There is nothing better than fresh ocean air, your running shoes and a trail to nowhere. Whether you are an active runner, you are training for an event, or you are kicking off your healthy habits, we have got an action-packed four-day itinerary, with a little rest and respite too.
Enjoy all the benefits of a resort (think pools, private beaches, tennis courts, plus more) and locations that are close to running trails, we suggest staying at Grotto Bay Beach Resort and Spa, or at Cambridge Beaches. Located on the eastern end of the island, Grotto Bay offers a short ride from the airport, an underground cave spa, easy access to the Railway Trail and a short ride to UNESCO World Heritage Site of St George’s.
On the western end of the island, you will find Cambridge Beaches, a colony of pink cottages and world-class views. Close to Somerset Village you will find a variety of running routes and access to the Western end of the Railway Trail. The hotel is also just a short drive to those famous pink sand beaches.
After you have checked in to your hotel, take some time to walk around the property. Find the pool, the bar, the beach and if you are staying at Grotto Bay make sure to check out the limestone caves that are on the property (top tip: the water in there is cold and great for recovery after a long run). Both hotels have poolside restaurants, so enjoy a light lunch and go ahead and enjoy one of Bermuda’s signature cocktails, a rum swizzle.
The fresh sea breeze and the rum will have you feeling nice and relaxed. To continue your path to total bliss, book a sunset yoga class with Salt Yoga to revitalise your energy and prepare your muscles for the runs ahead.
Fuel your muscles with a delicious dinner. Head to either tip of the island, depending on what side you are staying. The Royal Naval Dockyard on the western tip of the island offers a variety of restaurants to choose from, including Anchor Restaurant, Bar and Lounge a family owned business with local cuisine and contemporary dishes.
On the eastern end of the island, head to St George’s where you will find waterside restaurants serving up seafood dishes and more. Try White Horse Pub and Restaurant, which dates back to the 1700’s but serves up a modern twist on the menu.
Rise and shine feeling refreshed and ready to run. After a nice healthy breakfast, put on your running gear ready and head to St David’s for a coastal run around Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve and the surrounding areas. Starting at Clearwater beach, run towards Cooper’s Island to the very tip of the land before turning around and running the trails that lead to the backside of the peninsula. These trails will bring you back to Clearwater Beach where you started, and if this approximately 3km run is not long enough continue along the road travelling toward St David’s Lighthouse. Run along the residential roads to Great Head Park for unbeatable views and the chance to run around St David’s Battery, which was used during the early 20th century and during WWII. This will extend your run to approximately 10km.
Another popular coastal run is running along South Shore Park trails. Here you will be running along sandy trails and some beaches, so expect it to be a little more challenging terrain. You can extend the run by continuing along South Road once you have completed the trail loop.
After your run make sure to enjoy the surroundings and cool off at the beach. Pack your swim gear for a dip in the inviting clear waters, it will be worth it.
Now that you are energized and feeling accomplished, it is time to switch back to holiday mode. Enjoy an afternoon treatment of your choice at the resort spa. If you prefer to spend your time outside, both resorts have access to watersport rentals where you can get out on the water and explore, or just relax.
For dinner, head to the City of Hamilton. You will find lots of restaurants and cuisines to choose from. If you are looking for a cozy spot with farm to table dining, try Devil’s Isle or Huckleberry’s.
Wake up with a fresh cup of coffee and a healthy breakfast before getting ready for your next island run. Your second run will consist of trails and hills through another one of Bermuda’s popular nature reserves, Hog Bay Park. The network of trails that lead you through the 32-acre park are used for Cross Country events and runners love it for hill training.
The run itself is only around 1 mile long but you can make it longer by either choosing to do laps, or by leaving the park and crossing the street to join in the Railway Trail and running east until you hit Vesey Nature Reserve and Evans Bay Pond. From there you can circle back to the start by running along the main road, or back along the trail.
While you are in the area, visit the world’s smallest drawbridge and enjoy freshly baked goods at The Bridge Trading Post cafe.
Stay in this area of the island for lunch by heading to Willowbank Resort to enjoy amazing views of Ely’s Harbour and authentic Bermudian cuisine that is fresh and locally sourced. If you are a seafood fan, make sure to try the Bermuda Fish Chowder.
Depending on the season, head to West Whale Bay Park to try and spot the migrating Humpback Whales (between mid-March and mid-April). If you are visiting outside of that time of year, this is still a wonderful spot to catch some quiet time. Take your favourite book and find a spot in the park or on the beach to completely drift away. Remember to include an afternoon stretch to ease those working muscles.
It’s your last night in Bermuda, so why not treat yourself to a good meal and one of our upscale restaurants. For those staying in the east end, book a table at Tom Moore’s Tavern. This restaurant is Bermuda’s oldest eating house, originally built in 1652! Here you will enjoy the finest cuisine in an intimate and historic setting.
For those staying at Cambridge Beaches, enjoy an evening at the hotel restaurant Sunken Harbor Club. This is the Bermuda Chapter of the New York City cocktail bar, with elegant drinks and plenty of Bermudian flare on the mouth watering menu.
Open your eyes to your final day on the island (for now). Set the alarm early to squeeze in one more run. From either hotel, ask how to get to the closest point to join the Railway Trail and get the legs pumping.
Depending on your flight time, you may have time to relax at the hotel pool before heading home. On your way to the airport, make sure that you stop in at the famous Swizzle Inn for one last Rum Swizzle and some delicious pub food to keep you satisfied on your journey.
Originally from Bermuda's Hamilton Parish, Dage Minors impressive background embodies perseverance and excellence. He boasts six-time All-American accolades, has clinched the Northeast-10 Conference championship an impressive 21 times, and is the first Bermudian to run under 4 minutes in a mile. His ultimate goal is to make the Olympics and to continue to improve so he can help put Bermuda on the map for runners.
