Make a Holiday of it
“You can go to heaven if you want to – I’d rather stay right here in Bermuda”
Mark Twain
The Monday before the wedding is a bank holiday. If you want to take advantage of that and make a holiday of it, we’ve listed some of our favourite places, things to do and top tips below.
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1. Rent a boat
This is truly the best thing to do on the island. Boat rentals are easy and available from KS watersports at the Hamilton Princess. If you want to feel super local, ask for directions to Woodys to get one of Bermuda’s best fish sandwiches to go (we promise its worth it). https://kswatersports.com
2. Scuba Diving
With 27 shipwrecks around the island, Bermuda is an incredible place to dive. It’s also one of the only places in the world where you can dive a shipwreck on your first go without your PADI. https://www.divebermuda.com/
3. Take the Ferry to Dockyard
The Royal Naval Dockyard is the islands most western point. Explore local galleries, museums and sample local delights throughout what was the principal base of the Royal Navy in the Western Atlantic between American independence and the Cold War. Head up to Commissioners House for a history of Bermuda and panoramic views of the island. There are plenty of stores for those looking to do some shopping. Stop at the Frog and Onion Pub for lunch in a 18th century Cooperage. For those feeling adventurous – the bride is a big fan of Dockyard’s Segway Tour.
4. Explore St Georges
One of the Eastern most parts of the island, St George’s is the oldest continuously occupied British settlement in new world – the town itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore local shops and stop by Wahoo Bar and Grill for some fresh local fish with ocean-side dining. Highlights include St Peters Church, the Lili Bermuda Perfumerie and the ‘Unfinished Church’ (you may need to ask a local for directions to this!).
5. The Aquarium
Bermuda has an amazing aquarium located in Flatts Village. Make sure to say hello to fan favourites Oscar the Alligator, the electric eel and the pink flamingos! Head to the Island Pantry across the bay for a fantastic brunch – or Rustico for a stellar pizza.
6. Snorkeling
The best place to snorkel on the island is Tabacco Bay. Loved by tourists and locals, the beach is surrounded by unique rock formations which makes it a fish lovers paradise. You can rent snorkel equipment directly on the beach, and there’s also a bar! Fun fact: this beach was a backdrop for the Gunpowder Plot of 1775, in which Bermuda locals helped American revolutionaries steal a supply of British gunpowder from the town of St. Georges.
7. Helmet Diving
Somewhere between scuba diving and snorkeling, there’s helmet diving: a strange hybrid of the two that originated in Bermuda. You don a heavy helmet, equipped with a hose piping in fresh air, descend a ladder roughly 10 feet underwater, and walk around on the ocean floor. The fish are incredible and the photos are hilarious. https://www.hartleybermuda.com/wp/
8. Salt Yoga
For those who are looking to exercise on holiday, Salt Yoga hosts paddle board yoga in the sea and private yoga classes for anyone looking to stretch it out. https://www.salt-yoga.bm/sup-yoga.
9. The Beach
Any beach. They are the best in the world. Objectively.
10. Get married
Of course!
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The Bermudian dollar is equal to the US dollar and USD is accepted everywhere on the island.
Taxis – its best to prebook these and make sure to have cash. Your hotel will likely have a taxi number you can use, but if you like your taxi driver from the airport – make sure to get their number as it could come in handy throughout the week. To make your life easier - download the Hitch app.
Very specific, but manners are key on the island – make sure to say good morning or good afternoon to bus drivers, cashiers, and pretty much anyone you encounter or anyone who is serving you – it will go a long way!
Locals are super friendly and LOVE sharing tips about the island. They are always happy to help with advice and directions.
Tourists can’t rent cars in Bermuda. You can rent a ‘Twizzy’ or small electric vehicles to zip around the island: https://www.currentvehicles.com
Bermuda’s a small island – it’s good to book activities and restaurants in advance.
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Best place for a Bermuda souvenir: The Island Shop (3 Queen Street, Hamilton)
Best place for Bermuda merch: Flying Colours (5 Queen Street, Hamilton)
Best place for stylish Bermuda merch: Atelerie (9 Reid Street)
Best place for last minute toiletries and meds: The Phoenix (3 Reid Street)
Best place for groceries: Supermart (125 Front Street)
Best place for bougie groceries: Miles Market (The Waterfront, 96 Pitts Bay Road)
Best place for a sunset cocktail: 1609 at the Hamilton Princess (76 Pitts Bay Road)
Best place for a Bermuda fish sandwich: Art Mels Spicy Dicey (you’ll need to ask taxi to take you here)
Best place for happy hour: The Birdcage (10 Front Street)
Best place for a pint: The Astwood Arms (83 Front Street)
Best place for breakfast: Devil’s Isle (19 Burnaby Street)
Best place for sushi: Harbourfront (the BUEI, 40 Crow Lane)
Best place for a rum swizzle: The Swizzle Inn (3 Blue Hole Hill, by the airport)
Best place to buy Bermuda rum: Goslings of course! (33 Front Street) - or the airport!
Best place for a morning run: the Railway trail, you’ll catch the bride and her fam walking the dogs most mornings here at 8am!
