Culturally, Bermuda feels a lot like an island in the Caribbean, yet its British colonial roots are unmistakable. Though self-governing, it remains a British Overseas Territory, which means cars drive on the left and you will see the iconic red telephone boxes and other incongruously British sights.
“Bermuda is a year-round destination and appeals to all types of travelers,” says Victoria Isley, chief sales and marketing officer at the Bermuda Tourism Authority. “The Bermuda Tourism Authority has detailed data on each of these visitor targets that can be smart resources for travel professionals’ consultative sales process. Our team can connect them and their clients to those badge-worthy genuine island experiences and local connections.”
Suggest your clients explore the island on a guided bicycle tour along the Bermuda Railway Trail, operated by Fantasea Diving & Watersports; or perhaps rent a Twizy from Current Vehicles, Bermuda’s electric car rental company that offers a unique and green way of getting around the island’s narrow roads. More adventurous clients may wish to see the sights on an exhilarating jet ski adventure, operated by K.S. Watersports and departing from the Hamilton Princess.
Out & About
Bermuda is steeped in history, and to learn about its earliest days visit the town of St. George’s, which was the first permanent settlement on the island founded in 1612 and the oldest continually inhabited English town in the New World. The island has suffered little loss of historic buildings, so many of the early limestone houses are still fully intact. When your clients have soaked up enough history, suggest they visit Wahoo Bistro & Patio by the waterfront for Baha-style wahoo tacos, conch fritters or the signature fish chowder.
On the other side of the island is the Royal Navy Dockyard, which was built in 1795 and was once an important naval base for the British. Today the dockyard is host to craft markets, local artisan shops and restaurants. After looking around the markets, suggest your clients sample an authentic Bermuda fish sandwich at a local’s spot such as Woody’s in Somerset.
Dive In
Bermuda is best known for its pink sand beaches and clear blue waters. Walk the unspoiled pristine sands of Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve and it’s easy to imagine that you’re seeing the island as it would have looked back in 1612. Or for a more energized beach experience, visit Tobacco Bay in St. George’s, famous for its snorkeling and water adventures.
Suggest your clients experience a Glow Worm Cruise organized by the Ocean Discovery Centre located at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI) to witness a unique bioluminescent light show. Once a month from May through November, mating glow worms release a bright green light that illuminates the entire water area, known locally as “nature’s firework show.” According to local lore, the best time to see the luminous spectacle is on the third day after the full moon, and at exactly 57 minutes after sunset.
Or clients can go on a sunset cruise and top it off with dinner at Marcus restaurant located at the Hamilton Princess, which offers an island cuisine menu. Or for a more lively evening, suggest clients visit the bars and nightclubs of Front Street in Hamilton, Bermuda’s capital city.
Where to Stay
The Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort and Spa features 60 waterfront residences with fully equipped kitchens and separate living spaces. The Fairmont Southampton is the largest resort on the island with 593 rooms perched atop one of Bermuda’s highest points. Meanwhile, the newly refurbished Hamilton Princess overlooks Hamilton Harbour and offers 400 rooms just minutes from the shopping, dining and nightlife of the City of Hamilton.
Contact Information
Bermuda Tourism Authority: gotobermuda.com
