With outdoor adventure, a surprising history and a distinct way of life, Bermuda offers exceptional museums, boutiques, restaurants and stunning natural beauty in an easily accessible and safe 21 square miles. Connect with experienced and informed locals at any of our three, official Visitor Services Centres; explore and manage your own bucket list on a memorable solo adventure.
Day 1
Morning
Bermuda Botanical Gardens
Start the day at the Bermuda Botanical Gardens, 35 acres dedicated to the island’s flora. The South Road entrance is a shaded passageway, canopied by trees. Take a walk through the native palmettos, fragrant herb gardens, greenhouses filled with orchids and succulents and marvel at the fibrous Banyans that inspired American painter Georgia O’Keeffe who spent time on the island in the 1930s.
Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art
The renowned artist took a therapeutic trip during dark times. It is said that she found plenty of colour out here. One of her pencil and ink sketches, The Banyan Tree Trunk, can be found at the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art at the heart of the gardens. Book an archive tour for a view of rare works by O’Keeffe, Winslow Homer and Andrew Wyeth.
Afternoon
Isabelle Ramsay-Brackstone, Master Perfumer at Lili Bermuda
The Sweet Mysteryroses, frangipani and flowering hibiscus are known to stir the senses. They’ll leave a mark invaluable for your next adventure – a visit to Master Perfumer Isabelle Ramsay-Brackstone's Bermuda Perfumery in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of St. George’s. To get to the East End, catch a safe and comfortable bus – the number 1 or 3 from a blue stop (the pink ones lead you back to central Bermuda). Formerly in the banking industry, Ramsay-Brackstone revived the institution with modern scents and a fresh look with luxury candles and buttery soap-on-a-rope. You will leave with your own uniquely Bermudian scent in a Lili Bermuda signature bottle.
Evening
Built in 1906, the Rosedon Hotel, a Bermudian Relais & Châteaux boutique hotel in the City of Hamilton, completed renovations at the start of 2019 under female general manager Nagma Walker. Have dinner on the covered porch at Huckleberry, a sea- and farm-to-Table restaurant, surrounded by towering palms. Start with a signature gin cocktail or a glass of organic wine from the extensive list. Order the day’s catch for a taste of the island or the moreish, Asian-inspired chopped cabbage and kale salad.
Day 2
Morning
Admiralty House Park
Next - lunch. Heading east along North Shore, grab take out fish sandwiches from Seaside Grill, owned and operated by a mother and her fisherman son. Know your order before you arrive – with tartar sauce on raisin bread with lettuce and tomato.
Afternoon
Book a charter with the husband and wife team of Sail Bermuda on the Wyuna, a sailing catamaran showcasing the island the way it should be seen – from the water. End your day with a sunset cruise. Catering on board means dinner and drinks are covered.
Day 3
Morning
Start the day in perfect alignment at Shamana Circle Studio, a movement studio in the heart of the City of Hamilton. Housed in the bright blue, white-trimmed John S. Darrell building, a model of Bermudian architecture, the airy Front Street loft space with traditional beams offers yoga, pilates and a range of blood pumping, heart-opening classes across from Hamilton Harbour.
After class, head up Chancery Lane to Rock Island Coffee for some java and a gluten- or dairy-free pastry before hitting the shops.
Afternoon
Take a walk through the City of Hamilton, the capital and pulse of the island. Planted along picturesque Hamilton Harbour, this refreshing , pastel-coloured city is an international business hub with world-class shops, galleries and green spaces. A cultural norm, many Bermudians rely on a side hustle – a second job that not only keeps them well afloat but thriving. The island’s diverse terrain and stunning, natural beauty can’t help but spur creativity and a few creatives have been fortunate to turn their passion into their full-time job. As you shop the city, you’ll note a growing group of Bermudians creating goods that are alive, original and eternally inspiring.
From Front Street to Reid Street, their retail spaces reflect their personalities. Jewellery designer, Alexandra Mosher’s flagship boutique is a pink, pastel wonderland with magical details that pay tribute to her pink sand and sculptural collections. Joanna Stapff of 1609 Design has a bohemian cellar space that marries well with her whimsical artwork and accessories.
Scandinavian-Bermudian gift and design store, & Partners, sells a range of locally made products from glassware to prints, rugs, jewellery and homewares. Bermudian-designed swimwear can be found at Resort in the Hamilton Princess. Naked Zero is an eco-focused general store with natural lotions, haircare and body oils by Bermuda brands.
Book a private shopping experience with stylist Nicole Golden. Her eclectic, lifestyle boutique, Urban Cottage, is a haven for the latest trends, locally made products and interior design.
With an empty wallet and a stomach to match, Nakia Smith’s Sip and Savor food tour will give you a true taste of Bermuda’s favourite eateries. Stroll and sample fishcakes, conch chowder, local ice cream using seasonal ingredients, Portuguese custard tarts, wahoo fish nuggets, sushi and classic Bermuda cocktails.
Evening
You’ll have little room for dinner, so opt for cocktails and nibbles at Devil's Isle Cafe, which has a solid selection of small plates, salads and tacos.
Day 4
Morning
The Twizy two-seater electric car
Book scooters or electric two-seater mini cars from Oleander cycles and head east to the Town of St. George. The former capital and UNESCO World Heritage site has a character entirely different from Hamilton that begs for exploration and picture taking. Every corner reveals an Instagram-ready scene.
Get acquainted with the narrow streets and alleyways, stopping at stand out boutiques such as Salt Spray Soap company on Water Street, Merch at the edge of King’s Square and Davidrose, a fine jewellery boutique owned by husband and wife team Avrel Rose and David Zuill. As well as custom engagement and wedding rings, the pair have created a collection of modern heirlooms influenced by Bermuda.
Afternoon
At the centre of Water Street you’ll find Long Story Short, a bookstore in the cellar of Tucker House. Owner Kristin White’s inventory focuses on works by women of colour and LGBTQ authors with local art, food and housewares for sale. The historic building is part of the African Diaspora Heritage Trail. Former enslaved Joseph Rainey operated a kitchen barbershop before moving back to the US to become the first black congressman. You’ll learn that tale and more on one of her tours, by foot or by bicycle. More than a tour guide, White is a storyteller. She has a way with words that incites excitement over everything she describes, and her food-focused excursions feed you in more ways than one.
Evening
Day 5
Morning
Eettafel Beach Picnic
Afternoon
Head further west to the Royal Naval Dockyard. The National Museum occupies several historic fortifications, including the Commissioner’s House, Casemates Barracks and The Keep, Bermuda’s largest fort. Female museum director Elena Strong, has strengthened the programmed to really tell Bermuda’s shipping story, dedicating the former prison building entirely to research. Browse gold bars, jewellery and other treasures recovered from centuries-old shipwrecks and then absorb every detail in the Hall of History. Graham Foster’s awe-inspiring mural tells Bermuda’s story in vibrant colour.
Cool down with gourmet fresh fruit popsicles by Duch Pops. Rickeisha Burgess’ frozen dessert truck offers refreshing blends such as of cucumber and lemon, dubbed the Whistling Frog. Her signature blend is a kaleidoscope of mixed berries, pineapple, kiwi, peach and mango.
Late Afternoon into Evening
Book a tour with Wanderlust Explorers, a mother-daughter team with a mission to get visitors exploring like born locals. They’ll take you along the South Shore by minibus to Glass Bay Beach, snorkelling off Church Bay, swimming through Horseshoe Bay and Warwick Long Bay where you’ll find the island’s pinkest sand sipping ice cold ginger beer.
End with a Bermuda beach bonfire. Wanderlust will build your fire while you swim and explore. Dry off around the flames with Rum Swizzle and local cuisine as the sun sets.
