Britain’s oldest Overseas Territory, laid-back Bermuda was settled by accident in 1609, and still has red post boxes, parishes named Devonshire and Southampton and cobbled streets lined with sugar almond-coloured buildings. The 21-square-mile isle in the midst of the Atlantic is fringed with pink-tinged beaches lapped by impossibly blue waves, giving way to a host of watersports, from wreck diving to windsurfing, snorkelling to sailing.
It’s also a paradise for golfers, with seven world-class courses, though if you just want to lounge by a palm-fringed pool, sip on a signature Dark ‘n’ Stormy and be pampered at a state-of-the-art spa, there’s plenty of that, too. The island’s buzzy hotel scene has something for everyone, from design-led beachfront resorts, to stylish adults-only boutique hotels and historic grand dames where you can spy on superyachts from an infinity pool.
Rosedon
Bermuda
9/10
This early 20th-century mansion is now a spoiling adults-only boutique hotel. It’s kept its original features and Bermudian charm, while adding contemporary comforts, a pool and three superb eating spots. You’ll find it enveloped in gorgeous tropical gardens, just a stone’s throw from Hamilton’s lively waterfront.
The Loren at Pink Beach
Bermuda
9/10
Laid-back luxury is the order of the day at the Loren at Pink Beach, which channels Miami while remaining unmistakably Bermudian. With excellent service and a stunning location on the South Shore, its contemporary design, clean lines and acres of glass all come with a dazzling backdrop of pink-tinged sand and expanse of turquoise ocean.
Rosewood Bermuda
Hamilton
9/10
One of Bermuda’s most luxurious resorts sprawls over 240 beautifully manicured tropical acres. The hotel features one of the largest private pink-sand beaches on the island and a championship-level golf course. Add to this a spa, swimming pools and plenty of restaurants and you have a perfect spot to fly and flop.
Hamilton Princess & Beach Club
Hamilton
8/10
The iconic Hamilton Princess – dubbed the ‘pink palace’ – has been a waterfront landmark in Bermuda’s capital since 1885. Behind the imposing façade though, it’s been given a stylish, contemporary makeover, plus you can expect outdoor pools, a handful of buzzy restaurants, a spa and a museum-worthy art collection.
Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa
Somerset
8/10
This Bermuda icon, set on a 23-acre peninsula, has been welcoming guests to its 85 quaint pink cottages since 1923. The property is an enduring favourite for those looking for quiet luxury – as the names of the legion of repeat visitors etched onto the famous Cambridge Beaches’ wooden boards in the main building – attest.
Azura
Mt Pleasant, Bermuda
8/10
This new boutique hotel is set in a lovely South Shore location, surrounded by lush greenery with endless ocean views. Expect contemporary architecture, clean lines and acres of glass, with a showstopping seawater swimming pool. Easy access to the island’s most beautiful beaches as well as the capital, Hamilton, make it a convenient choice, too.
The Reefs Resort & Club
Southampton
8/10
This family-owned resort is perched on a limestone cliff, steps from a private pink-sand beach on the island’s stunning south shore. It’s overflowing with traditional island charm, with many guests returning again and again.
Grotto Bay Beach Resort & Spa
Bermuda
7/10
Bermuda’s only resort offering an all-inclusive supplement is set among subtropical gardens looking down to the water and comes with a private beach and one-of-a-kind subterranean cave spa. It’s ideal for families, who’ll be spoilt for choice with the watersports and activities on offer for both adults and children.
Royal Palms Hotel
Bermuda
7/10
This family-owned boutique hotel, set on the capital’s outskirts, is quintessentially Bermudian, with two 19th-century manor houses decorated with island touches and surrounded by lush gardens with a pool to cool off in. It prides itself on its personal service enjoyed by its many repeat leisure and business guests.
Additional reviews by Kaye Holland.