The Bermuda tourist office invited our TravelPulse Quebec Editorial Director to visit the "most mysterious" island in the Caribbean, a less popular destination than its neighbors, although they are located more than 1500 KM away.
Everyone knows the legend of the "Bermuda Triangle", which is true, according to locals.
In fact, it is precisely because the island of Bermuda is literally located in the middle of nowhere, thousands of kilometers from everything, that we attribute this mythical aura to it. The famous triangle is the region formed between the island of Puerto Rico, the southernmost tip of Florida and Bermuda, and, once you leave "the main land", it is necessary to count 1600 KM before reach the destination. The legend says that several ships and planes disappeared in this "triangle", but it would be, according to the locals, rather because they would have miscalculated the distance and would have run out of fuel before reaching the mainland.
Yes, Bermuda is in the middle of nowhere, close to nothing, but that's exactly what makes it so charming. If you're looking for a distinct, off-the-beaten-track destination, you should go there, right now.
In addition, it is very very accessible. From Montreal, you can stop over in Toronto with Air Canada (service will resume on May 1) and WestJet. The two tour operators also sell packages which include flight and accommodation (in the European plan formula).
Once on the island, you quickly realize that the country is organized, clean, structured, immaculate. A destination that is class apart, without a doubt.
"We say we're a Caribbean island, but we're not really one, however it's easier to say that, to explain our marketing positioning, to explain the destination, if you want, we explained Jill Harris of the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA). We are however apart.
Indeed, the first economy of the country is international trade, then tourism, and, compared to destinations like the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic which rely almost entirely on tourism, Bermuda is independent and, although the tourism is important to their economy, the destination does not depend on it.
The main difference lies in this simple fact; there is no major distinction between tourist and resident, nor are there any tourist-only sectors on the island, although the town centre, like any town centre, is considered as "commercial". It is an island where tourists and residents rub shoulders, visit the same places, do the same things, which makes the experience very interesting for the tourist who feels "at home". We walk on the main street in Hamilton and we feel on familiar ground, as if we had already been there, it is familiar, warm and pleasant.
As part of this press trip, we stayed at the very chic Rosewood Bermuda , which is one of the most luxurious hotels on the island, but again, you should know that the hotel offer on the island is limited. and nestled, and that the concept of all inclusive does not exist, in Bermuda. The idea is to stay in an exceptional hotel, to enjoy first-class service, but also to get out of the hotel, to explore, to go to town; whether in Hamilton, the so-called business city, or Saint George, the fishing port, there is no shortage of restaurants, cafes and shops and you are very likely to run into familiar faces, because the island is not so big and everyone ends up crossing paths.
We appreciate the cleanliness of the destination, the level of organization, the level of service itself, the beauty of the landscapes of course, the beaches, immaculate, but above all, the people, kind, polite, but busy, everyone here is happy to see visitors, but they always have something to do, so the tourist never feels harassed or stared at, he is part of the landscape and it is a pleasant feeling. We feel welcomed, safe, welcome, but above all, that nothing is ever done with an intention.
The Rosewood Hotel is spectacular, white, immaculate, very luxurious, nestled on top of a rolling hill and offering spectacular views of the ocean, but still, little extras such as a golf cart assigned to each suite for move freely on the site, which is still very large and which includes: a beach club, a private beach, a professional golf course, tennis courts, two restaurants and a bar, in addition to two swimming pools. Very high-end, but also very authentic; design and luxury do not detract from the local look at all.
The beaches are splendid, the sand is soft, the water is transparent, in the evening, the sky turns candy pink, the sunsets are indefinable. The food is great too, and the best meals on the trip were great finds from street food trucks or small, anonymous kiosks. Bermudians are fine foodies.
Things to see and do in Bermuda:
- Eat a traditional fish sandwich at Café Olé
One of the best sandwiches I have ever eaten
- Visit the mythical Crystal Cave
A cave discovered in the early 1900s nearly 300 feet underground and made up of billions of crystals and transparent water
- Stroll through Hamilton
The pretty capital is colorful, cosmopolitan, lively and interesting to visit, offering local designer shops and restaurants that have nothing to envy to the big cities
- Visit the marina of Saint George
The destination of Bermuda was born in Saint George, which is considered to be the "historic" portion of the island, more residential, more discreet, we like its charm, its marina and its colorful districts which also offer interesting shops and restaurants, more typical.
- Admire the beach of Horse Shoe Bay
Considered one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world... it is! The sand is white and soft, the water is turquoise and transparent, nothing less. We walk there as we would walk on a cloud.
- Rent a Twizy
Good to know: there are no rental cars on the island as such, but tourists (and locals) can rent a Twizy, a small two-seater electric car that looks like a bumper car. comes with an application that allows you to create an itinerary to visit the best points of interest (and find where to recharge your Twizy!)
In short, Bermuda is in the middle of nowhere and looks like nothing, yes, there is the temperature, mild all year round, yes there are the beaches, magnificent, and the tropical and hilly landscapes and the multicolored houses , but still, this is a destination for those who have seen the Caribbean islands and want a place to "fit in", and more.
How to get there: With Air Canada (starting May 1) and WestJet via Toronto (year-round)
When to go: the weather is mild at all times, but the high season is from May to September.
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