How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Bermuda
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Though it resides only 650 miles off the North Carolina coastal town of Cape Hatteras, Bermuda feels like a magical, faraway destination that transports you to a unique locale reflective of its spectacular tropical landscape and centuries of African, British, Canadian, Caribbean, and Continental European influences. The island was founded as a permanent British settlement in 1609 and quickly became a central hub for transatlantic commerce, which sparked a movement of furniture making that still holds strong to this day. Savvy design aficionados have long been flocking to this island gem to find stunning British colonial antiques, oil paintings by local artists, and striking artifacts from a range of periods and styles. We enlisted the help of Sarah Bray-West, founder of Sarah Bray Bermuda (and a former VERANDA editor!), to guide us in our quest for the best spots to stay, shop, sip, and savor the best that the island has to offer.
Where to Stay in Bermuda
It doesn't get any more luxurious than Rosewood Bermuda. Though it's a bit off the beaten path and on the other side of the island from the capital city of Hamilton, its lush, secluded location is the perfect place to unwind after a busy day of shopping or exploring, and the hotel offers shuttle services to make getting around the 21-square mile island seamless. The resort offers some pretty stellar amenities including a private beach club on a pristine slice of pink sand, fabulous wellness offerings inspired by Bermudian culture (the cedar warming massage is just the thing to help you unwind after stocking up on some traditional cedar furnishings!), the island's premier golf course, and excellent culinary programming. Plus, the property is incredibly family friendly and sure to keep all your loved ones busy if they don't want to join in on your daily design escapades.
If you're tempted to never leave the property (we don't blame you!), Rosewood Bermuda has partnered with Bray-West for various hands-on workshops throughout the summers, including a tablescape series. Plus, you can pick up one of her precious sun hats made with local seagrass at the resort's womenswear shop.
Where to Shop in Bermuda
You'll want to divide and conquer during your stay in order to explore all of the best shopping the island has to offer. St. George's, home of Bermuda's original settlement and the first capital city of the island, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some excellent shops. A visit to the Lili Bermuda Perfumery is a must, and Bray-West suggests booking a tour that includes afternoon tea in the perfumery's gardens for the ultimate experience. You're sure to find your new signature fragrance that will always remind you of this one-of-a-kind island destination.
The colorful neighborhood of Southampton is home to Tuck Shop, which Bray-West deems "the most thoughtful general store on the island." Here, you'll find not only exceptional womenswear and children's clothes but also a charming bakery and coffee shop that uses local produce and goods.
The capital city of Hamilton is a must-visit for enthusiasts of all kinds. Book lovers will enjoy perusing the nearly century-old Bermuda Bookstore that stocks the best authors from the U.S., U.K., and Bermuda. The Island Shop is just the ticket for handmade home goods and gifts while Hilgroves is Bray-West's favorite stop for "truly unique antique treasures." And don't forget to stop into Della Valle for custom leather sandals made with Italian craft traditions that'll feel like a trip to Florence.
Where to Eat and Drink in Bermuda
You'll want to book a few dining reservations ahead of your stay at Rosewood Bermuda or upon arrival to ensure you can enjoy all of its incredible offerings. Island Brasserie is the resort's signature restaurant and offers a vibrant take on the decadent steakhouse experience, and it's the best place to enjoy a fabulous breakfast with sweeping views each morning. Sul Verde is located at the Tucker's Point Golf Club and its cuisine is inspired by the culinary traditions of Southern Italy. You'll find the best pizza on the island as well as fresh pastas and a fabulous cocktail list.
If you're looking to venture out, Bray-West's favorite restaurant on the island is Huckleberry. Located in a grand historic home in Pembroke, the restaurant offers an exemplary take on Bermudian fine dining, showcasing the best local ingredients that the island has to offer. Plus, literary aficionados will love that its namesake is a tribute Mark Twain, who famously visited the island eight times and helped expand its reputation as a travel destination in the late 19th century.
1609, located at the Bermudian pink Hamilton Princess hotel at the center of town, offers a fantastic dining experience inspired by Central and South American cuisines (and boasts incredible panoramic ocean views). It's the perfect place to celebrate a successful day of antiques hunting—just be sure to make a reservation.
Bray-West says the best way to enjoy Bermuda is by boat and says Bermuda Electric Boat Company offers precious pastel pink boats that are very user-friendly and a great way to explore the island. She advises stopping by Miles Market to pick up all the provisions you'll need for a fabulous picnic lunch before navigating the waters until you find your ideal private beach paradise. Her pick for a perfect picnic spot is Cooper's Beach for its beauty and remoteness.
Other Places to Get Inspired
If you haven't had enough cultural and creative stimulation, Bermuda is an excellent place for art and architecture enthusiasts. Your first stop should be the Bermuda National Gallery, which will help give more context to the island's unique culture as well. What was once a small gallery of 18 European paintings gifted to the people of Bermuda has blossomed into a spectacular hub of pieces from around the globe, including the island's most talented creatives. The Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art is another excellent destination, overlooking the Bermuda Botanical Gardens, and makes for a perfect afternoon itinerary, according to Bray-West.
If it's more modern art you're looking for, the Hamilton Princess offers art tours each Saturday morning, hosted by Lisa Howie, the former director of the Bermuda National Gallery. The Green family, who owns the hotel, has a stunning range of original pieces thoughtfully peppered throughout the hotel, from Andy Warhol's Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom in the lobby to sculptures by KAWS and Yayoi Kusama in the courtyard, not to mention pieces by David Hockney, Rene Magritte, and even Banksy.
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