Why Bermuda's pink beaches are a must-see
When you hear the word Bermuda, the first thing that usually springs to mind is the infamous triangle myth rather than the island itself. However I wanted to find out what this mysterious island is all about, like why do so many celebrities vacation there? And are the beaches really pink?
Sounds intriguing, tell me more...
The Bermuda Triangle's a section of the North Atlantic Ocean where ships and planes have mysteriously vanished without a trace over the years. The Bermuda Tourism Authority has cleverly played on the mystery and last year launched a ‘lost yet found’ campaign, inviting tourists to lose themselves in the local culture and experience what the island offers. While planes getting lost in the triangle are still unsolved, Bermuda has a pretty good explanation for ships lost on its borders, and it’s all because of its coral reef. In the 1600's, government-sanctioned local privateers would trick ships into sailing straight into the reef and steal their loot as they sank.
Now the reef and shipwrecks are definitely among the island's highlights. You can even take an underwater tour of them with Island Tour Center ($95pp), including snorkelling above Montana and Constellation, two ships right next to each other with cement bags and Paddlewheels all available on show, plus there’s also the HMS Vixen whose bow is sticking out above the water!
Even though I got seasick, this was my favourite part of the whole trip because the tour also included snorkelling above the coral reef - never in my life have I seen such outstandingly vibrant marine life, though I was weirdly disappointed I didn’t get to see a Barracuda (despite being slightly terrified at the prospect).
What else does the island have to offer?
I visited in October during Art Month and there was plenty of stuff going on in Hamilton, Bermuda's capital located in the middle of the island, including a free tour of the Hamilton Princess Hotel's private art collection. With Banksy’s, Picasso’s, Warhol’s and so much more, it was definitely worth heading inland for. Hamilton is also where you’ll find the very northern point of the infamous triangle, marked by a plaque at Albuoy's Point.
Even if it’s not Art Month when you visit, everywhere you turn looks like beautiful scenic painting; it feels somewhat unreal. Especially if you keep travelling East and visit Cooper’s Island. Once a U.S. military base, it's now open to the public, making it an idyllic place to swim, hike, and explore nature.
From there you’re perfectly located to visit Rosewood Bermuda, a five-star resort where I recommend booking in for a cedarwood massage. The personal touches of asking what incense I would like and letting me smell all the choices meant I could tailor this to me and made my experience so much more relaxing. The heat from the cedarwood oil let my body just melt away for an hour. Pure bliss.
The Rosewood has a private pink sand beach (the blush colour's caused by tiny pink marine organisms shedding their shells which get crushed and turn into soft sand) and also offers traditional vinyasa yoga classes in the morning, where the instructor creates a calm and mentally restorative atmosphere and is incredibly kind when you don’t necessarily know all the moves (ahem).
And what's the food like?
With such a wonderful variety of cuisines from Italian, Japanese, and Caribbean influences in most of their dishes, you’ll be spoilt for choice. And if you don’t want to travel too far from your bed, during your stay at Cambridge Beaches resort, the Breezes restaurant offers a Caribbean-influenced menu and is a perfect lunch spot with its waterside location atop of one of the resort’s beaches.
For the evening a reservation at Sunken Harbour is a must. The menu created by executive Chef James Wabui is impressively imaginative and the restaurant prides itself on using the best and freshest ingredients they can source. I ordered the Lamb Wellington, the first time trying this dish and I can safely say, I was not disappointed.
If you want to explore how Bermuda tackle Italian and Japanese cuisine, Blu Bar & Grill's Beef Rib Ravioli made with homemade pasta is a big tick and that goes for their sushi too, especially the Rainbow Maki roll.
Some dishes however are entirely Bermudian… fish sandwiches. I didn't expect to fall so deeply in love with a dish, that the second I got home I bought all the ingredients to try and re-create it. The fish sandwich to Bermuda, is the pasty to the Cornish (and I get to say this because I am) - everyone has their favourite. My top spot? Woody’s, its casual nature, good cocktails and delicious fish sandwich make you feel like you’ve found a local treasure. Perfect.
I’m sold! But where can I stay?
Pink is the national colour; you’ll see it everywhere and what better way to fully immerse yourself in the culture than booking a room in the bright pink cottages at Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa on the island's west coast.
I stayed in their Pegem Cottage, the living and loot storage place of a Bermudian Privateer, and I understand his choice of quarters, with views of the sunrise sparkling across the sea, and being less than a minute away from sinking your toes into the sand, who wouldn’t want to rest up there? The interior design is so beautifully rustic and clean, yet modern, and with the luxury and privacy provided by having a whole cottage to yourself, it makes it the perfect place to escape, relax and enjoy a slice of paradise, (or steal a bunch of loot, apparently).
Overall thoughts?
I had only spent five days in Bermuda, but it was enough for me to fully understand and experience the wonders of it, one could say I got lost yet found. I desperately wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of London and experience a calmer environment and that’s exactly what I found.
The locals are super friendly, and I think this adds to the energy this place provides, as a woman I felt incredibly safe, and when all your looking for from a holiday is to relax this is such an important factor. Whether your idea of wellness is massages, eating incredible food, swimming in the ocean or kicking back with some cocktails in the sun listening to the gentle song of the wildlife, there is something for everyone on this island.
The best person to perfectly sum up this paradise was Mark Twain who once wrote, “You can go to heaven if you want to. I'd rather stay in Bermuda.” and I fully concur.
Go there!
Rooms at The Rosewood from £463 BOOK NOW. Rooms at Cambridge Beaches from £383pn BOOK NOW.
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