I know what you’re thinking. “Like the triangle?”
Yes, Like the triangle (whose other points sit in San Juan and Miami.) But don’t be fooled - there’s more to the mid-Atlantic island than the myth. Just two hours from New York and seven and a half hours from UK, this teeny island sits further north of the Caribbean (hence it technically isn’t geographically considered a Caribbean island despite culturally sitting with it).
I can’t lie to you and say it’s a well-kept secret amongst celebs and influencers, as technically it isn’t. Hosting the infamous RHOSLC season 4 girls' trip, or Ashanti at Carnival, there's no end to notable guests making their way to “de rock” (as affectionately known by locals). If you’re looking to join them here’s a guide of where’s best to stay, what to do, eat, and see.
Where to stay in Bermuda
Grotto Bay Beach Resort
With this Bermudian mainstay only five minutes from the airport (don’t worry, it’s a bridge away) and a 20 minute taxi drive to the capital of Hamilton, it’s location alone makes a well-presented argument for your pending visit. Freshly renovated, Grotto Bay all-inclusive resort sits on a lush landscape on the water of Bailey’s Bay. Hosting a private beach and access to its own caves (one of them being the Natura spa), it promises to throw you into Bermuda’s beauty in the best way.
After long days biking through the nature trails or swimming until I had no energy left, Grotto Bay was a haven. The rooms were modern and the staggered, sloped design meant all guest had water views (a win is a win is a win!) Yep, that means you won’t have to bribe your friends for “the best room” on your next trip.
While hotel also neighbours the island’s oldest and most famed pub, The Swizzle Inn (where the motto is “Swizzle Inn, Swagger Out”), I’d like to argue early nightcaps are best spent at the property. Sunset hours were particularly gorgeous in the heights of the Panorama Lounge – sitting at the highest point in the resort, it was the perfect, relaxed atmosphere to debrief on the day’s excursions with a Dark n’ Stormy in hand. Picture perfect.
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What to do
A walking tour of St. George’s
St. George’s is special. Reigning as the former capital, it's steeped in 400 years of rich history. The best way to get invested in what is and what was is, is by asking local Kristin White. The owner of Long Story Short, a bookshop that stocks a curated selection of Black and female authors, but also acts as the base for award-winning history tours. As a St. Georges’ resident herself, it is evident she's an expert. Our walking tour featured the UNESCO world heritage site of St. Peter’s Church, and highlights of the African Diaspora trail, and a trip to the Lili Bermuda perfumery. It's the perfect way to deep dive into the past but also a great way of finding local businesses to support the process. Finish off with a trip to Yo Cherry in the town square for a sweet endcap.
Visit South Shore beaches
Now, I hate to be biased as my family grew up on the South Shore of the island, but it is home to the BEST beaches and without a doubt Horseshoe Bay is the jewel in the crown (and every visitor I talk to agrees). It’s a simple 7 bus journey from the centre of the island to an array of the best swimming the island has to offer. Horseshoe Bay offers a beach bar and chair rentals but also a small cove best for young ones who might be wary the waves. With its gorgeous pink sand and broad seafront offering, we know your days will be spent with margarita and book in hand. You’re welcome.
Cocktail-making at Rosedon
Nestled in Hamilton, The Rosedon Hotel offers a mixology master class for those wanting to become the ultimate host. Our session included seven guests, and we went through three cocktails: The Ocean Splitz, Tennessee Iced Tea and obviously the Cosmo Bianco. You are walked through a brief description of each and get to learn more about the star ingredients while the Head Bartender guides you through the best methods on making them. Highly recommend for something a bit more special than your usual trip to the bar.
Spa, spa, spa
One thing you're guaranteed to do in Bermuda is relax. The spa selection is exceptional if you know just where to look. Nestled in a 500,000-year old cave at the Grotto Bay Resort is the formerly mentioned Natura Spa. Undoubtedly, it's unlike anything you will ever come to experience - there's a platform sitting above a dimly lit body of water which houses private tents where your Swedish massage is performed. The light music and rhythm of the water echo for a perfect backdrop for the senses while your masseuse presses away all stored tension. You're encouraged to sit in the cave after your treatment while you sip water for the perfect transition. To describe any service provided at Natura “serene” is an understatement.
The Hamilton Princess also offers a service range worth taking note of – and if massages are your weak spot this could give you just what you’re looking for. The Tranquillity Massage at Exhale offers up to 90 minutes of calm like no other. Think of this as your well-deserved me-time: you have the option of using their private pool after your treatment and I would take them up on it in a heartbeat. Sunbathing here is unparalleled.
Catch a boat race
If you time your visit right, you’ll be able to catch one of the world’s most iconic sailing events, Rolex SailGP. This May it returns to Bermuda for the fourth time as one of the destinations on its 2026 racing calendar. If you’re into the idea of watching the world’s best sailors battle wind and water for the first place prize – The Bermuda Grand Prix is calling.
Where to eat
For my coffee lovers, a great place to start your day is Brew in the city of Hamilton. Perfectly perched on Front Street, it offers Devil’s Isle coffee (freshly roasted on the island) and is the perfect place to people watch and have a pastry before popping in and out of the shops in town with French Vanilla Frappe in hand. It also converts to a buzzy wine bar after hours if you’re up to it. If you’re looking for a place for a lingering breakfast or brunch on a relaxed day the aforementioned coffee company also has it’s own restaurant on Burnaby Street - Devil’s Isle and Banana Bread French toast is on the menu. Need I say more?
The Pink Beach Club at The Loren offers a gorgeous variety for a leisurely lunch, and if you’re going to be in Tucker’s Town (golf anyone?) it’s a stop worth making. With its stunning open-air design, it's an ideal way to catch the breeze on a balmy day while tasting the freshest ahi-tuna on offer while enjoying the ocean views.
Let it be known that I was a sucker for all The Hamilton Princess had to offer, including the previously mentioned Exhale spa. But for a special occasion, Intrepid is a booking worth securing ahead of your trip. Named after Sir William Stephenson, a British intelligence agent who operated from the Hamilton Princess in World War II, whose codename was “Intrepid”. He is widely known to be the inspiration behind Ian Fleming’s James Bond. Open for dinner reservations only, Intrepid offers a selection of the most delicious steak and seafood on the island. Everything from the Hamachi Crudo to their Striploin Flight was immaculate. Finish off with a crepe suzette for the perfect sweet treat.
Angel Cordova-Todd is the Fashion Assistant at Cosmopolitan UK, Red and Prima. Having previously spent time at Elle UK, The Sunday Times Style, Net-a-Porter and The Outnet she’s a budding shopping specialist. You’ll typically find her overpopulating her online wishlists, prepping threads for our next cover star, swimming in Bermuda, or internally debating whether she should root for Piastri or Hamilton during a Grand Prix (most likely both..).
