Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama…

The Bermuda Isles attract the rich and wealthy of the world: yachters, sailors, tournament fishermen, tennis players, golfers, and other classy hobbies that usually indicate disposable money. In Bermuda’s 21 square miles, you can find six world-class golf courses, more golf courses per capita than anywhere else in the world.

Bermuda Life

Houses in Bermuda start around $950,000 USD, up to over $30 million USD. John Lennon, David Bowie, and Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas are just among some of the celebrities who have owned vacation houses in Bermuda.

Bermuda imports most of its goods. While it used to export certain flowers and vegetables grown in Bermuda, the country has almost no natural resources and now its only export is Goslings rum. Thus, Bermuda must import everything from food to clothing to machinery to live animals. This accounts for some of the higher prices in Bermuda. Don’t let this discourage you, though! If you live in some areas of the United States, you won’t even notice the slight increase in pricing in Bermuda.

The Bermuda dollar is tied to the American gold system, so the Bermuda dollar is always a 1:1 exchange with the American dollar. Everywhere in Bermuda will take American dollars, and some will give you back American change. Even so, prices are generally higher in Bermuda than in America.

Colorful Houses

If you live in Bermuda, you are free to paint your house any color you like. The only restriction resides have is that their roofs remain white. White reflects UV light from the sun, which helps to purify rainwater runoff. In fact, the low-tech water purification system is so effective that if you pour a coca-cola soda over the roofs, it would come out through the filtration clear!

Neighborhoods

Bermuda is made up of nine parishes: St. George’s, Hamilton, Smith’s, Devonshire, Pembroke, Paget, Warwick, Southampton, and Sandy’s.

Originally called King’s Island, St. George’s was the original settlement of Bermuda. It’s also a UNESCO world heritage site. The BDA airport is located in St. George’s, as well as Fort St. Catherine, Fort George, and St. David’s lighthouse. St. George’s is my favorite place in Bermuda!

Hamilton is the second most eastern parish, just west of St. George’s. Oddly enough, the capital of Hamilton City is not located in Hamilton Parish. Hamilton parish circles the Harrington Sound bay. If you’re looking for deep water limestone caves or subterranean passages, look in Hamilton parish.

Smith’s parish is a residential and farming neighborhood, full of country roads and delightful charm. One of the island’s two dairy farms is in Smith’s parish, along with Spittal Pond Nature Reserve, the largest wildlife sanctuary in Bermuda.

Devonshire is a central parish in Bermuda with a relaxed country atmosphere. It has prospered mainly on farming and agriculture. You can find some beautiful views in Devonshire!

Pembroke is the most populated and busiest parish in Bermuda. The capital, Hamilton City, is in Pembroke Parish. Spanish Park, with great beaches, parks, and cliff jumping, is in the northwest corner of Pembroke.

Paget is in southern Bermuda, with its north border along the beautiful Hamilton Harbor overlooking Hamilton City. The south border has some of the prettiest, most secluded beaches in Bermuda, like Elbow Beach.

Warwick parish is well known for its pink sand beaches, nature reserves, and golf courses. This parish is one of the top tourist attractions in Bermuda. Warwick is only about a 20-minute drive from Hamilton City. You’ll definitely want to check out Warwick Long Bay Beach when in this part of the island.

Southampton circles around the Little Sound bay area. Horseshoe Bay Beach, one of the world’s most famous and beautiful beaches, is in Southampton. A lot of little cove beaches around Horseshoe Bay are great places to visit for those who don’t like crowded beaches but still want to bask in the island’s beauty. One of the most elite golf course hotels, the Fairmont Southampton, is just up the hill from Horseshoe Bay. And the island’s only other lighthouse, Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, is in Southampton.

Sandys parish, pronounced “Sands,” is the western-most parish in Bermuda. Sandys parish is made up of 5 islands connected by bridges. The Royal Naval Dockyard is at the northern tip of Sandys parish in Ireland Island North, where the cruise ships dock. You can quickly reach Hamilton City or St. George’s by ferry from the Dockyard, but being so far from the cities offers much needed peace and serenity, especially when the cruise ships leave.

Planning a Trip

Who doesn’t want to go to Bermuda? When I got back and posted all my pictures. everyone I saw asked me what I did, who I went with, and how I did it all. Here are my tips!

Who to Travel With?

Bermuda is a wonderful place to travel with a loved one, family, or solo! I went by myself, and the locals in Bermuda are so friendly, warm, and welcoming. I never felt nervous or scared to ask anyone for help, and no one ever made me feel like I was a dumb tourist. By the end of my five days in Bermuda, I had many new friends and a whole new outlook on Bermuda life!

In my travels, I met groups of people in town for a tournament fishing trip, staying on their boat in one of Bermuda’s many marinas; families or couples on a cruise; and other solo travelers checking out all the beauty of Bermuda. No matter how you choose to travel, Bermuda welcomes you.

When to Travel?

Bermuda is off the coast of South Carolina, so it doesn’t have the same tropical weather that other Caribbean Islands have. But because the waters of the Gulf Stream pass around Bermuda, the temperature stays frost-free, snow-free, and ice-free year round.

In June, it was very hot and sunny! The locals say August is almost too hot to be outside. Bermuda gets hit with hurricanes in the fall, but the weather is otherwise nice. In winter, Bermudians break out their winter coats, while tourists are still walking around in shorts and t-shirts in 55-60°F (12-15°C). Spring might be too chilly for the beach but generally very nice weather for sightseeing. Summer is obviously the best time for the beach, but the humidity might be too much for people with allergies!

How to Get Around

Bermuda is 21 miles long. That being said, walking from one end to another in the summer heat would be very exhausting! And on that note, there are no shoulders on the road, so it would be pretty dangerous. Also, because Bermuda sits on a volcano, it’s pretty hilly, so bike riding might not be the best option.

Visitors to Bermuda cannot rent cars. All the cars you see on the streets are local drivers. This is probably for the best, because Bermudians drive British – the steering wheel is on the right hand side of the car and they drive on the left side of the road. I know that’s enough to confuse me! (Can you use British as an adjective?)

Tourists can rent moped scooters. However, they follow the same rules of the road and I have seen some tourists look a little overwhelmed driving a moped for the first time in Bermuda. The woman who ran my guesthouse said mopeds account for most of the deaths in Bermuda and she didn’t recommend me renting one. I followed her advice.

Bermuda also now has little two-seater electric cars called “Twizy” that tourists can rent. They are a little bigger than a two-person scooter, where one person sits in the front and one sits in the back. They look silly but provide a little more protection than a scooter.

Taxis are always the fastest and easiest way to get from point A to point B, but they are also the most expensive. Taxis use meters to charge and aren’t negotiable. A taxi ride from the airport to Hamilton will run about $50.

Buses are the safest and most cost effective way to get around Bermuda. Still, buses aren’t cheap. Short bus rides within one zone cost $3.50, while a longer bus ride into a different zone costs $5. You can pay cash on the bus or you can buy tokens or tickets in Hamilton, the Naval Dockyard, or St. George’s post offices or tourists offices for a discounted rate. If you pay cash on the bus, the buses don’t give change.

Hotels, guest houses, and the tourist offices will have bus routes with the different zones. Bus drivers are a great resource and will happily help you know which stop is yours! One thing to note is that you can’t bring large luggage on a bus. If you have a small carry on, you can keep it up front in a storage area. If you have large luggage, the bus driver won’t let you on.

Finally, there are ferries to take you to different parts of the island! It’s much faster, cheaper, and more fun to take the $5 20-minute ferry from the Naval Dockyard to Hamilton than to drive. And the fastest way from St. George’s Island to the Naval Dockyard is via ferry!

What to Do?

When I first booked my trip to Bermuda, everyone told me it was beautiful and I would love it. I asked, “What is there to do?” No one really had any advice. For someone who likes to dive into culture and see everything a place has to offer, I had to do a little research of my own.

Hamilton

First and most obviously, hit Hamilton. Walk around the little city, take in the views of the Hamilton Harbor, stroll through the city parks, or grab a nice dinner or sunset cocktails. Something to note is that the stores all close up shop by 5:00 pm, so you will have to choose between the beach and the town. Try a narrative tour of the city on the mini train!

Royal Naval Dockyard and National Museum of Bermuda

On the opposite end of the island and only a ferry ride from Hamilton is the Royal Naval Dockyards. This is where the cruise ships come in and most of the tours and activities originate.

Stop by the National Museum and stare at the blue waters surrounding the Commissioner’s House, learn about slavery in Bermuda, and even swim with dolphins!

Take an island wrap around tour – an excellent way to get to know the island’s smaller secrets. Or, get your bathing suit on for some jet skiing and other water sports! Don’t forget the glass bottom boat, parasailing, or sunset island cruise.

Walk the plank to Calico Jack’s pirate ship to make sure the rum’s not all gone. Then grab lunch at Bonefish Bar & Grill while you listen to the serenades of a Spanish guitar player. Finally, stop by happy hour at Bermuda’s only Brew Pub, Frog and Onion for some local brews.

Hit Snorkel Beach for some great snorkeling and miniature golf, then shop for souvenirs in the Clocktower Mall and surrounding stores. And don’t forget your ice cream on a hot summer day! There’s no lack of things to do or see in the Naval Dockyard!

Beaches

Let’s be honest: most people go to Bermuda for the beautiful pink sand beaches. Bermuda doesn’t lack for beaches!

Bermuda’s sand is pink because tiny red organisms that live within the coral reefs. When they die and fall to the ocean floor, they mix with shells and pieces of coral. Waves carry the pink pieces onto the beach, where they mix with regular sand. The pinkest sand is where the waves are constantly washing up, so look there for the pink grains!

The most popular and ranked 8th most beautiful beach in the world is Horseshoe Bay Beach. Go early or late to avoid the crowds, or hit the small coves on either side of Horseshoe Bay.

Warwick Long Bay Beach is the pinkest beach of all. You can walk from Horseshoe Bay Beach to Long Bay Beach and peek in the small cove beaches along the way! Long Bay Beach’s rocky outcroppings are great for sunset photos.

Tobacco Bay Beach is in St. George’s, one of the most popular snorkeling beaches. It’s a smaller beach with crystal clear, shallow waters surrounded by limestone rocks. There’s a restaurant with happy hour specials, bonfires at night, and live music.

Elbow Beach has its own resort on the beach with a gourmet restaurant and bar. Elbow Beach’s pink sand is a draw for tourists and locals alike. The nearby reefs make it a great beach for snorkeling as well.

Church Bay Beach is another good snorkeling beach. It’s a small cove with lots of rocks for fish to hide. There is a rock in the water that resembles a poodle, known as poodle rock. The water gets deep quickly, so it’s not ideal for swimming children.

Shelly Bay Beach and Park is on the way to St. George’s, close to the airport. The beach faces the sun most of the day and is big enough to hold lots of families. There’s a park right behind the beach with a playground for the kids and grills for the adults.

Surfside Beach and Marley Beach are small, underrated and little-known beaches on the south coast where you can lay for hours and days and not see another soul. The entrances are somewhat hidden and rocky cliffs line the beach, creating the ultimate air of seclusion. If crowds and noise aren’t for you, take the #7 bus to either of these very private beaches.

St. George’s

St. George’s Island, on the East End, was the original settlement of Bermuda. Bermuda’s former capital and now a UNESCO world heritage site make this a prime location for colonial British architecture.

See Fort St. Catherine, Tobacco Bay Beach, the Unfinished Cathedral, or the East End art district. Don’t miss the Bermuda Perfumery to smell the unique Bermudian scents!

Harbor Nights in Hamilton

Every Wednesday night, Front Street in Hamilton is closed off to cars and people pack the streets. Vendors set up food stands, craft and shopping stands, children’s entertainment, and a British marching band parades down the street. It’s very family-friendly, great for teens, and perfect for solo travelers. While some of the locals will say you can only go once or twice, I think it’s something you shouldn’t miss if in Bermuda on a Wednesday night!

Crystal Cave, Fantasy Cave, and Blue Hole Park

The Crystal Caves is an incredible half day tour from the Naval Dockyard, but you can also catch four of the 11 bus lines to this part of the island.

In 1907, two Bermudian boys lost their ball playing a game of cricket. When they went to go look for it, they stumbled upon a hole to what is now known as the Crystal Cave!

The Crystal Cave is 150 steps down, 250 feet long, and about 30 feet wide. It’s full of stalagmites, stalactites, and crystal clear waters 55 feet deep. In the early 1900’s after the cave was found, the tours were self-guided boat tours. Because there was no one to enforce rules, the tourists would cut off pieces of stalactite to take home as souvenirs, so now most of the rocks hanging from the ceiling end bluntly.

Fantasy Cave was similarly found by an older man who discovered another hole into another cave. He recruited the same boys who found Crystal Cave to help him build the steep staircase down to the bottom, and the cave was opened for tourism. It closed down just after World War II due to lack of maintenance and only recently reopened in 2001.

Fantasy Cave is a smaller cave but still has some incredible rock formations and deep blue waters. The cave suffered some damage from an earthquake and part of the roof fell into the waters below, so the stalactites and stalagmites aren’t as prominent. Luckily, the earthquake happened about 2500 years ago and it’s known that Bermuda is now earthquake-free.

Blue Hole Point is a free park just down the road from the Crystal Caves. There are more virgin caves in the park that you can explore on your own, although they are all full of water. There are hiking trails, amazing views, and interesting flora. And finally, there is a popular swimming hole with clear blue water and surrounding cliffs for cliff jumping!

Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo

You can find the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo in Flatts Village in Hamilton Parish. This is the perfect attraction for a chilly, windy, rainy, or extra hot day in Bermuda! Make friends with the seals, turtles, fish, monkeys, birds, and see the first living coral reef exhibit in the world. BAMZ does import an alligator, but all other sea life and wildlife are native to Bermuda!

Find Bermuda’s Smallest Drawbridge, Church, and Beach

Finding the smallest anything is always a challenge, especially when that thing is a foot-wide drawbridge. It’s in Sandys Parish, just away from the hustle and bustle of the cruise port. Look down at every bridge you cross to try to spot the smallest drawbridge in the world!

Bermuda also has a tiny church! Maybe not the smallest in the world, but definitely the smallest in Bermuda. It was former slave quarters, built by slaves, and converted into a church that is still in use today!

Finally, Bermuda has a smallest beach that the Island Wrap Around Tour takes you past. It’s a teeny tiny beach, but worth it if you’re the only one on it!

Spanish Point

Speaking of cliff jumping, Spanish Point is a great spot for showing off your athletic prowess! Admiralty House Park has limestone cliffs that drop off into clear blue water popular with rock climbers and cliff jumpers. You can also find walking trails, ruins, and a secluded beach. Clarence Cove is a quiet beach with lagoon-like waters rarely visited by tourists.

Southlands Park

Southlands is a 37-acre abandoned estate on the south coast of Bermuda. Walking through the old trail, you can see a historic main house, limestone quarry gardens, garden pools, and woodland areas. Many of the abandoned houses have become part of nature, with trees growing up through them!

The ministers of Warwick’s Christ Church lived in this estate in the 1700’s. Even just from the beginning of the Southlands Park area, you can see the wild Bermuda pepper trees.

Lighthouses

Bermuda has two lighthouses: Gibbs Hill Lighthouse on the south coast and St. David’s Lighthouse on St. David’s Island.

The Gibbs Hill Lighthouse in Southampton parish stands 354 feet (108 meters) tall and looks out over all of Bermuda’s western areas. It was built in 1844. Climbing the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse costs $2.50, between 10:00am and 4:00pm. It’s closed in February for maintenance and on Christmas Day.

St. David’s Lighthouse in St. George’s parish stands 213 feet (65 meters) tall and looks out over the eastern end of Bermuda. Built in 1879, the lighthouse guides ships around the treacherous reefs hidden in the water. Admission to climb St. David’s Lighthouse is free, and it’s open daily between May and September from 7:30am to 4:00pm.

Hartley’s Helmet Dive

Another excursion close to the cruise ships is Hartley’s Helmet Dive. If you’re not a swimmer or diver but still want to experience Bermuda from under the deep blue sea, this is a good option for you.

Hartley’s Helmet Dive takes you down 8 – 10 feet to the sandy ocean floor. An old fashioned diving helmet hooks up to a tube of air so you can breathe normally and see easily. Some of the fish will actually swim right into your hands for a treat! You will be underwater for about 30 – 40 minutes and come back up with some great photos and videos.

Where to Stay?

If you’re not staying on a cruise ship or yachting in from somewhere else, you’ll need to look into hotels in Bermuda.

Hamilton Princess and Beach Club

The Hamilton Princess and Beach Club is the most famous Bermuda hotel, but also one of the most expensive. The Hamilton Princess has a marina where yachts can dock.

The Princess is popular with honeymooners, businessmen, and families on vacation because of its world class spa, resort pools, restaurants, luxury on-site and nearby shopping, tennis courts, proximity to award-winning golf courses, children’s activities, and business centers.

The Princess is in Hamilton, but a complimentary jitney takes guests to the Hamilton Princess Beach Club, a private cove in Sinky Bay on the south coast 20 minutes from the hotel. There, you’ll have access to water hammocks, snorkeling, tennis, towels, umbrellas, bathrooms, water toys, food, and drinks.

Fairmont Southampton

The luxurious Fairmont Southampton is located on a hill above Bermuda’s famous pink sand beaches on the south coast, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Views span for days, resort staff cater to your every need, and a shuttle is available to take you to the beach or into town.

The Fairmont is popular for weddings, honeymooners, golfers, beach lovers, and business people because of the private beach club, 31,000 square foot adults-only spa, award-winning 18-hole Champtionship Par-3 golf course, dive center, tennis courts, and dining options.

The Fairmont Southampton is expecting to offer its first all-inclusive package in late summer 2019 through winter 2020, with food, drinks, and activities included. The package starts at $299 per person per night based on double occupancy.

Grotto Bay Beach Resort

Grotto Bay Beach Resort is conveniently located close to the airport, Crystal Caves, and Blue Hole Park. The resort and 11 colorful cottages sit on 21 acres of land that slope down to two private pink sand beaches, fresh water pools, an outdoor jacuzzi, and lush gardens.

Grotto Bay is popular for couples, families, and avid vacationers because of the availability of two golf courses within five miles, water sports, fishing charters, sunset cruises, fine dining options, and the one-of-a-kind 500,000 year old cave spa.

Grotto Bay is currently the only resort in Bermuda to offer an all-inclusive supplement option, including all food, drinks, tennis court time, water sports, public transportation, and gratuities. The supplement starts at $114 per person per day.

Grotto Bay is about a 30 minute bus ride to Hamilton and a 7 minute bus ride into St. George’s. A taxi to and from the airport takes about 5 minutes.

Blue Horizons Guesthouse

As a solo traveler who chose to be near the beach at an affordable price, I chose Blue Horizons Guesthouse. Located on the South Road with a #7 bus stop right out front, Blue Horizons Guesthouse was convenient to Bermuda’s best and most secluded beaches, Hamilton City, and festivities in the Royal Naval Dockyard. Blue Horizons Guesthouse isn’t as luxurious or glamorous as other hotels in Bermuda, but if you don’t plan to spend most of your time in a resort, it’s a good option.

Just across the street is a secluded beach; I only saw one group of people there the very first day and no one else for miles. The limestone cliffs create a dramatic backdrop, and the rocks along the beach and in the water cater to an active imagination (I’m pretty sure I saw the Millennium Falcon submerged in the ocean). If you want to get away from the cruise ship and Horseshoe Bay crowds, this beach is a great option.

Blue Horizons Guesthouse has a pool, but it’s not often used. It has an on-site convenience store and cafe, but it’s leased out and rarely open. Rooms are spacious with a kitchen and refrigerator, but there’s no air conditioning. It’s cleaned daily, but there were still ants everywhere. The place is well-stocked with shampoos, conditioners, lotions, soaps, and nice soft towels, but it’s outdated. It’s close to a Swizzle Inn restaurant, gas station convenience store, and the beach, but not walkable to much else. But the location does give you the feel of what it would be like to live in local Bermuda!

Where to Eat

When you’re packing for Bermuda, remember that the culture is still very old-school British. Dinner guests in restaurants are expected to dress in their Sunday best – every night. Men will most likely be turned away from restaurants if they aren’t wearing a jacket and pants; if it’s too hot for pants, invest in knee high socks to wear with shorts. Women should always dress like a queen, but in Bermuda even more so. Wear what the queen would wear!

You don’t want to be stuck in a dark corner of a closed down restaurant for being underdressed (see Devil’s Isle below).

Swizzle Inn Pub and Restaurant

The most famous restaurant and one of the big tourist attractions in Bermuda is the Swizzle Inn! Walk into this crazy bar just to see the business cards, bumper stickers, license plates, police badges, and money hanging from the ceiling. The Swizzle Inn is named after the famous rum swizzle drink, which you can order by the pitcher.

The original Swizzle Inn is near the Crystal Caves and Blue Hole Park, but there’s also a smaller sister Swizzle Inn on the South Road by Marley Beach. You can find live music here, from guitar players to a steel drum band. The Swizzle Inn isn’t a fancy restaurant that requires appropriate attire; anything is acceptable. Try the Bermuda Fish Chowder or conch fritters!

Robin Hood Pub and Restaurant

For one of Hamilton’s best sports bars, head on over to Robin Hood Pub and Restaurant. You can always catch the latest live sports, cheering along with the locals. I tried this place as a solo traveler and it’s a great, affordable place to sit at the bar, drink a dark and stormy or rum swizzle, and grab a bite.

Even though Robin Hood is right in the heart of Hamilton, it’s not an upscale restaurant that requires jackets and high heels. Try the pizza!

Hog Penny Pub

The Hog Penny Pub is Bermuda’s oldest licensed establishment, opening its doors in 1957. The pub’s fun, relaxed atmosphere and traditional British and Bermudian fare draw generations of locals and visitors alike. Hog Penny Pub is located in the heart of Hamilton City, so expect dinner guests to be dressed to impress.

When you walk in, the Hog Penny Pub might look familiar to you. Several decades ago, Tom Kershaw visited Bermuda and was so inspired by the Hog Penny Pub that he decided to open up a similar restaurant in Boston called Bull & Finch Pub. In the early 1980’s, the tv show Cheers used Bull & Finch Pub, based off the Hog Penny Pub as the inspiration for its set.

Hog Penny Pub has another claim to fame as well. Rachael Ray visited Bermuda on her show, $40 A Day to show visitors how to do Bermuda on a budget. She started with breakfast at Aggie’s, a little mid afternoon refreshment at Frescos, a drink at the Swizzle Inn, and dinner at the Hog Penny Pub.

Bonefish Bar and Grill

The Naval Dockyard has no lack of food, drink, and entertainment. My recommendation is Bonefish Bar and Grill for anything from a simple burger to a gourmet meal. Catch entertainment nightly, from a Spanish serenade to island calypso and reggae. Try the shrimp tacos!

Being away from the city of Hamilton and close to the cruise ship docks means the atmosphere at Bonefish is relaxed. Wear what is comfortable for you; fancy dress is not required.

Frog and Onion

Bermuda’s only brew pub is also at the Naval Dockyard. Opened in 1992 by a Bermudian (the Frog) and a Frenchman (the Onion), the Frog and Onion has six locals brews, made right there behind the bar. Check out some of the classic British pub food or innovative Bermudian dishes while you sip on one of the local ales, lagers, or stouts.

The Frog and Onion is in the Naval Dockyard, away from Hamilton’s fancy restaurants. Any clothing outfits are acceptable dinner wear at the Frog and Onion.

Henry VIII Restaurant, Sushi Bar, and Pub

If you’re in Bermuda on a Thursday night, head into Henry VIII for their Thursday night BBQ! For a flat fee, you can eat all the barbecue you can imagine while watching the sun set over the beautiful pink sand beaches of the south shore. If barbecue isn’t your thing, don’t hesitate to try the sushi or seafood, fresh and local daily! Henry VIII also does a great Sunday brunch, perfect for some refreshment before you hit Horseshoe Bay Beach.

Henry VIII is far from Hamilton’s British-influenced restaurants, but appropriate attire is still appreciated.

Wahoo Bistro and Patio

Recommended by a local for a great St. George’s restaurant, Wahoo Bistro and Patio is named after the tropical fish best known to sports fishermen. There is a full bar, beautiful water views, and delicious seafood and island fare. Try the award-winning Bermuda Fish Chowder!

White Horse Pub and Restaurant

During our St. George’s stop on the Island Wrap Around Tour, our tour guide recommended a stop in White Horse Pub and Restaurant. It’s one of the oldest and most famous pubs in Bermuda for its great seafood, lively bar scene, signature cocktails, and wall-to-wall tv coverage of all major sporting events.

Devil’s Isle

A place I want to include but NOT recommend is Devil’s Isle. Just up the street in the heart of Hamilton City, I had read good reviews on this restaurant, especially the rockfish tacos. It was early in the evening, only around 5:30, and the restaurant was empty. I wasn’t very hungry, but I wanted to try the restaurant.

As I walked by the outside seating area, four or five servers or kitchen staff were outside taking pictures and selfies. I waited for them to finish so as not to interrupt their photos before I entered. When I walked in, the older British host looked at me strangely when I told him I would be eating alone.

The host told me I could sit anywhere I liked, maybe the bar, but I told him I’d like to sit outside. He walked me over to the restaurant next door, a breakfast and coffee place that was now closed. Then he proceeded to shut the windbreaker shades, hiding my view of the harbor and of people watching. I felt like I was being put in a dark, closed corner where no one could see me even though the entire restaurant was empty except for two other people, but I let it go.

The waitress was wonderful. She came over, took my order, explained things on the menu, and took her time with me. I ordered the rockfish tacos and a glass of wine. They tasted okay, but they were fried and I would have preferred my fish tacos grilled or broiled.

When I was finished with my rockfish tacos, a manager then came over to give me my check. As I was paying, the waitress ran up with a dessert menu, but the manager was too quick to rush me out. It was okay; I was ready to leave the dark, closed restaurant where I was seated by myself with a view of a closed, opaque storm window.

I got home about an hour later and laid in bed, not feeling too well. After about an hour of fighting the feeling, I finally gave in and threw up my entire dinner. I have never thrown up from food before, but the tacos must not have been as fresh as I would expect from an island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

Even though I was dressed appropriately in a nice Lily Pulitzer dress that cost about seven times the cost of my expensive Devil’s Isle dinner, they still put me in a dark corner of a closed breakfast store. They rushed me out almost faster than I could eat. And I threw up the whole meal anyway. I’m not one to write bad reviews, but three strikes and you’re out, Devil’s Isle. Don’t eat here, try anywhere else!

Summary of Bermuda

This was a long post, so here is a quick sum-up of my top recommendations.

I would recommend staying either in Hamilton or on the South Road close to the beaches. If on the South Road, make sure you’re close to a bus stop!

I would absolutely recommend the Crystal Caves to anyone visiting Bermuda. I also recommend the Island Wrap Around Tour to really get to know the island and feel comfortable moving around.

The Swizzle Inn is a must – either restaurant or both. I also really enjoyed the Frog and Onion for a local hangout. These are the two restaurants I went to more than once.

Plan to spend a day and night in Hamilton, another day and night in the Naval Dockyard, and another day in St. George’s.

Horseshoe Bay Beach is a popular beach and a must-see, but try the smaller, less crowded beaches nearby for sunbathing. Try Surf Side Beach or Marley Beach.

Don’t forget the Harbor Nights festival on Wednesday nights!

Have you been to Bermuda? What did you see or do? Did I miss anything? What is your favorite thing to see or do in Bermuda? Tell me in the comments!

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