Best hotels in Bermuda, the home of the prettiest pink sand beaches
The pink sands and ancient forts of Bermuda’s nine parishes are most often visited as a fleeting stop on a cruise itinerary. Around four times more people step ashore for a quick look round than fly in to spend a few days properly getting to know the place. Its tiny size may indicate a destination which can be rapidly explored in just one day, but slowing down to the local pace will reveal far more to see and do than one quick glance: diving the many shipwrecks scattered across the reefs, hiking through the forests of Walsingham Nature Park on your way to discover the Crystal Caves, or exploring local art galleries will all fill a day nicely.
Like many of its neighbours further south in the Caribbean, Bermuda has a summer carnival, with a week-long program of events bringing colour and noise to the island. Various other points in the year see large events taking place – the annual cricket Cup Match in July makes a two-day local cricket match an excuse for a four-day party; October’s Bermuda Gold Cup brings world-class yacht racing to the heart of the main island, and the temperate year-round climate make it a great spot for winter sun. The melange of different cultures – African, Portuguese, West Indian, English – here makes for an exciting dining scene, of course with a lean towards locally-caught seafood. Grab yourself a mussel pie and book in to one Bermuda’s best hotels, to discover a different kind of Atlantic Island paradise.
Ken HaydenRosewood Bermuda
Bermuda's ultra-luxe address, Rosewood has a prized location on Castle Harbour, the sheltered waters at the heart of the Bermudan territory. This is every inch the tasteful-yet-opulent bolthole to be expected of Rosewood, with seven restaurants to serve only 88 rooms and suites, all with romantic french doors that open up onto aquamarine ocean views. Elsewhere the property has in-house racquet and water sports centres, plus mini-EV (car rental is not permitted for visitors to Bermuda) and e-bike rentals available to traverse the wider island. Snorkel around the coral gardens in the harbour – maintained thanks to Rosewood’s partnership with the Living Reefs Foundation to promote the regeneration of the natural reef – or rent one of the hotel’s own vessels to venture further out into the ocean in search of marine life. Recovery time is best spent lathered in Bermudan cedar oil at Sense, A Rosewood Spa.
Price: Rooms from around £690 per night.
Read McKendreehotelCambridge Beaches Resort & Spa
$$Bermuda is generally divided into two parts, east and west, with the capital of Hamilton somewhat in the middle. Most luxury addresses here reside in Hamilton or on the east end, but one historic hotel is found on the quieter west end. After celebrating its 100th recently, Cambridge Beaches completed a full revamp, thanks to new owners Dovetail + Co (the hospitality group behind the Urban Cowboy and Wayfinder brands). The resort’s iconic pink cottages, four bars and restaurants, two-tiered pool, and expansive grounds that include four private beaches have been brought into the 21st century — no small feat since some architectural details date back to the 1600s.
The 86 cottages are newly chic, with a tropical-inspired coral and seafoam green colour palette, dark wood statement beds, quirky rattan chairs, and boldly patterned textiles. Vintage-inspired pastel-coloured scalloped umbrellas and cushy lounge chairs now populate the refurbished pool area and its accompanying bar and restaurant, which also sports a magnificently detailed shell-encrusted back bar. A highlight is the brand-new Sunken Harbor Club (an outpost of the same-named Brooklyn bar), which is decorated with shipwreck treasures rescued by the late Bermudian diving legend Teddy Tucker. Bermudian-rooted cuisine is on offer, with dishes like miso cod and honey-glazed duck to complement classic island cocktails and new creations by barmaster St. John Frizell. Cambridge Beaches is the only resort in Bermuda where children 12 and under are not permitted, making it a great option for honeymoons and romantic rendezvous. Devorah Lev Tov
Price: Rooms from around £400 per night.
The St Regis Bermuda Resort
The St Regis enjoys a prized location on the northernmost tip of the archipelago, overlooking the soft pinkish sands of St Catherine’s Beach. Expect cocoon bathtubs and wooden touches in the rooms, with views of the ocean or the ancient Fort St Catherine. Outside, most will be happy to loll between the beach loungers and the swimming pools – one for adults and one for families. Book into a pool side cabana and order the St Regis’ signature Bloody Mary, made from local Bermudan rum, instead of vodka, to add extra island flavour. In the evening, guests gather for s’mores by the bonfire on beach, lit every evening as the sun turns the sky purple.
Price: Rooms from around £531 per night.
Azura
The go-to address for privacy on the island, Azura is a modern boutique bolthole perched on the cliffs above Bermuda’s South Shore. There are only 60 rooms and suites here, all breezy with clean lines, neutral tones and priceless views of the Atlantic ocean. Couples will love the oceanfront suites with their own jacuzzi on the balcony, while there are two- and three-bedroom suites ideal for families.
There are four pools on the property, including the invigorating ocean pool on the beach, and the Sky Pool on the rooftop deck, also home to a sauna and the scenic spot where hotel's yoga classes take place. The onsite restaurant Surf is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and a menu that focuses on Mediterranean-inspired seafood.
Price: Rooms from around £350 per night.
The Hamilton Princess Hotel & Beach Club
Known as The Pink Palace by locals, this is Bermuda's grand dame, with the property recently celebrating its 140 year anniversary. The arrival is suitable grand, with guests able to dock their boat or super yacht, at the hotel's private marina. For the best rooms, book into the Bermudiana Wing, which recently underwent a USD$15 million renovation and plump for one of the Gold Suites with their sweeping private terraces as well as exclusive access to a separate private lounge for breakfast and snacks throughout the day.
There are five restaurants onsite, ranging from an upscale American grill in the Gazebo Wing, to the casual Crown & Anchor which serves up classic burgers and pizzas. For some beach time, there's a complimentary shuttle to the hotel's sister property The Princess Beach Club, located on Sinky Bay.
Price: Rooms from around £438 per night.
Rosedon Hotel
Built as a private residence in 1906 and converted to a hotel in the 1950s, Rosedon is now a chic adults-only retreat at the heart of island in Hamilton. Rooms are heavily influenced by English cottage-core – think ornate bed frames and floral wallpaper. The romantic aesthetic continues outside to the central pool, where fried fish and ice-cream sandwiches are served on loungers shades by pink and white striped parasols. Don't miss the poolside brunch offering on Sundays. For supper, the onsite restaurant Clarabell’s – named for the former head chef who spent 30 years looking after guests – is beloved for it's wood-fired pizzas, served in the lush garden.
Price: Rooms from around £230 per night.
Hillcrest Boutique Hotel
Once home to the American Consul to Bermuda, this 18th century villa now operates as a quaint boutique hotel in St. George’s, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are 14 rooms spread across three main buildings, and while much of the house has been modernised, the original ceiling beams have been preserved in the main villa. There’s a small fire pit, a heated saltwater pool and a hot tub surrounded by lush gardens at the heart of the property, but the main attraction is its notable location from which you can take in the town's colonial architecture, as well as surrounding boutiques and restaurants.
Price: Rooms from around £230 per night.
