Why Bermuda Is An Ideal Choice For A Quick Romantic Getaway

The delightful and conveniently located island of Bermuda has long been a romantic getaway spot for couples, but now that the destination has finally eased its COVID-19 entry requirements, an escape here should definitely be on your radar. As of Oct. 25, 2022, visitors do still need to apply online for a Bermuda Travel Authorization ($40 per person) and upload proof of vaccination or proof of travel health insurance, but pre-departure testing is no longer required. 

And, with its location just 2 to 2.5 hours by air from New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Charlotte, and Atlanta (with flights on JetBlue, American, and Delta), the island couldn't be any more ideal for that long weekend getaway you've been dreaming about. 

Known for its pink-sand beaches, warm aquamarine sea, soothing pastel-hued architecture, and botanical landscapes, this British Overseas Territory offers an elegant backdrop for beach-going, golf, tennis, and water-centric sports. And with year-round daytime temperatures that range from 65 degrees in winter to 85 degrees in summer, visitors can enjoy four seasons of relaxation. 

Still need convincing? Here are eight more reasons to plan a quick getaway to Bermuda.

The holidays in Bermuda are a festive and colorful time, with the usual Christmas lights and décor, special holiday recipes, and caroling, but Bermuda also celebrates the British holiday of Boxing Day (Dec. 26), when vibrantly costumed Gombey troupes dance and drum their way through the streets. And on New Year's Eve, the revelry climaxes in the historic city of St. George's with the dropping of a giant onion in King's Square at midnight.

Easter weekend brings on more local celebrations, including the flying of homemade kites all around the island on Good Friday. Food-wise, Bermudians also stick to tradition by making sure to eat hot cross buns on Good Friday and then they enjoy codfish cakes on Easter Sunday served with mayo and hot sauce on, yes, a hot cross bun.

Carnival in Bermuda takes place every June and this five-day celebration begins with festive parties held at the island's beaches, parks, and even in chartered party boats on the water, all culminating with the overnight J'ouvert Celebration and the Parade of Bands with revelers dancing and singing in the streets.

Foodies visiting in late September can mingle with locals during the annual Taste of Bermuda Festival. This weekend of food-and-drink-oriented celebration takes place in Hamilton, kicking off on Friday night with a lively Set the Bar: Cocktail Competition at the architecturally striking Bacardi World Headquarters downtown that pits a half dozen local mixologists against each other as they try to make the winning elixir—with generous sips for all in attendance. 

Saturday night, several blocks of historic Front Street are closed for the Front Street Formal, a chic and celebratory multi-course meal with paired wines served at the island's longest table, which is elegantly decorated in white—with all attendees wearing white, too. And on Sunday, Hamilton hosts the street-festival-like Tasting Village with vendors offering savory bites and chefs doing cooking demonstrations. 

Bermuda is admittedly not a budget destination, but you can enjoy several free tours in and around Hamilton, most involving a leisurely stroll. Hamilton's knowledgeable and personable Town Crier, Ed Christopher, leads tours through the historic center every day at 10:30 a.m. (meet at 17 Church Street), while early birds can join weekly 3-to-5-mile Sunday morning walks (start time: 7:00 a.m.) with the Walking Club of Bermuda. Visitors can also embark on a self-guided City Art Tour in Hamilton by downloading a map that pinpoints dozens of public installations commissioned through the VIVID Public Art Initiative; each has a plaque with a QR code to scan for details on the work. 

If you book a stay at the Hamilton Princess Hotel & Beach Club—a pink-hued landmark with a convenient downtown location offering access to shops and restaurants, but also two amazing oceanfront pools and a shuttle to a private beach club—you can peruse the hotel's wonderful modern art collection, which includes works by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, René Magritte, and Andy Warhol. And if you'll be there on a Saturday at 10:00 am, you can reserve a spot for a free onsite art tour.

The incredible blue waters surrounding Bermuda are home to vibrant sea life, from colorful tropical fish species to intricate coral gardens, which can be enjoyed during snorkel or scuba tours. The humpback whale migration takes place every March and April when thousands of the massive creatures pass by the island on their way north. Couples who partake in birdwatching can easily spot endemic species, which include the distinctive Bermuda Longtails and the Bermuda Petrel, which is the island's national bird.

But if you love wildlife and natural history (or consider yourself overgrown kids), you can head to the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, which for more than a century has been committed to preserving and protecting the island's endemic species. These range from sea turtles and seals to a wide array of fish species, but the facility is also home to birds, reptiles, and mammals from myriad oceanic islands—and the Madagascar exhibit with its free-roaming lemurs is a must see.

For a taste of authentic Bermuda make a stop at Café Olé, located near Crystal Caves on your way from L.F. Wade International Airport, and order the fish sandwich served on lightly toasted raisin bread with tartar sauce, lettuce, tomato, and a dash of hot sauce. It's delicious, messy, and so humungous that two people can easily share it along with side of sweet potato fries.

Another local favorite, especially for weekend brunch, is Bouchee, a casual French Bistro in downtown Hamilton, where the omelets and eggs benedict are tasty but the breakfast specialty is the platter of codfish and potatoes served with avocado, hard-boiled egg, banana, and Johnny bread, with a choice of tomato or butter/onion sauce.

Bermudian specialties that you should try during your visit are fish chowder, Hoppin' John (rice and peas) and rum cake, while traditional libations include the Dark 'n Stormy (dark rum and ginger beer) and the Rum Swizzle (rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, grenadine, and angostura bitters). Those who consider themselves a connoisseur of dive bars should find their way to The Swizzle Inn in Bailey's Bay (also along the route to the airport and Crystal Caves). It's Bermuda's oldest pub and the Rum Swizzle was created here in 1932. Grab a table inside to ogle the shabby-rustic interior décor (the walls and ceilings are covered in signed dollar bills and business cards) or opt for a table on the patio and sip your Swizzle in the sunshine.

There are also plenty of upscale dining options in Bermuda and in Hamilton they include Bolero for contemporary tapas-style plates, Pearl for fresh and creative sushi, and Barracuda Grill for a modern seafood menu and craft cocktails.

The obvious choice would some Goslings Black Seal Rum or one of the island's signature rum cakes, but the shops along Front Street and Reid Street in downtown Hamilton are also worth checking out. The Island Shop, TABS, and 1609 Design all sell made-in-Bermuda products. And for distinctive jewelry made from Bermuda's pink sand, head to Alexandra Mosher.

Bermuda's weather is ideal for golf and the island features more courses per square mile than any other destination. There are seven in total, including open-to-the-public Port Royal Golf Course, Tucker's Point Golf Club, The Mid Ocean Club, and Turtle Hill Golf Club. These courses also host an array of tournaments throughout the year, including the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, an official PGA Tour event held at Port Royal Golf Course in October, and the Rosewood Cup Golf Tournament, held at Tucker's Point Golf Club in November.

If tennis is your game, many of Bermuda's resorts boast world-class courts, including The Fairmont Southampton, Rosewood Bermuda, and Grotto Bay Beach Resort. 

The island is home to the Bermuda Railway Trail National Park, which spans 18 miles (in nine sections ranging from one mile to almost four miles) across the island, a route that dates back to a train known as the "Old Rattle and Shake," which operated from 1931 to 1948. 

It's a great trail for either hiking or biking was you pass peaceful scenery and historic locales. The trail's terrain varies from flat, paved sections to more steeper slopes and bridges—and the pathways aren't continuous, interrupted by busy roadway intersections in some sections. 

Recommended trips can be found here.

Aside from the Hamilton Princess Hotel & Beach Club, Bermuda is home to a variety of properties ideal for a romantic escape. The island's newest resort is The Loren at Pink Beach, a chic reimagination of the former Pink Beach Club, while The Reefs Resort & Club is a classic, family-owned South Shore property with wonderful beach and ocean views. Couples who love golf, spa-going and fine-dining can book the luxurious Rosewood Bermuda, located at Tucker's Point, or The St. Regis Bermuda Resort, located near historic St. George's.