Bermuda

 

I will be honest. I put off writing this travel post for my beloved island of Bermuda. It was actually my brother Thad’s idea to incorporate more travel posts into A Modern Housewife’s space… specifically Bermuda as it was the first place he suggested I write about over a year ago. I’ve actually had a draft for “Bermuda” sitting for a year. Thad was a travel agent way back in the day before he went to graduate school for architecture. If you needed a trip planned, information on the best restaurant, what the most kid friendly spot was, ideas for an adventure, he had you covered. He was the most knowledgeable, well read person I have ever known.

So, writing this post is… difficult… for many reasons. One of which, of course, is he would have been my best resource and reminded me of something I had forgotten!

 

 

Here we go… all the must dos, places to eat, stay and shop on our favorite pink beached island of Bermuda! It is short trip from the East Coast and it transports you a world away.

Let’s start with where to stay! I have been going to Bermuda since I was a baby. We always stay at The Newstead Belmont Hills because my family owns a place there, but you can also stay there as a hotel guest! It is wonderful with kids because most units are 2 bedrooms apartments (They also have 1 bed apartment and single hotel rooms) which is so nice to have a kitchen and a living room!

Other spots to check out are Elbow Beach, The Loren (which was formerly Pink Beach- I’ve stayed there and the property is BEAUTIFUL!), Tucker’s Point, Hamilton Princess, Southhampton Princess, Cambridge Beaches and for something a little more quaint (and affordable!) Salt Kettle House.

Now, where to eat! There are so many great restaurants on the island, and amazingly many gluten free options. I am so impressed with how seriously they take food allergies, so much more considerate than I have found stateside! Much of the produce is locally sourced which is great. An arugula salad is a must, Bermudian fish chowder with sherry peppers and dark rum and don’t forget a Rum Swizzle!

My all time favorites are Mickey’s, Blu, Marcus’ , The Dining Room at The Lighthouse & Barracuda Grill.

Mickey’s is right on the beach dining, at Elbow Beach, the view can not be beat, it’s perfect for the kids to run around on the beach while adults finish their dinner and the food is great!

 

 

Blu is on the Belmont Hills property. They have incredible views, it is the best place to watch the sunset, they have an extensive menu and the sushi is fantastic!

 

 

Marcus Samuelsson brings Harlem’s Red Rooster to Bermuda with Marcus’! Again, amazing view from Hamilton, the food is divine and the people watching is fun too!

The Dining Room at The Lighthouse is a restaurant in the base of the lighthouse! You are up on a hill with a wonderful view (there is that word again!) of the island. The food is excellent as well.

Barracuda Grill is in downtown Hamilton, and while you don’t have a view while you eat, it is the best meal I have had on Island.

More good options for dinner… Rustico in the Flatts, Village Pantry, Beau Rivage, Port O Call, Harbourfront, Little Venice and of course Swizzle Inn.

Also, if you are in Hamilton shopping and need some lunch my favorites are Devil’s Isle (actually they have dinner too!) and Bulli Social for the best burger on the Island! Another option is to head down to Miles Market for some groceries and great pre-made goods!

What to do while there… besides hang by the pool and lounge on the beach (VERY good options!), there is always golf. Which you hotel would be happy to set up for you upon arrival. There are 6 award winning courses on the island.

Head into downtown Hamilton to walk along the harbor and colorful storefronts to check out Bermuda’s capital city. There are plenty of shops to explore, Barbara Finsness for lovely hand Bermudian pottery, Irish Linen Shop for linens and design ideas, The English Sport Shop for traditional colored blazers and knee socks or Flying Colors for vacation tee’s and souvenirs to name a few.

 

 

There are lots of local events that go on during the week, your hotel should have a list of these activities in town. We love the Gombey Rehearsal and Harbour Nights!

 

 

Also in town is the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute. My kids LOVE it here, particularly the Bermuda Triangle exhibit with it’s “creepy myths’ as my oldest says and the America’s Cup exhibit.

 

 

Another hit with kids is the Bermuda Aquarium and Zoo. Small and manageable, it is the perfect mix of history, playground, harbour seals to the most vibrant flamingos! (Side note: Rustico and Village Pantry are right by the BAZ!)

 

 

Crystal & Fantasy Caves are an amazing adventure for any age! Large caves formed 140 ft under ground, they are pristine and simply breathtaking! I won’t spoil the history that the tour guide imparts. This is a must do!

 

 

The Botanical Gardens and Masterworks will always have something interesting to see. The grounds are fun to explore (It is also home to the Camden, the official residence of Bermuda’s Premier!) and Masterworks is a wonderful art Museum. It is a great way to soak in some culture on vacation. Also, Salty Lime, moved into the cafe space and I have heard it is fabulous!

The old town of St. George’s is Bermuda’s original capital. The cobblestone streets make you feel like you stepped back a century but it has been transformed into an art district worth exploring. While there don’t miss St. Peter’s Church, the Deliverance, a full-size replica of the 17th-century ship and The Bermuda Perfumery home of Lili Perfumes. You can get there via ferry or bus. I recommend taking a ferry there and then hopping a pink bus back to Hamilton, it is a wonderful way to see all the Island.

 

 

The Royal Navy Dockyard is a ferry ride away (main ferry terminal is in Hamilton check the schedule!), which is the best way to get around the Island. Bermuda was home to the 2017 America’s Cup and you can still see some of the buildings built for the event as well as one of the hydrofoiling AC50 America’s Cup Class yachts. it is also the main port for the many cruise ships that make there way to Bermuda. There are many little shops out at Dockyard, my favorite being The Bermuda Rum Cake Company (which I can no longer eat… please make a GF one!!!) & Glass Blowing Company. So fun to go and watch a glass blowing demo.

There is a free public playground right in front of the entrance to the biggest attractions out at Dockyard, the National Museum of Bermuda, Fun Golf  & Snorkel Park Beach.

The National Museum of Bermuda is really so cool. Such amazing history, the Commissioner’s House is beautifully restored with truly incredible views, an epic playground and kid’s exhibit and also Dolphin Quest! You can swim with the dolphins!

Fun Golf is the one mini golf course on the Island, each hole being modeled after famous courses in Bermuda, USA & Scotland. You can play a round all while gazing at the ocean! There is also a bar and grill, Caddyshack, to grab lunch or dinner.

 

 

Snorkel Beach Park is party on the beach! Beach for lounging, snorkeling, kayaking, peddle boats, jet skis, dining and a night club!

There is also an awesome glass bottom boat tour that leaves from Dockyard that explores shipwrecks and aquatic life around Bermuda!

Last but not least you need to make your way to the most iconic pink beach in Bermuda. Horseshoe Bay Beach. The natural limestone cliffs and low tide make for a perfect beach day!

There is so much more that this Island has to offer… but I can’t write a novel! I find Bermuda to be one of the most relaxing places to be. You get the flavor of an Island with a lovely more formal British touch.

 

 

And of course… what I packed last month for our trip to Bermuda! Packing for Bermuda in February is interesting… what feels SO warm and lovely for me temperature wise is chilly for locals… as in they will be wearing light down coats sometimes! So you really don’t want to dress all out warm weather island vacation and stand out like a sore thumb! I kept my palate neutral, as always, lots of black. It’s easy, what can I say.

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(All items I have or are similar to items I purchased in past seasons!)

 

(Click on the description for the corresponding number to shop!)

 1. Athleta Maxi Dress – I always back a black maxi dress, perfect for a chillier day or dress it up at night!

2. St. Christopher Enamel Charm – I never travel without one of these!

3. Lululemon Sundown Wrap – the coziest hooded wrap.

4. Roberta Roller Rabbit Serafina Tunic – By far my favorite cover up for the beach/pool and even doubles as a top over jeans!

5. Splendid V Neck Two Pack Tees – Every suitcase needs a good set of tees. Black and white go with everything.

6. Prada Nylon Crossbody – Not the first time I have written about this little Prada bag. It is hands down my favorite for travel. Light weight, holds a TON and absolutely does not get in the way!

7. Adidas Swift Run Sneaker – perfect for the plane ride, sightseeing and hitting the gym while away. My favorite sneakers!

8. Norma Kamali Jumpsuit – A simple black jumpsuit that is easy to wear to dinner, change out your cardigans to wear on repeat!

9. Spiritual Gangster Top – The perfect workout tee to keep you looking cute, not sloppy.

10. Toms Viv Sandal – Best little sandal ever. I wore these all last summer! Comfortable, cute and very light for packing!

11. Frame Denim Mini Skirt – A little denim skirt goes with everything.

12. Suzanne Kalan Necklace – A little bit of sparkle to polish up any outfit, light enough to leave on even at the gym and pool.

13. Alo 7/8 Moto Legging – Finally, these are available in 7/8’s length! I LOVE these leggings. Fly down in them and then rock them on your hikes and to the gym!

14. Lululemon Find Your Calm Wrap – Yes, two cardigans. Layering and variety are important! This cardigan… it is the updated version to one I got a few years back which I have worn into the group (and it still looks good!)… Which means I need to buy a new one stat, and perhaps a second in another color too!

15. Maui Jim Koko Head Sunglasses – These are a matte almost rubber texture. They are lightweight and chic- I always get compliments when I wear these!

16. J.Crew Factory One Piece – Perfect black one piece… I love the scalloped top and the price!

17. Isabel Marant Silmya Belt – A black and white woven belt to tie all your pieces together. Even throw it on with that black maxi dress!

18. J.Crew Vintage Cotton Tank – The color of this tank is appropriately called Pink Sand!

19. Birkenstock Gizeh – Most comfortable walking sandal out there. Period.

20. Vineyard Vines Everyday Short – Best shorts I have found!