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Bountiful, Beautiful, Bermuda
An Overview
By Nancy Norris

 
Secluded Beach

Mark Twain proclaimed, “You die and go to heaven, I’ll stay here in Bermuda.” Well, come along with me as we visit Bermuda and you will understand how he felt! Contrary to public thought, Bermuda is not part of the Caribbean, but actually a cluster of 150 small islands in the western Atlantic Ocean, located 600 nautical miles off the coast of North Carolina. Eight of the largest islands form a crescent string linked by causeways and bridges that comprise the 21 square miles of inhabited land that we identify as Bermuda. This self-governing British territory is one of the wealthiest countries in the world and is a highly successful offshore financial center. Steeped in English tradition, afternoon tea, Boxing Day and the Queen’s Birthday are major events.

Rather than the tropical paradise some visitors expect, Bermuda delivers its own brand of unique old world charm. This prosperous oasis is awash with bougainvillea, hibiscus, oleander and tiny whistling tree frogs. Tidy pastel cottages, quaint shops and manicured gardens line the neat, narrow winding streets where a bobby directs traffic and gentlemen wear jackets, ties and Bermuda shorts. Add balmy breezes, crystalline turquoise waters, coral reefs and the glorious soft pink sand that line the sun drenched beaches, and Bermuda truly is a destination for the discerning traveler. Friendly residents offer warm greeting and the island moves at a relaxed pace. The friendliness of the people is most evident as you traverse the winding roads. Don’t be alarmed by the trumpeting horns you will hear on the highway. It is just an exchange of greetings between islanders.  With no income tax, no sales tax, no slums and virtually no unemployment or major crime problems, it is obvious why residents are proud of their surroundings and willingly offer to share its rich heritage. Let’s explore this island treasure together.

Comprised of 9 parishes, all measuring 1250 acres we can travel the entire length of Bermuda in little over an hour and from north to south in 10 to 15 minutes. Since nowhere on the island are you more than 1 mile from the ocean, Bermuda’s serene pastel beaches beckon visitors and residents alike. If you are seeking non-stop activity, a beach lined with bars and restaurants and beach vendors hawking everything from tattoos to banana boat rides then Bermuda beaches are not for you. But, if you are in search of a tranquil and serene escape from the frenetic pace and undue stress of daily living then nirvana awaits you here.

Bermuda has nearly 25 miles of beach ranging from private secluded coves to long, unspoiled stretches of pristine sand. Most of the best beaches are found along the South Shore. My favorite public beaches are Horseshoe Bay in Southampton and two lovely stretches of sand in Paget, Elbow Beach and Warwick Long Bay. For an unforgettable snorkeling experience in calm, crystalline waters there is no better choice than Tobacco Bay in St. George’s. Surrounded by 230 miles of reef and more than 350 shipwrecks, Bermuda offers some of the most spectacular scuba diving in the world. For those less adventurous, Bermuda Bell Diving is a perfect way to explore the wonders beneath the sea.

Tobaccco Bay

There is much more to Bermuda than its beaches, however. This tiny island boasts 8 challenging golf courses that offer breathtaking ocean views at every turn. Nature lovers will find the marshes, botanical gardens, arboretums and nature reserves scattered across the island particularly appealing. Lighthouses, forts and museums beg to be explored and architectural treasures abound.

St. George’s, on the very eastern tip of this pretty archipelago, is the oldest continuously inhabited town of English origin in the New World. The historic town of St. George’s has been designated a World Heritage Site by the United Nations. St. George’s is where colonists en route from England to Jamestown, Virginia, in 1609, encountered a violent storm and ended up shipwrecked. Determined to continue on their voyage, they built new ships to transport them to Jamestown. But, word of the fruitful soil they had discovered found its way back to England, and a new entourage of colonists set sail for the promise land. It was then that the true settlement of Bermuda began. A full-scale replica of the “Deliverance” is still displayed on Ordinance Island across from King’s Square. Every Wednesday and Saturday at noon from May through September, the past comes alive as the town crier in full costume, rings his bell and a reenactment of his tribunal doles out 18^th century justice in King’s Square.

Deliverance

A walking tour is the best way to explore this end of the island so make sure to pick up one of the self-guided walking tour maps of St. George’s at the visitor’s bureau near the Town Hall. As you wander the neat, narrow streets, notice the 17^th century architecture that remains as a testament to the past. Highlights include the Old State House which is the oldest stone building on the island and St. Peter’s Church, the oldest Anglican Church in the Western Hemisphere that is still in service. Fort St. Catherine & Museum, just a short 10 minute walk outside of town, makes for great historic exploration. If spelunking is your thing, then don’t miss the Crystal Caves in Bailey’s Bay. View the crystal-clear waters of the 55 ft. lake and the fantastic array of stalactites and stalagmites.

Hamilton, measuring only 185 acres, is one of the smallest capital cities in the world. It is also one of the cleanest, most accessible and beautiful cities anywhere. Hamilton is a beehive of activity that accommodates tourism, local and international business, sports, culture and the arts, for the benefit of both residents and visitors alike. Hamilton, located in the middle of this archipelago, has something for everybody. Whether you like shopping, dining, culture, history, sports, the arts, the waterfront, or botanical beauty, you will find it in Hamilton. Bermudians are known for their relaxed and easy-going, demeanor. Islanders relaxed way of life is reflected in everyway. There is no better place than Hamilton to witness this first-hand, from the 20 mph speed limit, to the ferry terminal clock set 5 minutes slow so that latecomers won’t miss the boat. Gombey Dancing can be witnessed during many of the celebrations and festivals held throughout the year. This art form, unique to Bermuda, is a testament to Bermuda’s cultural diversity, as its roots can be traced to Western African tribal music, Christian missionaries, the British military and American Indians. But spend one day in Hamilton, and there is no doubt that British tradition prevails.

Bobby in Birdcage

King’s Wharf, better known as the Royal Naval Dockyard, is located on Ireland Island on the western most tip of Bermuda. Work began on this massive complex shortly after the Napoleonic War. Built by slave and convict labor, it was to be a strategic British military outpost but closed its gates in 1951. Since then, the 75 acre site has been renovated to accommodate cruise ships, restaurants, museums, a movie theatre, dolphin swims, The Arts Center and Bermuda Craft Market.

Royal Naval Dockyard

As you can see, this is not your typical island experience. You will see no litter or graffiti on the island. The residents take great pride in their verdant marshes, sparkling beaches and marvelous homes hidden behind oleander and hibiscus shrubs. With a very mild climate year round and temperatures ranging from 75° to 90° F between May and mid-October this is a perfect time to experience the traditions, history, culture, cuisine and beauty of Bermuda.