Bermuda offers the classic tropical island experience; soft, palest-pink sand, calm, warm turquoise waters fringed with incredibly beautiful, yet deadly reefs, and bougainvillea covered houses and mansions painted in a pastel rainbow. But as well as the idyllic beaches and world class diving and fishing, Bermuda has historic forts, museum and galleries. Not forgetting the great range of accommodation! Our pick of the best places to stay in Bermuda varies from romantic, manor-style properties in the centre of Hamilton, to all-inclusive hotels in Tucker's Town, to gorgeous beach hotels and resorts with more facilities than you can imagine.
A string of around 138 islands and islets arranged in a hook-shape, Bermuda is just 20miles long and two across, but its genteel history as a British Overseas Territory, combined with its proximity to the US and the legacy of many of its African, Portuguese and West Indian residents, means it is culturally very rich and extremely diverse. You can taste it in the cuisine, which fuses local specialities like shark hash and mussel pie with Portuguese-style fish and tomatoes, and classic British sponge cakes.
What not to miss
- It’s hard to say which of Bermuda’s beaches are the most perfect. Lots of people like Horseshoe Bay, but Elbow Beach is gorgeous too. Most of the best beaches are on the southern shore. And there are plenty of lesser known joys to discover on your own.
- It’s hard to decide which dives, or snorkelling sites to prioritise too, what with a range of wreck dives and acres of reef to explore.
- For an easy way to that tropical jungle experience visit Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve and the Blue Hole Park.
- If you want to experience something of Bermuda’s history, as well as enjoying more typical Caribbean island pursuits there’s an excellent choice of museums and historic sites - try the National Museum of Bermuda first, then the Royal Naval Dockyard and Fort St. Catherine.
- Bermuda also has an aquarium and a zoo - actually a lot of family friendly entertainment!
- And for something unexpected visit Crystal Cave and Fantasy Cave, a magical place of stalactites, all beautifully lit and easily accessed.
Where to stay
- Hamilton, the island's capital, is a bustling city full of pretty coloured houses and lively bars.
- Located at the mouth of Castle Harbour, Tucker's Town is a small community which boasts a number of golf courses.
- Mount Pleasant is best known for its lovely two-storey, classically Bermudian houses.
- Southampton and Somerset are both tranquil spots which are perfect for beachgoers.
- Whilst Paget is home to the Bermuda Botanical Gardens and Paget Marsh Nature Reserve.
It might not surprise you but our picks of the best places to stay in Bermuda err towards ocean views and beach-side idyll. Use our guide to Bermuda hotels and start to plan your trip.