The past few months have been difficult: greed, anxiety, guilt, the search for short-term rewards and an overdeveloped sense of duty have taken control of my soul, body and mind. I wanted to take a break from the cold New York winter, take the opportunity to slow down, unplug and immerse myself in the healing energy of the sea.
So, I decided to book a trip to Bermuda, one of my favorite places on Earth. Why? Because this is where I can truly relax and lose all notion of time. It is an island oasis in the middle of the Atlantic, where limestone cliffs emerge from the sea and intersect with the endless sky, creating a home for vibrant, lush flora. Now imagine a retreat in the midst of this paradise— one that gives you the space you need to relax, unwind and discover energy you never knew you had. Welcome to Bermuda!
If you want to catch a real glimpse of the island then there are plenty of wonderful relaxing spots just waiting to be discovered. Here is my selection of the most serene and delightful places this beloved island has to offer.
Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences
The Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences is an independent, US non-profit scientific research and educational organization based in Ferry Reach, Bermuda. For over 100 years, researchers and visiting scientists have worked to explore the ocean and address important local and global environmental issues. Its mission is to seek and share fundamental knowledge of the oceans through state-of-the-art research, world-class field expeditions and comprehensive educational experiences.
Bermudian Heritage Museum
The unique “L” shape and hipped roof of the former Grand United Order of Good Samaritans Lodge is characteristic of many 19th century lodges. It is now the site of the Bermudian Heritage Museum and a stop on the African Diaspora Heritage Trail. The museum’s installations highlight the social, cultural and political achievements of Black Bermudians including the history of Cup Match (a two-day cricket game celebrated during the Emancipation and Somers Day holidays), Bermudian black lodges, and the 1959 Theatre Boycott, which ultimately ended segregation in Bermuda.
The Fairmont Southampton
The Fairmont Southampton is a very special hotel to me that feels just like home. Perched on Bermuda’s stunning south shore with miles of pink sand beaches alongside its private beach club, dotted with lush bougainvillea and towering coconut palms, this hotel is a relaxation sanctuary.
Built in the 1970s, the iconic “Big Pink Lady on the Hill” is easily the most recognizable hotel in Bermuda and one of the island’s nicest properties.
My room had views of Bermuda’s turquoise sea, the iconic Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse, and the Turtle Hill Golf Course that I enjoyed in my private balcony every morning with a cup of coffee.
Bermuda’s beaches are legendary. The hotel has its own private beach minutes from the fabled Horseshoe Bay where I spent most of time admiring the breathtaking nature. Besides the beach, I also really enjoyed Willow Stream Spa, the hotel’s iconic spa. I recommend exploring this place for a day even if you are not staying at the hotel. They offer wonderful pampering treatments that combine natural elements with local Bermudian traditions, and the staff is very professional and knowledgeable.
In brief, this is an adult sanctuary where I felt welcomed and above all very relaxed. Do yourself a favor and experience it!
Mediterra
I recommend trying Mediterra, one of the hotel’s restaurants, which is a refined eatery with culinary offerings influenced by the landscape surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. In fact, dinning there feels like being in a beautiful sailing boat in the middle of the sea. I particularly enjoyed the delicious tapas and the paella. The staff is wonderful! It was truly a great dining experience.
Waterlot Inn
This is my favorite restaurant in the island. Defining Bermuda’s steakhouse experience for nearly 350 years, the historic Waterlot Inn remains Bermuda’s best. Gracefully nestled dockside on Jew’s Bay, the Waterlot Inn offers breathtaking sunsets and boasts both AAA Four Diamond and Wine Spectator Awards. And while the steaks are to die for, my favorite was the sticky toffee pudding, without a doubt the best I have ever had.
Ocean Discovery Centre at BUEI
Here you will be able to travel 12,000 feet below the sea surface where you will be able to investigate scientific anomalies above and below the island, experience close encounters with whales, giant squid and sharks and a multitude of deep-sea creatures. You can also discover via interactive activities how the islands of Bermuda were formed and learn about the long-extinct volcanic seamount beneath, the types of diving equipment used now and in the past, as well some of the creatures that roamed the island during the Cretaceous period. Fascinating place!
With these recommendations, I hope you will take time for yourself, relax, unwind and completely immerse yourself in what the island has to offer.