on the island—not to mention award-winning seafood, sushi, and steaks.


Devil’s Isle 

Part specialty coffee shop, part all-day café, Devil’s Isle in the city of Hamilton has you covered no matter the craving. Check out the ever-changing menu of organic bowls, sandwiches, and seafood, as well as ethically sourced coffee roasted in-house.


Huckleberry at the Rosedon

Located in the historic Rosedon Hotel, Huckleberry is a tribute to Mark Twain’s love of Bermuda, drawing on the author’s Missouri roots with a farm-to-table philosophy. Visit for a meal or afternoon tea on the terrace.


Rustico

Polished yet casual, Rustico is one of the island’s favorite Italian joints. Now in a new location, the restaurant promises pizza, pasta, and other specialties, often elevated by fresh seafood.



Village Pantry 

The menu at this Flatts Village outpost has a little bit of everything, from rustic flatbreads to juices and smoothies. A substantial bar menu makes this an ideal happy-hour hangout, too.


Wahoo’s Bistro & Patio

For a casual lunch on the water, Wahoo’s is an island staple. Grab a seat on the breezy patio and opt for a frozen cocktail and the catch of the day.


Yours Truly

A speakeasy hidden in plain sight, Yours Truly is one of Hamilton’s best-kept secrets. Stop by on a night out for a craft cocktail worth its salt—just remember to ring the bell for entry.

Where to Stay

Hamilton Princess & Beach Club 

Known as the “Pink Place,” this historic hotel in the capital city of Hamilton positions you less than five minutes from some of Bermuda’s best bars, restaurants, and boutiques. Beautiful and centrally located, the property also houses a spa, a modern art gallery, and a new private marina.

Bermuda Tourism Authority


The Loren at Pink Beach

A quick ten-minute drive from the airport, the Loren sits upon its own private, pink sand beach. It has a dreamy pool, fine-dining restaurants, and a luxurious spa on-site, so you won’t have to leave this slice of paradise unless you want to.

Bermuda Tourism Authority


Rosedon Hotel

With the look and feel of a classic Bermudian manor, the circa-1904 Rosedon Hotel is reminiscent of another era. Reasons to linger abound, from tropical gardens bursting with red poincianas and bougainvillea to a distinctly British tea service every afternoon.


Rosewood Bermuda

This modern oasis sits on Bermuda’s largest private beach, encompassing 240 acres of sprawling hills and coast. With world-class golf links and bespoke dining on the property, Rosewood makes for a perfect home base.

Bermuda Tourism Authority


Ready to book a flight? Find even more inspiration at gotobermuda.com, and download the Winnow app for access to a catalogue of activities, adventures, and special happenings on the island.