Tag Archives: Bermuda

Bermuda St George New Years Eve Onion Drop
Bahamas-New Providence, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Plan, St. Martin/St. Maarten, Trip Ideas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Favorite Caribbean New Year’s Eve Parties

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Forget Times Square. The best place to celebrate, say goodbye to the old and ring in the new is in the Caribbean, where balmy trade winds and sandy beaches set the tone for a night of celebration like nowhere else. Each island has something going on, but some go bigger than others, and that’s where you want to be. Here are seven of our favorites.

Dropping the Onion in Bermuda

Bermuda is no longer a major exporter of onions, but the island still pays homage to its namesake vegetable on December 31. The celebration starts before dark as thousands gather at King’s Square in the city of St. George’s to enjoy street food and live music. The party builds towards midnight as everyone waits for a lighted papier-mâché replica of an onion to descend, then the fireworks light up the waters of the harbor.

The Ultimate Beach Party on Jost Van Dyke

In the British Virgin Islands, revelers converge on the small island of Jost Van Dyke to join local icon Foxy Calwood at his legendary Old Year’s Eve party. Staged on the shores of Great Bay at Foxy’s Tamarind Bar, the party draws boaters and celebrities alike for a night of dancing on the sand, lobster barbecues, Firewater Rum punches and, for the less inhibited, a plunge into the foam pit. Additional ferries are pressed into service from the islands of St. Thomas and Tortola to handle the arriving crowds.

Grand Cayman with No Resolutions

No need to keep the little ones up late to see the show at Grand Cayman’s Camana Bay complex. The center’s No Resolutions Party kicks off at 6 p.m. on The Crescent, with food, drink; music and early fireworks show at 7 p.m. Once the youngsters are tucked away the dancing and celebrations keep going past 1 a.m., with a second fireworks lighting up the harbor at midnight. Those who would rather get some sand between their toes wander over to Seven Mile Beach, where the Westin Grand Cayman hosts a beach party with bubbly, sand sculptures and island tunes.

Fire on the Water on St. Martin/Sint Maarten

If you love fireworks, the island of St. Martin is the place to be on December 31st. Several clubs along Orient Beach stage parties that spill onto the sand as revelers await a spectacular display of midnight pyrotechnics. Even more popular is the show that takes place above the waters of Great Bay in the Dutch capital of Philipsburg. As dusk falls, the Great Bay Beach Promenade takes on a festival atmosphere with music and food. The fireworks show that is unleashed to herald the New Year is said to be the largest in the Caribbean, and it is certainly the most spectacular.

Night of the Junkanoo in the Bahamas

Counting down and toasting in the New Year are just the beginning of the celebration on the Bahamian island of New Providence. At 2 a.m. on New Year’s Day, the capital of Nassau comes alive with the sounds of drums, bells and whistles as thousands of costumed revelers make their way down Bay Street. The Junkanoo parade continues through the night, ending in mid morning as everyone heads home to sleep it off.

Greeting the Dawn on St. Croix

In the U.S. Virgin Islands, residents of St. Croix turn the entire month of December and the first days of January into one big celebration. In the spirit of keeping the party going, many follow up a harbor side fireworks display in Christiansted on December 31 with a trip to the eastern end of the island, where Point Udall is recognized as the easternmost point of the United States. Here, a crowd of revelers greets the New Year with toasts and dancing that continues until first light.

Jump Up on Montserrat

On the Caribbean’s Emerald Isle, the end-of-the-year party starts on December 23 with the annual Festival, an island-wide celebration of the season that includes pageants, a Calypso King Competition, musical extravaganzas and costumed masqueraders parading in the streets. The Festival continues through New Year’s Eve and on to January 1st, which is known as Jump Up Day. This holiday commemorates island emancipation with parades, steel bands and street dancers.

Aruba Saint Nick
Anguilla, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Grenada, Plan, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, Trip Ideas

Caribbean Christmas Traditions

 

They may not hang stockings with care, or watch for a jolly fat guy breach the chimney, but celebrants throughout the Caribbean have their own holiday traditions. Each island celebrates the season in slightly different ways, but food, fellowship and song are sure to play a central role. Here are some of the ways to ring in the holidays, island style.

Grenada

On the Spice Island, the holiday season is the time for parang music, where groups of singers and musicians go house to house to serenade friends and family with folk songs that often include ad-lib lyrics with a personal note. The week before Christmas, Grenada’s sister island, Carriacou, hosts the annual Parang Festival, where tunes may take on social and satirical overtones. The sounds of steel pan music also fill the air, as musicians put a tropical riff on holiday classics. Holiday bunting takes a tropical turn in Grenada, as the halls may be decked with bamboo, palm, or coconut, and Christmas trees adorned with nutmeg, cinnamon, or sea shell ornaments. A favorite treat is black cake, which is flavored with dried fruits and infused with spices and the rich flavors of rum. Christmas ham is a must for each household, and seasonal refreshments include sorrel tea, ponch-de-crème and ginger beer.

Grenada Christmas Music

On islands such as Grenada, the uniquely Caribbean sound of a steel pan orchestra transforms traditional Christmas tunes into lilting island melodies. Joshua Yetman/Grenada Tourism Authority

Barbados

In December, holiday lights brighten the historic buildings of Bridgetown; music fills the air as speaker-equipped trucks take to the streets to spread Christmas music. Two of the season’s most anticipated concerts are the Christmas Jazz Festival and the Carols by Candlelight celebration, which takes place at the gardens of Ilaro Court, the residence of the Barbadian Prime Minister. After the observance of a midnight mass or Christmas morning service, many Bajans flock to a concert in Queens Park for musical performances from the Royal Barbados Police Force Band, Tuk bands and gospel performers. Food is an important part of the season, and visitors can sample an array of Barbadian favorites. Must try dishes include great cake, jug jug and baked ham. Great cakes blend dried fruit and spices with a liberal infusion of Barbados’ famous rum. Harking back to Barbados’ Scottish heritage, jug jug is a porridge-like dish made from green peas, guinea corn flour, herbs and salt meat. The most important part of a Bajan Christmas meal is the baked ham, basted in a pineapple and sorrel glaze.

Barbados Bridgetown Holidays

Holiday lights along Wharf Road are reflected in the still waters of Barbados’ Constitution River. Through December, the island’s capital is resplendent in seasonal décor. Photo: Andrew Browne/Barbados Tourism

St. Lucia

St. Lucia’s holiday season kicks off with the Festival Lights, an annual celebration honoring the island’s namesake Saint Lucia, the Patron Saint of Light. Residents and visitors are encouraged to make colorful and creative lanterns, which then decorate towns and streets. Another favorite Saint Lucian Christmas tradition is bamboo bursting, which involves the making of homemade fireworks from hollow bamboo canes. In the nights leading up to Christmas, the booms of exploding bamboo stalks can be heard on village streets. Holiday feasts center around roasted lamb or turkey, complemented with local yams and plantains. The traditional desert is the St. Lucian version of fruitcake, made with dried currants, raisins and fruits soaked in red wine for several months before being mixed into the pudding to create spicy, fruity taste. The signature drink is the Caribbean favorite known as sorrel, a refreshing spiced drink that is often mixed with rum and enjoyed during a stroll along the beach.

Aruba

Seasonal music and special foods are a big part of any holiday celebration, and in Aruba this means Gaita and ayacas. Several weeks before Christmas, Aruban families gather to make a traditional holiday food called ayacas. Though no two family recipes are the same, ayacas are made by smearing plantain or banana leaves with a cornmeal dough; adding a mixture of chicken, pork, or ham, along with a potpourri of spices, prunes, raisins, olives, pickles, cashews, piccalilli, and pearl onions; and folding the assemblages into neat little packets to be boiled in salted water for an hour. These hearty treats can then be kept ready for last-minute holiday parties or served to impromptu visitors.

Ayacas came from Venezuela, and so did Gaita music. Arubans have adopted this Venezuelan Christmas music and made it their own. Gaita bands are typically made up of a line of female singers accompanied by musicians playing the furuku, cuarta, base, piano, tambu. These groups perform at public venues across the island from October through December, with festive rhythms that put passers-by and partygoers into the holiday spirit. Another musical tradition unique to Aruba is Dande, which occurs after Christmas. Dande means “to revel” or “to carouse” in the local language, Papiamento. These small groups of singers and musicians travel to the homes of friends and families, serenading with wishes of success and happiness in the coming year.

Aruba Dande

In Aruba, Gaita bands perform during the holiday season at homes and in public areas, passing a hat that the audience fills with coins to ensure prosperity in the coming year. Photo; Julien de Bats/Aruba Tourism Authority

Cayman Islands

The annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Camana Bay marks the beginning of the Cayman Islands’ holiday. The Island is transformed into a tropical version of a winter wonderland with the hallmark 40-foot tree, musical performances by the Cayman National Choir, a Christmas craft market, and a special visit from Santa. The Parade of Lights brings a fleet of colorfully lit boats into the harbor, as thousands watch from shore, and the evening ends with an over-water fireworks show. Throughout December, the island’s National Trust hosts a Christmas Lights Bus Tour, where guests can sample Christmas beef and cassava cake during a guided tour of local houses and gardens beautifully decked out for the season. Musical highlights of the season include the Christmas Carol Concert at Elmsie Church and the Singing Christmas Tree, a pageant which highlights the story of Jesus’ birth depicted through a 25-foot Christmas tree encased with over 5,000 lights, and featuring more than 60 local and international performers. Also popular with locals and visitors are the Christmas Moonlight Movies, which are family friendly flicks shown on a big screen under the stars in Camana Bay.

Cayman Islands Christmas Santa

Santa makes a much-anticipated appearance on the island of Grand Cayman. The downtown waterfront at Camana Bay is a focal point for many holiday events, from concerts to boat parades. Photo: Cayman Islands Department of Tourism

Bermuda

Christmas traditions brought from Olde England take on a tropical flavor in Bermuda. In the historic district of St. George’s, historical re-enactors roam candlelit streets, and the sound of classic carols fills the air. Private homes, some dating from the Colonial era, are resplendent in lavish displays of holiday lights, and historic churches are filled with singing and lights on Christmas eve, The mood lightens at the Hamilton Christmas Parade, and goes full tropical on Christmas Day, when hundreds of ex-pats and visitors gather at Elbow Beach for a festive day of food, drink and music. December 26—Boxing Day—puts yet another unique spin on the season with the arrival of the Gombies, traditional troupes of colorfully-attired dancers who move to the sounds of goatskin drums, beer bottle fifes and tin whistles.

Bermuda St. George Christmas

Holiday lights fill the historic district of Bermuda’s capital, St. George’s. Each December, a tradition known as the walkabout brings islanders into the streets for singing and mingling. Photo: Bermuda Tourism Authority

Puerto Rico

In Puerto Rico, Christmas celebrations start early and keep going into the middle of January. Starting the first days of December, groups stage impromptu parrandas, which are a local version of caroling. In late evening, the parranderos gather quietly at a chosen home of a friend or relative, then burst into song to surprise and wake the occupants. The parranderos are invited in and refreshments, music and dance follow. Christmas Day is the time to gather for lechón asado, the roasting of a whole pig over a fire pit. The cooking begins well before dawn, and continues through the day as friends and relatives gather to gossip and sing. Santa is a recent addition to Puerto Rican culture, and long before the man in the red suit was imported to the tropics, island children looked forward to El Día de Reyes on January 6th, which honors the arrival of the three wise men in Bethlehem. On the evening of January 5th Puerto Rican children fill boxes with grass for the king’s camels, and go to sleep with the anticipation of having the grass eaten, and exchanged for candies and presents. Traditional holiday celebrations continue with a pair of weeklong festivals known as the Octavas and the Octavia, which stretch the season through late January.

Puerto Rico Arroz Con Dulce Holiday

Arroz con Dulce—sweet rice pudding—is a favorite end to a traditional Puerto Rican Christmas dinner that typically centers around lechón asao, a fire-roasted whole pig. Photo: Olaf Speier/iStock

Anguilla

One of the most anticipated holiday observances on the quiet island of Anguilla is the Festival de Noel, which takes place December 18 – 19. This gathering on the grounds of the Old East End School kicks off with competitions and pageantry, caroling, a visit from Santa, and the distribution of food baskets to the elderly. Another island-wide holiday tradition is the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, which kicks off the Festival of Lights display along Coronation Avenue, the main street of the island’s capital. A relatively new tradition on Anguilla is the South Hill Christmas Experience, which is a celebration of holiday traditions and culinary treats hosted by a local village. Like a number of other Caribbean islands with a British heritage, December 26, Boxing Day, is a public holiday.

 

Banyan Tree Spa Mayakoba
Bermuda, Cancun, Caribbean, Mexico, Playa del Carmen, St. Lucia, Stay, Trip Ideas

Amazing Water Treatments at My Favorite Caribbean Spas

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Whenever I visit a spa, I look for the unique treatments I can’t find back home or at just any spa. Among my favorites are those therapies that involve exotic ingredients, state of the art equipment and time-honored therapies that have roots in past cultures. These five resort spas break the mold by offering out-of- this-world treatments that involve water, steam and even ice.

Water Massage

Release physical and emotional tension with Jansu therapy at Belmond Maroma, Riviera Maya, Mexico

Watsu is an in-water treatment that resembles Shiatsu. You relax in warm, chest deep water while the therapist gently cradles you and works you through various dancelike movements that encourage relaxation and create a healing experience.

Maroma Kinan Spa Riviera Maya

Relaxation begins as your walk down the long outdoor corridor to the Kinan Spa. The spa is aligned with the stars to create positive energy flow, treatment rooms point east and west and offerings include authentic Mayan treatments. Photo: Maroma

At Maroma these sessions are called Jansu and take place in an isolated area far from the center of the resort. Here in the mediation pool, your therapist will guide you through movements, stretches, twists and even submerge you for brief moments. Opt for a mid-day treatment just after the sun has warmed the pool, when sunbeams dapple the water’s surface.

Maroma Spa Pool Riviera Maya

At the Belmond Maroma in Riviera Maya, Jansu treatments involve an immersion in a pool of warm water, where a therapist guides you through a series of relaxing movements. Photo: Ingrid Rasumussen/Maroma

Cleansing Steam

Cleanse body, mind and spirit in the steam of a Temascal treatment at Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, St. Lucia

Embraced by the majestic valley of the Pitons, the Rainforest Spa is secluded in 100 acres of tropical rainforest. Tree house gazebos become treatment rooms; each reached by wooden walkways and spaced for ultimate privacy.

St Lucia Sugar Beach Spa Exterior

Built of local materials, the seven thatched roofed tree house treatment rooms offer complete privacy and a connection to the natural surroundings within the rainforest of the Pitons. Photo: Sugar Beach

The on-site earthen steam room is inspired by the traditions of the indigenous people of Mesoamerica, who used steam ceremonies to purify the body and improve health. You’ll sit in a circle around a mound of hot rocks that are periodically doused with water to produce steam. Some people have visions; others just relax, as the treatment can be very cathartic. After a stint in the hot, moist heat, you head for a cool shower and drink liquids and juices to replenish lost electrolytes. Most people note that this treatment induces some of the best sleep.

St Lucia Sugar Beach Spa

The Rainforest Spa at St. Lucia’s Sugar Beach resort draws on the healing traditions of the indigenous people of Mesoamerica, using cleansing steam to relax and detoxify the body. Photo: Sugar Beach

Rain and Mist

Transport yourself to the rainforest of Thailand as you experience the Rain Walk at Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico

This Asian-inspired spa brings centuries of Eastern healing wisdom and knowledge to each of its treatments, which are based on the traditions and techniques of Thailand. You could spend your entire stay experiencing a different therapy each day, but the Rain Walk is unlike any other.

Banyan Tree Spa Riviera Maya

Treatment rooms are set out over a peaceful fresh water lagoon where relaxation comes easy. Here, at Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Thai trained therapists deliver Asian inspired treatments in absolute tranquility. Photo: Debbie Snow

This extensive treatment can take an afternoon, as it includes eight unique hydrothermal therapy experiences. You begin with a walk on a pathway of river stone, where streams of water flow gently down from above. It’s immediately relaxing and takes your mind to another level. You’ll then move from room to room to experience even more unique sensations. There is the eucalyptus steam chamber, a summer storm chamber, a brine fog, and a chamber of ice fountains and cool winter rains. Treatments follow a sequential flow that culminates with an immersion into a vitality pool where water jets create gentle acupressure.

Riviera Maya Banyan Tree Indoor Spa

The Rain Walk experience at the Banyan Tree Mayakoba culminates with an immersion in the vitality pool, where water jets create the aquatic equivalent of an acupressure session. Photo: Debbie Snow

Not Just a Shower

Splish-splash away with a Tropical Rain Splash in the Silver TAG shower at Sense spa at Tucker’s Point on Bermuda.

The Sense spa at Tucker’s Point offers all of the world-class treatments you would expect from a Rosewood Resort. Treatments also incorporate natural materials found on the islands. Honey and sugar cane are used to exfoliate; cedar oils to relieve tension and stress; and papaya to nourish the skin.

Bermuda Tuckers Point Spa

At Sense spa at Tucker’s Point, Bermuda, patrons are enveloped in a soothing and cleansing spray delivered by the 18 separate water jets of the Silver TAG shower. Photo: Debbie Snow

You can add the Silver TAG shower to any spa treatment, or opt for an experience such the Bermuda Triangle, which is geared toward those arriving after long flights. You begin by entering the chamber where 18 showerheads massage you from top to bottom, both cleansing and relaxing the body. You then move to the massage table for a rubdown with aloe freshly plucked from the garden and end with a citrus inspired facial. You can come back the next day just for the shower, or combine it with another treatment.

Bermuda Tucker Spa Pool

Spa guests at Tucker’s Point can enjoy a private space along the calming reflection pool before and after treatments. Opt for a Rum Swizzle and enjoy the cocktail as part of the signature manicure and pedicure. Photo: Debbie Snow

The Colors of Relaxation

Receive the effects of crystal healing and color therapy at Cambridge Beaches on Bermuda.

The resort’s private and secluded setting is conducive to canoodling, but it’s not just for couples. Singles will also love the pool area, the four beaches and the many options for treatments at the Ocean Spa.

Cambridge Beaches Spa

Soothing crystalline illumination sets the mood in the Experiential Suites, which are a signature element of the Ocean Spa, in Bermuda’s Cambridge Beaches resort. Photo: Debbie Snow

A signature element is the Experiential Suites, which provide a four-stage journey of color, temperature and moisture. Chambers allow each guest to enjoy private spaces as they move through a steam room, cooling mist room, rainfall shower and sauna. Along the way, glowing crystals set the mood as they change colors to invoke a sense of well-being. The whirlpool, relaxation pool and lap pool are also available before or after the experience. Many of the Ocean Spa Experiences are longer treatments that also include a stint in the Experiential Suites. Couples can partake in a Sauna Ritual where they exfoliate each other with sea salt before retiring to their couples massage.

Cambridge Beaches Pool Bermuda

The tiered infinity pool at Cambridge Beaches overlooks Morning Beach, the resort’s Zen beach. Guests have space for swimming laps or relaxing to the sounds of the water falling. Photo: Debbie Snow

 

Gibbs Lighthouse Bermuda
Bermuda, Caribbean, Plan, Trip Ideas

Caribbean Snapshots: Gibbs Lighthouse, Bermuda

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There’s no better view of an island than from a lighthouse. On Bermuda the best views are from the balcony of Gibbs Lighthouse. Sitting atop a hill in Southampton Parish, the light provides sweeping 360-degree seascape views that include the south shore and the Royal Naval Dockyard to the west.

Taking in the view will require a climb up 185 steps, but there are eight floors in the light tower that double as rest stations, each filled with small exhibits that show the history of the tower and Bermuda. Dating from 1846, the 117-foot tower is the oldest surviving cast iron lighthouse in the world. After the climb down, have lunch at The Dining Room restaurant located in the former signaling station of the British Army.

Cambridge Beaches Bermuda
Bermuda, Caribbean, Stay

Bermuda’s Beachfront Resorts

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Bermuda has some of the loveliest beaches in the world. Perched above some of these pink and cream-colored strands are grand resorts that provide striking vistas and pleasant ocean breezes. Three of the island’s most venerable properties not only bring in the big view, but also provide the traditions of hospitality that Bermuda is known for. All have a storied past yet each has added fresh additions and upgrades bringing them up to contemporary standards and expectations.

Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa, Sandys Parish

To really get away from any hustle & bustle head to Somerset, the quiet western end of Bermuda. Here on a peninsula surrounded by two bodies of water sits Cambridge Beaches, a collection of individual cottages. For more than 100 years this gracious retreat has received its share of visiting luminaires and extended families.

Bermuda Cambridge Beaches

Tucked away between ocean and bay, the grounds of the Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa offer water views from many of the 96 cottages scattered across this historic property. Photo: Debbie Snow

One-of-a-kind cottages are spread out on 30 rolling acres of green lawns punctuated by flowering gardens, statues and benches. Many of the 96 cottages are named after guests who have been coming for generations. Amenities and activities include a fitness center, yoga on the beach, tennis, and a spa with pools, baths and steam areas, three restaurants and an infinity pool with several layers of sun decks. There are four beaches to choose from, each with a different vibe. Long Bay Beach is the main stretch of sand and the hub of water sports activities. The sea is typically calm here, making it the perfect setting for an intro to paddle boarding. After a full day, you can also take in the sunset at the beachside Breezes restaurant. Turtle Cove Beach is more secluded, perfect for a private day at the beach or a romantic candlelight dinner on the sand. Morning Beach and Pegem Beach are two small coves that provide an oasis of tranquility.

Elbow Beach Resort, Paget Parish

Steeped in history, Elbow Beach Resort dates back to 1908, when it was the first guest cottage to be built along the beaches of the famous South Shore. Overlooking one of Bermuda’s renown pink sand beaches, the enclave sits on lush green lawns that slope gently to the shore. Guest rooms and suites provide intimate hideaways and are scattered about the 50 acres of tropical gardens, all an easy stroll to the beach. Buildings follow Bermuda’s traditional architectural style of pastel walls topped with white-tiered roofs. Many of the 98 cottage-inspired rooms offer direct sea views from the bedroom and patio, while others are tucked away in private gardens.

Bermuda Elbow Beach

A view from the bedroom at the Bird of Paradise cottage at the Elbow Beach Resort. Named after it’s mile-long pink sand beach, this resort sits on 50 acres of landscaped grounds that slope to the sea. Photo: Elbow Beach Resort

The resort’s pale pink namesake beach stretches for almost a mile, curving like a bent elbow. A line of protective coral reefs fronts the sands, keeping the waters calm and perfect for a swim. Beach attendants are on hand with chilled towels and food service delivered right to your chaise lounge, or you can dine at a table on the sand at Mickey’s Beach Bistro & Bar. A favorite indulgence is a private candlelight dinner.

The Reefs Hotel & Club, Southampton Parish

Set on a limestone cliff that towers over a pink sand beach, the salmon-colored-toned walls of this south coast resort mirror the beachfront setting. A favored perch at the resort is the Coconut Bar, where the deck is best enjoyed at sunset with a signature cocktail such as the Dark & Stormy in hand. Below, the pink sands are dotted with swirls of pink and white beach umbrellas, and each end of the beach is flanked by wave-washed boulders that create a private setting. Beachside food and drink service is on hand, and for guests feeling a bit more energetic there are kayaks, paddle boards and snorkeling gear ready and waiting for a day of exploration.

Bermuda The Reefs

The landmark salmon-tinted structures of The Reefs Hotel & Club perch on a seaside cliff in Bermuda’s Southampton Parish. Rocky escarpments create privacy at the resort’s pink sand beach. Photo: The Reefs

Family owned and run, The Reefs is the sort of place where guests return year after year, and are known by the attentive staff. Built on the ruins of a 1680 farmhouse the resort offers three cottages overlooking the private beach, 62 rooms, each with an ocean view and 19 club style condos. True to Bermuda’s tradition, guests are greeted with a warm smile and a Rum Swizzle as they are escorted to their room.

 

bermuda
Bermuda, Caribbean, Plan, Trip Ideas

Bermuda: 10 Reasons to Go

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Quaint, yet cosmopolitan. Bermuda is a vacation destination that draws visitors from both sides of the Atlantic. Traditions such as high tea, croquet lawns and afternoon cricket matches blend with modern recreations ranging from golf to scuba diving. History buffs have forts and lighthouses to discover and the beaches are some of the best in the world. Top that with a warm and friendly population whose cultural mix include British, West Indian and a touch of Portuguese and you have a destination that everyone loves and no one wants to leave.

1  Go Coastal

While pink beaches are the island’s trademark, some stretches of coastline are actually covered in soft, creamy-white sand that is just as striking when set against the electric blue waters. Coastlines are punctuated by coves, etched out caves and natural arches formed by centuries of wave erosion. Exploring the coastlines is always interesting and adventurous as you climb over rugged ledges and rocky formations for expansive ocean views. 

Horseshoe Bay Bermuda

The pink sands of Horseshoe Beach are sheltered by rocky headlands and a fringing reef. This is one of Bermuda’s most popular beaches, and a favorite destination for snorkelers. Photo: Todd Taulman/iStock

2  Maritime History

The vision of the British was to make Bermuda the Gibraltar of the west. Construction of the Royal Naval Dockyard began in 1809. This sprawling 75-acre complex was intended as a base to defend the British colonies and to attack American forces. Built by slaves and convicts, the stonewalls surrounding the yards once housed ammunition and barracks. Today you still enter the Dockyard via stone gates, but inside there are shops, restaurants and galleries along with the Bermuda Maritime Museum. 

Bermuda Royal Naval Dockyard

Bermuda’s Royal Naval Dockyard was once an important British military port. Today, the expansive grounds and resorted buildings are a favorite destination for sightseers. Photo: Gerald LaFlamme/iStock

3  The Magic Bus

Bermuda’s bus system is second to none. Known as the Bermuda Breeze, these pink-and-blue coaches are the primary means of transport for locals and visitors alike, and run from one end of the island to the other. The buses are spotlessly clean, run on a schedule and are a perfect place to chat, meet locals and other visitors. More than just a driver, the man behind the wheel is an ambassador for the island.

4  Pristine Properties

Bermuda may be the cleanest island in the world. The island villages are quaint and tidy, as Bermudians take great pride in their property. You’ll notice manicured green lawns and gardens full of blooms; some homes have a vegetable plot arranged so perfectly that it could be featured in a gardening magazine. Stone walls separate properties and orchards and are covered in spider lilies and flowering vines. Homes are tinted in a collection of water taffy pastels. You’ll see lime green, sky blue, lemon yellow and raspberry pink, all topped with stark white limestone roofs. 

Bermuda Village

Though often referred to as the island of Bermuda, this British Overseas Territory is actually composed of 138 separate landmasses, most connected by a network of bridges and roadways with tidy villages. Photo: iStock

5  Top-notch Sleepovers

No mater where you check in, you won’t find a tattered, run down or even a run-of-the-mill resort on the island. Choices range from elegant and historic beach hideaways where guests are indulged in food, wine and white glove service to cottage colonies where you feel more like a resident than a hotel guest. These cottage compounds are unique to Bermuda and date back to an era when guests came for extended summer stays. Stay in a cottage on the grounds of a resort and you can enjoy both privacy and the conveniences of on-site restaurants, lounges, and recreational amenities.

6  Tee time

Bermuda has more golf courses per square mile than any other island, including several that are ranked as among the best in the world. Some courses offer spectacular views of the ocean from elevated tees and hilltop clubs, while others such as Belmont Hills have panoramic views of Hamilton Harbour and the Great Sound. Those looking for a memorable challenge can take on two of golf’s most legendary holes: the Mid Ocean Club’s intimidating fourth, known as the Cape, and the spectacular oceanside par-3 16th at Port Royal.

Southampton Golf Course Bermuda

The Turtle Hill Golf Club at the Fairmont Southampton has been ranked among the top par-3 courses in the world. Bermuda offers seven golf courses, including several of championship quality. Photo: iStock

7  Men in Shorts

Nowhere else in the world can men go to business meetings in shorts. No, not beach shorts, but stylish, pressed Bermuda shorts. Proper business attire states that shorts cannot be more than two inches above the knee and should have a two-inch hem. The entire ensemble includes leather shoes—preferable loafers— worn with matching or coordinating knee socks and a long sleeve shirt, tie and jacket. Add a briefcase and you’ve got your power executive. The shorts started as a result of offering businessmen a respite from the warm summers and today are worn in the colors of Bermuda: lime green, pink and lemon yellow—with matching socks, of course.

8  World of Goods

The island is a crossroads for international maritime commerce. During the American Civil War, Bermuda traders ran supplies through the North’s blockades of Southern ports. Today international commerce centers around the capital of Hamilton. Front Street is lined with shops selling imports from around the world. You can stock up on Lalique and Wedgewood along with Irish linens, Scottish Tweeds, Swiss watches, Cuban cigars and Italian silk scarfs all duty free. Local artwork includes hand-blown glass, pottery, paintings and sculptures which can be found in Hamilton and shops at the Dockyard. 

Hamilton Bermuda

Bermuda’s capital city, Hamilton, is both a major international center and a popular port of call. Front Street faces the harbor, and is lined by a collection of popular shops and cafes. Photo: iStock

9  Think Pink

The color of Bermuda is pink. Everywhere you look you’ll find a shade of blush, rose or coral brushed on a building, used in a logo and in articles of clothing. Men, in particular, wear a lot of the color and most have a pair of pink Bermuda shorts in their wardrobe. The various tones of pink are a reflection of the natural beauty of the island, its pink sand beaches and pink sunsets. 

Bermuda Pink Building

This traditional building displays Bermuda’s signature pink hue, and reflects a time before air conditioning, when breezeways and overhangs capitalized on cooling breezes. Photo: Megan Morgan/iStock

10  Wrecking Crew

The treacherous reefs surrounding the island have claimed many a ship. Today Bermuda is known as a wreck diving mecca, with more than 400 vessels sunk off its coastlines. There are 16th- century Spanish galleons, merchant steamers from the 1800s and decommissioned freighters intentionally sunk for reef building purposes. The largest wreck is the Cristobal Colon, a 500-foot luxury liner. Most wrecks are in relatively shallow water, and are easily reached by several dive operators.

Pink Sand Beach in Bermuda
Bahamas-Out Islands, Barbados, Bermuda, Caribbean, Plan, Trip Ideas

Best Pink Beaches in the Caribbean

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Some of the Caribbean’s big draws are the beaches. They come in all colors from sugary white sand to glistening pewter and even slate black. But perhaps closest to our heart are the pink strands, often romantic and always breathtaking, in particular when the soft morning light hits the rosy granules. So, make sure you drag yourself out of bed early if you are lucky enough to be staying near one of these pink delights.

Bermuda: South Shore Beaches

While pink sand beaches and pink hotels seem to be synonymous with Bermuda, not all sandy strands on Bermuda are cast in pastel, as there is an occasional creamy white sand beach. But for the most part, the famed south shore is marked by cotton candy swirls of pink sands made from red foram, a tiny marine organism. The animal lives on the undersides of rocks and has a red skeleton. When it dies it mixes with bits of coral and broken shells, giving the sands their signature pink hues.

The Bermuda South Shore Park is an impressive stretch of coast lined with beaches. There you’ll find grassy areas for picnics along the roadside, rolling dunes and plenty of dramatic rock formations. Each beach seems to have a private cove that’s sheltered from ocean swells, and perfect for splashing around. Between Warwick Parish and Southampton Parish you’ll find a selection of pink beaches like Jobson’s Cove, Warwick Long Bay and the most well-known and popular stretch: Horseshoe Bay. Head to Church Bay at the far end and grab a mask and snorkel or West Whale Bay where you might see humpback whales migrating north to their summer feeding grounds during the spring.

Where to stay: Perched on a hilltop with the sea off in the distance is the Fairmont Southampton, a soup-to-nuts resort with golf, spa and a beachside watersports center. Their jitney takes guests on a one-minute ride to and from the beach.

Bermuda Horseshoe Beach

Horseshoe Beach is the most popular beach on the south shore of Bermuda. Summer months may bring crowds but there is always a stretch of beach to call your own. Photo: iStock

Barbados: Crane Beach

The combination of turquoise blue waters, pink sands and feathering palms, all set against a backdrop of dramatic cliffs, certainly makes Crane’s Beach a striking postcard image. You might think that this splendid stretch of beach was named for a long-necked bird. But in reality, the crane in question was a tall, gantry-like metal hoist that once sat cliffside, and was used to unload ships. The site is no longer a cargo port, and is instead touted as one of the 10 best beaches in the world by the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. It has also served as a backdrop for hundreds of wedding photos.

Seas are occasional calm enough for casual swims, but more often the waves that strike the island’s exposed eastern coast create currents and a strong shore break. That’s when surfers head out and boogie boarders are seen lining up. For the mere spectator there are soft sands, a coral reef offshore and swimming in more protected areas. Guests of the namesake cliffside resort can descend 100 steps or hop a ride in the glass-front elevator to the sands, where staff is on hand to set up umbrellas and chairs. Sundays are popular with both locals and visitors, as the resort’s sea view restaurant, L’Azure, hosts a Bajan buffet with live gospel music.

Where to stay: The only resort on the island’s southeast coast just happens to be the oldest resort on the Barbados. The Crane has a botanical garden setting and sits anchored on a cliff overlooking the sea. Book a room with a plunge pool on your balcony for the ultimate experience.

Barbados Crane Beach

Swimmers and boogie boarders take advantage of small waves at picturesque Crane Beach on Barbados. Photo: iStock

Bahamas Out Island-Harbour Island

Harbour Island measures just three miles in length, and most of its eastern shore is blessed with a pink sand beach so soft it pours like flour, and shimmers in hues from subtle blush to salmon. The sands are protected by a coral reef that runs the length of the beach and is just a five-minute swim from shore. Here, in canyons of Elkhorn coral you may see a Ridley sea turtle, bottlenose dolphin or even a small shark. Beachside strolls are a daily delight, and in late afternoon you may encounter horses and riders wading into the shore break.

Harbour Island is a favorite with celebrities, and many pass through with little notice, grateful for a respite or hideout from the paparazzi. The island’s slow-paced, low-key lifestyle is treasured by visitors who instantly become part of the community. Walking is a favorite form of conveyance, and golf carts are more common then cars. The local equivalent of restaurant row is Bay Street, where fishing boats bob in the harbor and roadside vendors with small roadside food stands offer up conch fritters, conch salad and fried fish, all pulled fresh from the sea just hours before.

Where to stay: Pink Sands is the definitive experience on Harbour Island, a boutique property with lush gardens and a bird sanctuary. Rooms are set back off the beach but close enough to follow a private path down to the pink sands.

Bahamas Harbour Island Pink Sand Beach

Gentle waves wash the pristine pink shores of Harbour Island, one of many treasured gems in the 700 islands of the Bahamas. Photo: Shane Gross/iStock

 

 

best horseback riding in the caribbean
Bahamas, Bahamas-Grand Bahama Island, Barbados, Bermuda, Caribbean, Jamaica, Nevis, Play, Puerto Rico, Trip Ideas

Horseback Riding in the Caribbean

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It’s one of those images that come easily when you daydream: galloping along a palm- fringed tropical beach astride a spirited horse, and perhaps plunging into the surf to wash away any hint of the worldly cares you left behind. A number of locations throughout the Caribbean can turn this dream into reality. You’ll find a range of adventures suitable for riders of all skill levels, from first-timer to equine expert. We have selected six rides that provide not only the best scenery and most magnificent beaches, but also the best overall vacation experience.

Bahamas

No crowds and more beach time. That’s the promise at Trikk Pony Stables on Grand Bahama Island. This family-owned business is located on the island’s south-central coast, where unspoiled and unsettled beaches stretch for miles. Tours follow a short trail that leads through pine forest and scrub right onto a powder-sand beach. The next hour is spent along the shoreline either dry, splashing or soaking wet, according to the rider’s preference, as the horses are up for anything. As an option, a beachfront picnic can be added at the end of the ride, and the company also offers sunset excursions that are limited to four riders or less. The stables provide pickup service from a number of hotels in the Freeport area. Two of our favorites are the Pelican Bay at Lucaya and the Grand Lucayan.

Grand Bahama Island Horseback Riding, Horseback riding in the caribbean

Grand Bahama has miles of undeveloped white beaches to explore. Operators such as Trikk Pony allow riders to splash in the shallows or guide their mounts deeper for a swim. Photo: Grand Bahama Island

Bermuda

For a break from taxi and moped, head to Spicelands Equestrian Centre in Bermuda’s Warwick Parish. Rides begin along the Railway Trail, which follows the right of way of the short-lived rail line that once ran from Somerset to St. George’s. The route then moves to the south shore and across a series of scenic beaches, dunes and coves en route to serendipitously named Horseshoe Bay. Bermuda law allows horses to splash and swim on the beaches at any time during the months from November to March, but only before 8:30 a.m. the other months of the year, so those wanting a summertime swim will need to book the earliest ride of the day. Spicelands is a full-service equestrian center, offering lessons and additional trail riding options. The most convenient hotel to the stables is The Fairmont Southampton, which is less than two miles away.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is horse county and home to the genteel-gated Paso Fino breed. Numerous trail rides are offered in the forests and fields across the island. The one that best brings surf and sand into the equation takes place on the beaches near the town of Isabela, on the island’s northwest coast. Tropical Trail Rides provides a two-hour circuit that begins with a visit to Shacks Beach, allows a bit of time to dismount and swim or explore by foot while horses and backsides take a break. The route then moves inland, climbing the bluffs and passing through an almond tree forest on the way home. Both morning and afternoon rides are offered, and the latter often takes in a sunset view. There are a handful of modest beachfront hotels near Isabela, but most vacationers staying in this part of the coast will look towards nearby Rincon, and more charming properties such as the Dos Angeles del Mar Guesthouse.

Puerto Rico Horseback Riding

In addition to the beach rides staged on Puerto Rico’s west coast, a number of operators offer rainforest and mountain trail rides at points across the island. Photo: Carabali Rainforest Park

Barbados

Location is everything, and this certainly holds true for Ocean Echo Stables, which is located in the small town of Newcastle, on Barbados’ wilder eastern coast. Far removed from the resort zones to the west, riders have miles of wooded trails, fields and surf- washed beaches to explore, with trade winds sweeping in from the east to provide refreshment. A range of rides for all levels is offered, starting with an hour-long excursion to Bath Beach that is suitable for novices. Experienced riders can also opt for two- and three-hour trail rides that venture farther up the coast along trails, beaches and cart roads, with vistas that include the looming backdrop of a thousand-foot-tall sea cliff. For those looking to stay nearby, The Atlantis Hotel offers a unique alternative to the island’s typical west coast beachfront lodging.

Jamaica

Horses and seawater mix at several locations along Jamaica’s northern shore, and a number of rides begin within an easy drive from resorts in the Ocho Rios, Falmouth, Montego Bay and Negril areas. One of the island’s favorite and original ride-and-swims takes place about 20 miles east of Montego Bay. The adventure starts on backcountry trails that lead through the farming village of Pumpkin Bottom and the remains of an 18th century sugar plantation, then emerge on to Sandy Bay, where riders who are up for getting wet can swim their mounts out into the clear waters. This swimming tradition actually began when trainers at the nearby Chukka Blue Polo Club would take the ponies for a cool down in the water following a workout session. The club also provided the inspiration for the outfitter, Chukka Caribbean Adventures, which hosts the rides. If you want to stay fairly close to the ponies, but away from the crowds, an excellent option is the Round Hill Hotel and Villas.

Jamaica Horseback Riding

Riders cross a remote beach on Jamaica’s north coast. The island’s landscape provides routes that follow wooded paths, open meadow and, of course, the shore. Photo: Julian Love/Jamaica Tourist Board

Nevis

Nevis is an ideal island for escaping the crowds and discovering the simpler, friendlier side of the Caribbean. And so it’s fitting that the island’s premier stables is equally accommodating, providing horseback adventures for everyone. Children as young as six are welcome to join the beachfront rides organized by Nevis Equestrian Center, with routes that can be tailored to the capabilities and interests of the group. The most popular tour takes riders past historic sites that include forts, churches, sugar mills and once- grand estates, then to a quiet beach, followed by a climb to the highlands to admire the view. Sunset beach rides and more extensive cross-island rides are also offered. The stables are located on the west coast, quite near to Nevis’ premier resort property, the Four Seasons Nevis.

Curacao, Willemstad
Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Bermuda, Caribbean, Curacao, Grenada, Plan, Puerto Rico, St. Martin/St. Maarten, Trip Ideas

7 Colorful Caribbean Harbors

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Caribbean harbors have an energy all their own. In contrast to the busy industrial ports of the world, they offer a more intimate take on nautical customs. Colorful cargoes and passengers arrive and depart on diminutive island freighters and vintage ferries. Historic waterfronts are filled with the energy of commerce, but also populated by the merely curious, who come to stroll the docks, ogle the yachts and see what treasures an incoming mail boat might disgorge. Here are seven of our favorites.

tropical getaways
Bahamas, Bahamas-New Providence, Barbados, Bermuda, Caribbean, Jamaica, Plan, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, St. Martin/St. Maarten, U.S. Virgin Islands

Easy Caribbean Getaways

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You’ve had it with the day-to-day. It’s time to fly to St. Somewhere and wiggle your toes in the sand. But what if your time is in short supply? Relax, with a bit of planning, you can still reach the beach for a long weekend without spending the majority of your getaway in transit lounges or taxi cabs. It’s all about picking a destination that’s a reasonable nonstop away, and a resort that’s not too far from where you land. To inspire you, we’ve created some sample arrivals, based on currently available nonstop flights and average transit times from arrival gateway to resort. Each of these properties was chosen not only for convenience to the airport, but also because they provide the Caribbean vacation experience you crave.

Atlanta to St. Lucia (ATL-UVF)

St Lucia Coconut Bay waterslide, caribbean getaways

St. Lucia’s Coconut Bay Resort has an adults-only wing, but grownups are free to cut loose as well. Photo: Richard Hallman/Coconut Bay Resort

 Depart at 9:51 a.m. / 4 hr. 24 min. flight time / 5 min. shuttle to Coconut Bay Resort / Check in at 3:25 p.m.

Travel Notes: After four hours on the plane, you’ll be ready to hit the beach, not spend another hour-plus on winding roads to reach one of the resorts on St. Lucia’s west-central coast. Coconut Bay is a well liked and reasonably-priced all-inclusive on the island’s southeastern corner, with separate wings for adults and families. It sits beachfront on the Atlantic, with a dedicated adult pool and spa, five restaurants, six bars, plenty of on-property water sports and short drive times to many of the island’s best day-trip adventures.

Boston to St. Thomas (BOS-STT)

St Thomas Ritz Carlton, Sailing Catamaran

The sailing catamaran Lady Lynsey cruises near the Ritz-Carlton on Great Bay, St. Thomas. Photo: Don Riddle/Ritz-Carlton

Depart at 8:57 a.m. / 4 hr. 2 min. flight time / 25-30 min. van ride to the Ritz-Carlton / Check in at 3:30 p.m.

Travel Notes: Getting to the majority of St. Thomas’ beachfront properties requires a run through downtown Charlotte Amalie. And once you are free of the traffic on Veteran’s Drive, it’s worth investing a few extra minutes of taxi time to go all the way to the island’s east end. The Ritz-Carlton sits on a quiet strand of beach known as Turtle Cove, overlooking Great Bay and St. John to the east. You’ll have plenty of time for a refreshing dip and a relaxing libation at the Coconut Cove bar before showering up for dinner. 

Charlotte to Barbados (CTL-BGI)

Coral reef club Barbados

The elegant Coral Reef Club commands prime beachfront real estate on Barbados’ calmer west coast. Photo: Mike Toy/Coral Reef Club

Depart at 10 a.m. / 4 hr. 32 min. flight time / 15 min. taxi ride to Ocean Two / Check in at 4:30 p.m.

Travel Notes: Located on calm Dover Beach, on the island’s south coast, Ocean Two offers easier access to the airport than resorts north of Bridgetown. Those willing to invest an additional 20 minutes of cab time to the west-central coast should consider the Coral Reef Club for a taste of gentile West Indies elegance.

Chicago to Jamaica (ORD-MBJ)

Jamaica Sandals Resort

Jamaica resorts such as Sandals at Montego Bay give couples a chance to enjoy private time together. Photo: Sandals Resort Montego Bay

Depart at 7:40 a.m. / 3 hr. 50 min. flight time / 10 min. shuttle to Sandals Royal Caribbean / Check in at 1:30 p.m.

Travel Notes: Arrival in Montego Bay couldn’t be easier. Once you clear customs, go right to a dedicated check-in desk for Sandals, then chill out in the on-site lounge while their staff takes care of your luggage transfers. From there, it’s a quick ride to the property, where a welcome drink awaits. To get the most out of a short stay, book a mid-afternoon return and enjoy a couple extra hours of morning beach time at the resort. The front desk will hold your bags after checkout, and there are facilities for a rinse and change before the flight. 

Cleveland to Puerto Rico (CLE-SJU)

La Concha Resort, Puerto Rico

The spectacular infinity pool at Puerto Rico’s La Concha resort overlooks blue ocean waters. Photo: La Concha

Depart at 8:45 a.m. / 4 hr. 15 min. flight time / 15 min. taxi to La Concha Resort / Check in at 2:30 p.m.

Travel Notes: There are no customs or immigration stops when flying to Puerto Rico, and once bags are in hand, you’ll have no problem flagging a taxi. Mid-day traffic should be reasonable, and the location of the La Concha couldn’t be better. The hotel sits smack in the middle of the upscale Condado district, overlooking an excellent stretch of beach that is right next door to the green spaces and lively activities of the Ventana del Mar square. Avenida Ashford is ideal for strolling and people watching, and just a mile away are the scenic streets of Old San Juan. 

New York to Bermuda (JFK-BDA)

Bermuda Hamilton Harbor

An intra-island ferry runs from Hamilton Harbour to destinations around the island nation of Bermuda. Photo: Verena Mathew/iStock

Depart at 7:30 a.m. / 2 hr. 10 min. flight / 25 min. taxi to Coco Reef Resort / Check in at 11:45 a.m.

Travel Notes: Bermuda is an easy hop from New York, but with the airport at the far north of the connected group of islands that comprise the nation of Bermuda, it can take an hour to reach the most distant resorts on the island’s southwest point. Split the distance by staying at Coco Reef Resort. It’s not the island’s fanciest or priciest, but it does sit on one of the most spectacular beaches, with direct ocean views from many rooms. 

Philadelphia to St. Martin (PHL-SXM)

St Maarten Philipsburg

St. Maarten’s capital, Philipsburg, sits beachside on a spit of land between a salt pond and Great Bay. Photo: iStock

Depart at 9:40 a.m. / 4 hr. flight time / 5 min. taxi to Azure Hotel / Check in at 3:15 p.m.

Travel Notes: You can reach most any part of the half-Dutch, half-French island of Sint Maarten/St. Marten in less than a half hour from the airport, so selecting a hotel is really about preferences: Dutch or French, leeward or windward, upscale or value-priced. One popular option that puts you within a few paces of the clear waters of Simpson Beach is the Azure Hotel. The decor is attractive, and kitchenettes allow you to dine in when you feel like it. You’ll be reminded of your proximity to the airport each time a plane takes off, but the immediate beach access can’t be beat. 

Washington, D.C. to Nassau (DCA-NAS)

Compass Point Resort, New Providence, Bahamas

Admiring the view of Love Beach from a balcony at Compass Point Resort, New Providence Island, Bahamas. Photo: Julian Bajzert/Bahamas Tourist Office

Depart at 8:40 a.m. / 2 hr. 50 min. flight time / 10 min. taxi to Compass Point Resort / Check in at 12:30 p.m.

Travel Notes: When you arrive at Lynden Pindling International Airport, you have choices. It’s about 15 minutes to the resorts on Cable Beach, which one day soon will include the ambitious Bahama Mar development, or a half hour ride through Nassau to Paradise Island. As an alternative, you could take a left on West Bay Street and arrive at one of the island’s favorite and most colorful getaways: Compass Point Beach Resort, where brightly-painted huts perch on the seawall overlooking turquoise waters. You may need to book well in advance, because this place has become one of the Bahama’s worst-kept secrets, but remains one of its best experiences.