Situated just off the eastern coast of the United States, Bermuda is a mesmerising island nestled in the azure waters of the North Atlantic, a jewel renowned for its pristine pink-sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs and tropical gardens. For those seeking an exquisite blend of natural beauty, historical charm, and a laid-back island lifestyle, a self-guided trip to Bermuda ticks every box.
With its lush greenery, pastel-coloured colonial buildings and a captivating fusion of British, African, and Caribbean influences, Bermuda beckons wanderers to delve into a world where time seems to slow down, inviting exploration and relaxation in equal measure. Whether you’re looking to discover the island’s intriguing network of underground Crystal Caves near Hamilton Parish, soak up the lively reggae culture on the Dockyards or unwind with an iconic Rum Swizzle in one of their famous establishments, Bermuda promises an unforgettable journey every time. So, join our Sales Consultant, Megan Wyatt, as she shares what she loved most about her recent trip to Bermuda with Headwater.
When asked what her top three highlights of her trip was Megan explained, “Well one of my favourite walks was heading up to the South Shore and visiting Horseshoe Bay, home to arguably some of the world’s pinkest sands.” She continued, “Our wonderful base for the week, Grotto Bay Beach Resort, which overlooks the tranquil waters of Bailey’s Bay on Bermuda’s north-east coast, offers a fantastic range of water sports. I got the chance to canoe over world-class shipwrecks like the Rita Zovetta or the Cristobal Colon – the largest ship ever to sink in Bermuda. This was an incredible experience. Visitors can also snorkel and dive in Cathedral Reef, to explore dramatic canyons and swim-throughs while spotting, spiny lobsters, parrotfish and even barracuda.”
“Another highlight was exploring the Royal Naval Dockyard because there’s so much to see. The Clocktower Mall is brimming with shops and eateries, perfect for leisurely strolls and listening to the locals dancing to reggae in the afternoon. Or you can explore the National Museum of Bermuda, where centuries-old fortifications and exhibits showcase the island’s seafaring past. The Dockyard also serves as a cultural centre for local artisans and craftsmen in the area, so it’s a great place to browse local art and pick up traditional Bermudian handicrafts. What I found so refreshing was how friendly the locals were, everyone wished us a Bermudaful day, every day!”
On day six of our Islands of Bermuda Walk, you can visit the fascinating underground Crystal Caves. This network of caves holds a rich geological history that dates back millions of years. Discovered in 1907 by two 12-year-old local boys who were searching for their lost cricket ball, these stunning caves were opened to the public in 1910, allowing visitors to marvel at their extraordinary natural beauty. Formed during the Ice Age, the Crystal Caves were created by the gradual dissolution of limestone, resulting in the stunning stalactites and stalagmites that adorn the chambers. Megan said, “Our tour guide in the caves made it a fabulous experience for the whole group – his keen local knowledge and fun-loving personality shone through. It’s unbelievable that the clear lake inside the cave is 55 feet deep!” If you’re looking to visit even more spectacular sites, you can also visit the secluded caves and idyllic grottoes of Blue Hole Park on day three of our Bermuda Islands Discovery trip. Some Bermudians call it “Tom Moore’s Jungle”, because of the famous Irish poet who wrote some of his greatest work here.
Another walk you can take is through the enchanting town of St. George, which was named a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, because of its architectural, cultural, and historic treasures. We’d recommend visiting St. Peter’s Church, originally constructed in 1612—the same year the town was founded—this church is the oldest Anglican place of worship outside the British Isles. Granted the royal designation of “Their Majesties Chappell” by Queen Elizabeth to mark its 400th anniversary in 2012, St. Peter’s Church is a well-preserved gem in a town brimming with cultural history and one of the best examples of ecclesiastical architecture in Bermuda.
When it came to the accommodation, Megan was keen to comment, “ We had a great time in the 4-star Grotto Bay Beach Resort. In the resort, you will be looked after by our friendly local guide, Tim Rogers. Tim will provide a welcome briefing on arrival and often does talks at the hotel. He is a mine of information including some fascinating theories of the Bermuda Triangle. All of the staff and managers at the hotel were super friendly and nothing was ever too much trouble.” She continued, “You can even swim in their caves underground, or have a cheeky spa treatment in the actual caves themselves. I would personally recommend the French Vanilla Body Scrub treatment, as it makes your skin glow and feel super silky.”
Megan also mentioned that you can opt for the all-inclusive package Grotto Bay Beach Resort, “I would highly recommend it. Each evening the hotel offers the catch of the day and has a set menu with a variety of choices. The prawn salad and fish chowder were my two personal favourites, packed with flavour and beautifully presented.” With a delicious fusion of British, African, Caribbean, and Portuguese flavours, seafood takes centre stage in Bermuda, including the Bermuda fish chowder, codfish and the savoury Portuguese-inspired Bermuda fish sandwich. Across the island, you can also try typical local delicacies like loquats, pawpaws, and cassava pie in their restaurants, which will undoubtedly leave your taste buds tingling.
If you’re looking to unwind after a day of exploring the island, trying Bermuda’s famous Rum Swizzle or Dark ‘n Stormy is a brilliant choice. You can choose to enjoy it while watching the sunset over Bailey’s Bay with your hotel’s all-inclusive package like Megan, or head to the Swizzle Inn. Converted from a 17th-century roadhouse, this iconic Bailey’s Bay dive bar opened its doors in 1932, and after 91 years, not much has changed with graffiti from decades of happy customers still adorning its walls. Its buzzing atmosphere and delicious Rum Swizzles encourage patrons to “Swizzle Inn and Swagger Out”. And although Bermuda’s national drink is served in almost every bar and restaurant, we believe it’s best to go to the place where was invented!
When asked to sum up her experience, Megan told us, “Bermuda was a once-in-a-lifetime trip for me. The island is on another level from any other country I have visited so far. From the friendliness of the locals to the impossibly blue seas that photos just can’t capture, Bermuda is a place brimming with history and culture. Expect to be wowed by coastal scenery, towering forts, stalagmite-studded caves and pink sugary sand beaches – it’s a truly magical place. If it’s not on your travel list yet, it needs to be! I left Bermuda saying there was no such thing as the Bermuda Triangle – people just didn’t want to return home!”
So, there you have it, if you’re keen to explore Bermuda the way Megan has, take a look at our Bermuda holidays here.
