Bermuda
By Brandon Warner / President & Co-Founder, Traveler's Joy Inc.
Bermuda, many believe, is the most beautiful island destination in the world. For years, it has lured honeymoon couples to its pristine pink sand beaches, its quiet coves, its charming cottages and impeccably maintained gardens. It won't take long to appreciate the natural beauty - warm, crystal-clear waters; coral reefs teeming with life, glorious sunshine; and lush colorful flowers - not to mention their unique history and charming white roofs of pastel-painted architecture. No wonder they call Bermuda the island made for two.
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Bermuda Overview
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A great example of the type of architecture found on Bermuda.
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A honeymoon in Bermuda is an experience no one should miss. Only 21 miles long and one mile wide, Bermuda looks like a tiny diamond necklace in a vast sea of emeralds and sapphires. The Atlantic's hues of blue and green set against pastel colored cottages and gleaming white roofs, create a lasting impression. Bermuda may seem like a tiny isolated island in geographical terms but you will discover Bermuda is surprisingly sophisticated. The country boasts fabulous hotels, restaurants with menus as imaginative as anything in London or New York, great duty-free shopping and a booming financial center. Bermuda remains a model of political and social stability and is now one of the world's leading insurance and reinsurance markets.
But, above all, you will fall in love with the people of Bermuda. Bermudans are the friendliest people on earth and whether you are renting a moped or choosing a duty-free gift, you will find that service still comes with a smile.
Located just 650 miles off the Carolinas' coast, Bermuda was born as a result of tumultuous volcanic activity that took place millions of years ago. Although the island was first sighted by Juan de Bermudez in 1505, the only people who ever set foot on the island were castaways shipwrecked on its treacherous reefs. Shipbuilding throughout the 18th and early 19th century enabled Bermuda to trade abroad with its light, fast ships sailing from St. Georges's Harbor and the Royal Naval Dockyard. When the demand for guns and ammunitions dried up, Bermuda was forced to seek other ways of trading. An agricultural industry soon developed that supplied vegetables to New York City's ever-growing needs. When demand declined, agriculture was replaced with tourism as a primary means of income. The island was favored by wealthy American patrons, who viewed it as an ideal winter resort. |
Activities and Attractions
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One of the many secluded beaches to be found on the island.
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Ocean time. You are never more than a mile from the ocean in Bermuda. With Bermuda surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and warmed by the Gulf Stream, it is not surprising that there are so many water activities to choose from.
Scuba Dive. For divers, Bermuda boasts some of the most spectacular scuba diving in the world with more than 350 shipwrecks and 230 miles of reefs to explore. Bermuda's reefs are home to more than 10,000 species of marine life from the humble sea fan to migratory whales. Crystal clear waters mean visibility is often good up to 150 feet. If you are not a swimmer, you can still enjoy the underwater world by going helmet-diving and walking on the ocean floor!
Hit the beach. Bermuda is famous for its silky soft pink beaches. That distinctive color is due to a tiny little single-celled animal called Foraminifera. Millions of these microscopic creatures and their red skeletons are continually calcifying on the reefs offshore, and are then crushed by the huge, erosive power of the ocean and washed up on beaches. Bermuda has nearly 25 miles of beach ranging from long sandy stretches to intimate coves and rocky shores. Most of the island's best sand beaches can be found on the South Shore where the water tends to be rougher and conditions are often ideal for body surfing. North Shore beaches tend to be rockier but the water calmer.
Relax in a spa. Bermuda, with its unhurried pace of life, is the perfect place to unwind after a wedding. Take advantage of one of the island's growing number of first-class spas to really relax while on your honeymoon. Whether you go for an invigorating hour or a full, indulgent day, it is the way to relax, rejuvenate, and revitalize yourself. The Spa at Ariel Sands, Willow Stream Spa, and the Spa at Elbow Beach are three of the top spas on the island.
Moped. One of the best ways to see the island is to rent a moped during your stay. Whizzing around on your moped, you will uncover deserted beaches, cricket matches, and other island life. The island's speed limit is 25 mph so you can enjoy the beautiful views without having to worry that they are passing by too fast.
Rent a boat. You can rent your own Boston Whaler or sailboat and enjoy a picnic on a secluded island, go snorkeling and relax on a beautiful beach. Or take a kayak and explore the dozens of coves and bays around the island. The turquoise waters are so clear that you will be able to enjoy the spectacular marine life without even going under the surface.
Jet ski safari. If you are an adrenaline junkie couple, take a jet ski safari or a high-speed catamaran tour around the island. Why not try a water-ski, windsurf, kitesurfing, or parasailing adventure after the safari. Whatever your choice, there is no better way to enjoy Bermuda's natural beauty than being in, out, or under the water.
Shopping. Bermuda is a shopper's paradise, whether you are hunting for luxury merchandise at affordable prices or exploring local arts and crafts. You will be tempted by a wide range of international goods and famous brand names: French perfumes, English bone china, Cuban cigars, Swiss watches, silver, crystal and jewelry, Irish linen, Scottish tweeds, Italian silks, cashmere sweaters and many other surprising treats. Better yet, with no added sales tax you can buy many of these goods up to 40 percent lower than in stores in Europe or the United States.
Golf. Golfing is an obsessive pastime, with eight courses, all with pink sand traps and ocean views. Bermuda's courses are not the longest. But most offer a unique challenge, accentuated always by the ocean breeze and a distracting but breathtaking view at every turn.
Feast. In Bermuda you will find almost every international cuisine alongside island specialties, all exquisitely prepared and presented. The island boasts some of the most sophisticated restaurants in the world, but here are also many more modest establishments where home-style dishes are served in generous quantities-at generous prices. What makes Bermudan food distinctive, however, is the freshness and diversity of local ingredients – lobster, wahoo, tuna, rockfish, red snapper, shark, and mussels.
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Cost
For Bermuda being so close to the United States (2 hours by plane from New York City), roundtrip flight costs will seem expensive. Most of the major legacy airlines fly to Bermuda and a few budget airlines are starting the route like USA3000 and JetBlue (announced 2005, not yet in service as of this writing). A flight from Boston or New York City on major airlines during the high season - May through October - costs between $700 and $800. At other times, you should be able to find a ticket between $400 and $500. Bermuda's high cost of living, the result of most goods having to be flown in from the United States mainland, is reflected in hotel room rates and restaurant menu prices. This is not the place to come if you're watching your budget, since you'll be hard-pressed to find a double room under US$100 and the average room price is almost double that. If you plan to stay seven days or less, it's worth looking into package deals that incorporate both airfare and hotel accommodation. Often, there are significant airfare credits available when you book a hotel and air package, check out BermudaTourism.com.
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