bermuda
An easy flight from the East Coast, Bermuda is a perfect weekend destination for an exotic escape in the summertime. The season is short since the island is just off the coast of North Carolina, and many restaurants are open only seasonally. A mix of British culture and Caribbean vibes make you feel like you've traveled much further than a 90-minute flight from New York. I was eager to experience the candy colored houses all over the island, but was blown away by the beauty of seeing them in person. Every Bermudian I met was friendly, kind and proud to welcome us to their island home.
I recently visited for a girls weekend to celebrate a good friend's upcoming wedding. It was the perfect spot to catchup with friends and soak up the sun for a few days. I left relaxed and sun kissed, the perfect weekend in my book.
Pack... Bathing suits, coverups, a fun dress for going out to dinner, and a good beach towel.
Stay... I was fortunate to stay at a friend's beautiful house, which certainly spoiled me for the weekend. When I return, I'd love to check out the Hamilton Princess, the Fairmont Southampton, or Rosewood Tucker Point for an indulgent weekend getaway.
Bring Home... Sadly I didn't shop at all but brought home my share of Bermudian sand in my suitcase!
{ eat }
The Swizzle Inn - Bermuda's classic (and oldest) pub, a reliable spot with tasty food. Don't miss the country's national drink and infamous Rum Swizzle.
Mickey's Beach Bistro - This restaurant is situated directly on Elbow Beach, you can sink your toes in the sand and watch the sky change as the sun sets. Lots of seafood on the menu, but the real highlight here is the setting.
Marcus' Bermuda - Located in the Hamilton Princess hotel, Marcus Samuelsson's Bermuda outpost is an extension of his globally influenced cuisine with a Bermudian twist. I didn't eat here on my trip but have heard so much about it I had to include. Next time!
{ wander }
Get out on the water. We rented the catamaran Restless Native for the afternoon and had a blast soaking up the sun and taking in the stunning views. The brother duo that runs the boat are awesome. They took us all over with plenty of activities - swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, cliff jumping, Rum Swizzle drinking and plenty of sun bathing.
Go paddle boarding off Daniel's Head Beach.
Relax on the many beaches. We parked ourselves at Horseshoe Bay, a stunning spot on the south side of the island. A plus to going in the summertime, the ocean is so warm it feels like bathwater.