Rum swizzle, Dark & Stormy, Pink Sand - what could I be talking about? That’s right - I am talking about Bermuda!

Flying to the Caribbean or anywhere South can be somewhat of a trek depending on where you fly to, but Bermuda is only a short flight away (1 hour and 45 minutes!) and getting there is a breeze. Fresh off the island from our wonderful trip, first time to Bermuda, I’ve decided to share some quick thoughts and (more importantly) photos. Here are my (random) thoughts about the trip/island…

Bermuda caught me a bit by surprise. Why? It’s very close to New York, it’s very clean, locals are very friendly and helpful, public transportation is easy to use, and prices are somewhat comparable to New York. [I am comparing our trip to Bermuda to prior trips to different islands in the Caribbean and hence my statements. I think a large contributor is the 60/40 rule in Bermuda. Just my thoughts in a few words] This was our first trip to this beautiful island, but it won’t be our last.

Public transportation - The bus system in Bermuda is easy to use, very easy to use! There’s even a bus stop right outside the airport terminal and you could in theory take a local bus to your hotel. Also, going from one end of the island (Dockyard - cruise ship terminal) to the other end (St. George’s) is easy. Get a bus token, hop on the 7 or 8 bus to Hamilton (tell them you are transferring), and then transfer in Hamilton to the 10 or 11 bus to St. George’s. Alternatively, you can take the ferry to either Hamilton or St. George’s from the Dockyard.

Hotel recommendations/observations (if you are not doing a cruise):

• Fairmont Southampton (stayed here the entire trip)

  • Large rooms with beautiful views - east facing rooms = sunrise, west facing rooms = sunset

  • Private beach club and literally in walking distance from horseshoe bay beach (read pink sand)

  • Lots of restaurants on premise

  • Free ferry to Hamilton and return

  • Easy to take the bus from hotel to Dockyard, Hamilton or St. Georges (walking distance to #7 and #8 bus stops)

  • Golf course

  • Hotel and rooms are a bit dated (popcorn ceiling); however, hotel and rooms are very clean

  • Seems to be the hotel for families with kids

  • Pool a bit too small for size of hotel

• Fairmont Princess & Beach Club (didn’t stay here, but went for dinner at Marcus’ and walked around the hotel a bit)

  • Right in Hamilton by the marina

  • Nice pool

  • Amazing art collection inside the hotel (KAWS, Banksy etc.)

  • Long trip to the beach club (20 minutes, ~11.7km)

  • Close to Hamilton restaurants, shops and sights

Food recommendations:

• Marcus’ Bermuda at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club - try the jerk chicken and homemade hot sauce, also have a drink at the bar, staff is super friendly

• Waterlot Inn at the Fairmont Southampton - start upstairs with a drink while you wait for your table (hint: old fashioned with rum) try the caesar salad, it’s prepared right at the table

• Ocean Club at the Fairmont Southampton - stunning view of sunset (sun sets in west, view from there is to east, so you’ll get the sun reflection, see first photo)

• Frog & Onion Pub at the Dockyard - bangers & mash!

• Wahoo's Waterside Bistro & Patio (didn’t get to eat there this time around, but next time for sure)

Enough words - enjoy the photos below!

Southampton

Hamilton

St. George’s