BERMUDA

If you're a New Yorker like me, Miami gets a bit old after the 100th time but I get it, it's a short 3 hour flight away. But then there's Bermuda for roughly the same flight time, and with less New Yorkers and all the overcrowded Miami restaurants and hotels. Famous for its gorgeous blue waters and pink sandy beaches, Bermuda is definitely a spot to come and enjoy the finer things in life: sun and sand. There's not a plethora of things to do here as it's a pretty tame island with not alot of outside development, but if you're looking for a relaxing weekend with some great beaches, Bermuda's your place. I do have to say the waters are pretty amazing here.

WHERE TO EAT:

maree

As the swanky restaurant to Loren, the newest hotel in Bermuda since over a decade, Maree is a refined, sophisticated dining experience. The hotel and restaurant sit atop Bermuda’s sandy pink beach and offer perfect beach views to look out to while you dine. Definitely a European flair, the food is elevated and prides itself on sourcing local ingredients. It's definitely worth a visit, even if to just have a sip at the beach club or hotel bar.

blu bar and grill

Blu Grill offers some of the best views of Bermuda, especially at sunset. With the option to dine al fresco or inside, I would definitely try and score a table outside. Situated atop the Belmont Hill Golf Course, you'll get a classic Bermudian view with white rooftops, lush palms, and of course, the water. Mostly American cuisine with a focus on steaks, the menu offers an array of options for everyone and the food here is good. They have an extensive list of wines to pair with the meats, with a huge wine cellar at the front of the restaurant. Definitely a great spot any time of the day but would recommend coming for dinner to catch the sunset. Make reservations in advance!

waterlot inn

As Bermuda's oldest steakhouse, Waterlot Inn is a historic landmark that's been around for over 300+ years. Housed in a 1670's-era Bermuda cottage, Waterlot serves up some of the best cuts of meat with time-honored traditions. It feels like you're dining in your very rich uncle's house. The interior feels of another world, classic and traditional with patterned carpets and dark wood accents all lit by candlelight. The main dining room is downstairs, with waiters in full formal attire ready to serve what’s on the menu, including their famous Waterlot Caesar salad prepared table-side or a flambeed dessert like the Bananas Fosters. My favorite touch here was the extensive wine list which came on an iPad. You can apply all types of filters to the wines to edit down and swipe your way through wine heaven. Brilliant!

1609 bar & restaurant

Part of the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel, this open, airy bar/restaurant is the perfect place to sit down and grab a bite while catching views of the harbour. You'll also find some impressive multi-million dollar yachts parked near the restaurant in the marina a few feet away. A perfect place for casual eats, the menu includes ceviche, flatbread pizzas, and of course burgers. After a bite, if you're not staying at the hotel, check out all the amazing multi-million dollar art housed throughout the Hamilton Princess including a huge 18 feet tall outdoor KAWS sculpture as well as the 'pumpkins' by famed Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. And that's just what you'll find outside...

WHERE TO GO:

CRYSTAL CAVES

If you want a break from the sun and sand (as if), Crystal Caves is worth a visit. The formations are pretty cool and the colors of the water down here are really beautiful (even though it's lit up by artificial lights but it's lit so you can actually see down here). A 30 mins guided tour with a reasonably sized group of people, will take you through the well-lit walkway down to the caves. Because of the moisture trapped inside, wear sneakers or something with grip (not sandals) so you don't slip on the way down. The stark contrast of the waters with the crystals are quite beautiful and definitely worth a snap. There are 2 tours offered, the Crystal Caves tour and the Fantasy tour, but I think the Crystal Caves is the better option. But if you like, and have the time, do both!

HORSESHOE BAY beach

Always topping a "World's Best Beaches" list each year (it's almost always in the Top 10 or Top 20), Horseshoe Bay Beach is definitely worthy of the recognition. From the calm, turquoise waters to the iconic pink sands, this beach is a beauty and untouched by any resort or hotel chain. You'll find beach rentals and food stands on, or near the beach so you don't have to bring much other than some sunscreen and your sunnies. It's a nice stretch of beach to walk and you'll find little pockets of coves to explore and snorkel in/around. There's just something so simple and yet so gorgeous about this beach that I love.

cafe lido @ elbow beach

There's not much nightlife around Bermuda, so this was a great find. Cafe Lido is part of the Elbow Beach Resort and is a large outdoor bar that plays live music every night. It's big enough where there's a separate dance floor and bar area in addition to patio seating that has great views of the beach. Chill spot to hang out after dinner and take in the ocean breeze while having a cocktail.

WHERE TO STAY:

the loren

As the newest luxury hotel to open in Bermuda, The Loren opened its doors in 2016 as a chic luxury boutique hotel. The location is a bit far from some of the main areas like downtown, but I guess that's part of the appeal? The decor is very modern and sleek with a huge metal spiraling staircase that greets you in the lobby upon arrival. When I went a lot of the hotel wasn't open yet so didn't really get to check out too much of the property. We did get to hang out on the patio of the outdoor beach club to peek at the pink sand which was gorg. I guess it's called pink sands beach for a reason although I'm not sure if that's the official name of the beach. Check out the Maree which is a food rec on my list for some high-end dining. The bar is pretty cool too with a library-like decor vibe and an extensive cocktail list. Looking forward to checking it out again when it's fully opened.

FAIRMONT HAMILTON PRINCESS

Having undergone some major renovations back in 2015, to the tune of $100 million, this hotel is now bright and shiny inside and out. (There are a few sections of the hotel where the rooms haven't been completely renovated so just make sure you ask for the newer rooms when booking.) From stocking LeLabo products in the rooms to the insane art collection scattered throughout the hotel, this hotel seems to have definitely upgraded. The art collection alone is sick, with it estimated at being over $5 million housed here, you'll find the who's who's of names in the art world like Banksy, KAWS, Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons, and Andy Warhol to name a few. The only thing here is that it's not located right on the beach so you have to take a private hotel shuttle to the Fairmont private beach club. Although some may not like it, the jitney was a short ride over to the club and super cute in it's classic Bermuda pink. The beach club is great and really where you should spend the whole day as there's great food, a bar, and water activities to keep you busy. Swing around to the other side of the beach club for a more private area of Horseshoe Bay Beach. It's a short 5 mins walk, just bring your towel and some water because there are no amenities on that side although accessible to the hotel guests. It's a nice break from all the beach club guests for a refreshing dip in the ocean as the beach club is a cove not a beach so the waters are pretty shallow and still here.