Where to Stay in Bermuda

To the uninitiated, Bermuda may seem like a mysterious island wilderness set in the North Atlantic Ocean. Those who have seen Bermuda in the flashy travel magazines will think Bermuda is a holiday haven exclusively for the great and the good. For those who have travelled, they will know that it is much like any other western island; it has its heritage strongholds and its outlandish mansion homes too.

Bermuda is a travel destination often overlooked by visitors considering a trip to the Caribbean. Although a little further to fly than Cuba or The Bahamas, Bermuda should not fall off your shortlist due to the extra distance.

Bermuda is home to some of the best diving sites in the world; it’s where professional scuba divers go to dive. As an area used heavily by the naval military in the American Civil War and World War II, there are dozens of shipwrecks to explore off the island’s coast.

Whether you are backpacking, on a family holiday, or planning a once in a lifetime, blow-the-budget style of vacation, there is a neighborhood in Bermuda that is perfect for you. Let’s take a look at where to stay in Bermuda.

Mt Pleasant

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As the central sweet spot for visitors to Bermuda, Mt Pleasant offers you easy access to the island’s best beaches, flashiest shopping streets and the most popular golf courses.

Set within the Mount Pleasant neighborhood, you will find some of Bermuda’s tiniest but perfectly formed beaches. Marley Beach, for example, on the South Coast, is a rocky, jungle-backed beach that offers typically Bermudan crystal-clear waters throughout the year.

To the north of the Mount Pleasant neighborhood, you will find dozens of wharves and ferry ports, offering boat rides to many of the tiny islands that sit within the Great Sound. Many visitors choose to take either a whole day cruise or a sunset cruise around the Great Sound. Known for its almost perfect conditions throughout the year, the Great Sound is the perfect place to learn to sail.

Island-hopping and sunset cruises are the most popular activities from Mt Pleasant.

Good For: Active Travelers, Beach Bums, Budding Sailors, Couples, Culture Vultures, Families, Nature Lovers, Luxury Travelers: All Kinds of Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Elbow Beach, Surf Side Beach, Southlands Park, Belmont Hills Golf Club, Coral Beach, Paget Marsh, Bermuda Botanical Gardens & Camden House, Marley Beach, Mermaid Beach

Hotel Recommendations:

• Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort – Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort offers guests access to their semi-private 18-hole golf course and a full-service spa. The hotel overlooks the harbor and many of the studios and suites offer ocean views. There is a 24-hour fitness center, as well as an infinity pool and hot tub.
• Watercolours – A small, boutique bed and breakfast that gets booked out long in advance, all rooms have their own terrace with a sea view – some also have a pool view. An outstanding continental breakfast is included in the room’s rate. Staff can help arrange day trips and travel arrangements.
• Greenbank Guest House – A humble and homely guest house on Salt Kettle Road. All rooms feature air conditioning and free WiFi. The decor is classic and understated. The rooms all have private ensuite bathrooms, complimentary toiletries and fluffy towels. There is a shared lounge area and outdoor BBQ terrace too.

Saint Georges

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Sitting right on the northernmost curl of Bermuda is the beautiful port town of Saint Georges, also known as St George’s Island. Although only a 30-minute drive from central Mount Pleasant, Saint Georges has a distinctly different feel.

Ideal for luxury travelers or travelers who are interested in colonial history, Saint Georges has a lot to explore. Being the first British settlement on Bermuda, there is a wealth of historical landmarks in this neighborhood.

King’s Square is the best place to head if you have a penchant for colonial architecture – at the Tucker House Museum you can learn what life was like in these parts in the 1700’s.

Fort St Catherine is one of the most striking landmarks on Bermuda and was built as an artillery fort back in 1614. Couple a visit here with a walk along beautiful St Catherine’s Beach, or around Achilles’ Bay.

Good For: Active Travelers, Beach Bums, Budding Historians, Couples, Culture Vultures, Families, Nature Lovers, Luxury Travelers: All Kinds of Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Fort St Catherine and Museum, Gates Bay & St Catherine’s Beach, Tobacco Bay, Dreu’s Bay, Bermuda Heritage Museum, World Heritage Centre, Somers Garden, Trailhead of Railway Trail, Fort Victoria, St George’s Golf Course

Hotel Recommendations:

• Aunt Nea’s Inn – Just a 5-minute walk from the beach, Aunt Nea’s Inn is an affordable home away from home in Saint Georges. The rooms are simple, but bright and comfortable. All rooms come with a private ensuite bathroom and air conditioning. The family apartment has a kitchen and small lounge area.
• The Saint George’s Club – One and two bedroom luxury holiday villas are available, and all feature either a private balcony or patio. Guests have access to a private beach and three outdoor pools. The cottages have kitchen facilities that feature a microwave, fridge and dishwasher. Located a 10-minute walk from the beach.
• Panorama Apartment – A cute and cozy private holiday apartment, just a 5-minute walk from the beach. The apartment has its own private swimming pool, furnished patio and partial sea views. Guests are welcome to cook for themselves in the fully equipped kitchen that includes fridge, microwave and oven. Free WiFi available throughout.

Hamilton Parish

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Hamilton is the capital of Bermuda, and although there is a lot to enjoy within the town center for travelers, it is the parish area of Hamilton that has the most appeal. Drive along North Shore Road, not 20-minutes from Hamilton town center, and you will feel like you are in a whole new world.

Quaint family-run B&Bs, seaside cottages and luxury apartment rentals can all be found along North Shore Road, between Hamilton and Coney Island. This is an ideal neighborhood for mid-budget travelers who want to experience authentic Bermuda.

Blue Hole Park has to be the most beautiful spot in the neighborhood. This densely vegetated nature reserve still retains its wild feel, thanks to the unmarked paths and ‘secret’ caves. The azure lagoon and water-filled caves are not only incredibly photogenic, but also a great place to cool off with a quick dip.

Good For: Active Travelers, Adventurous Travelers, Backpackers, Beach Bums, Couples, Families, Hikers, Nature Lovers, Older Travelers, Like a Local Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Grotto Bay, Blue Hole Park, Crystal and Fantasy Caves, Coney Island, Bailey’s Bay, Abbots Cliff Park, Shelly Bay Beach, Windsor Beach, Frick’s Beach, Saint Georges

Hotel Recommendations:

• Pigeon View Cottage – Pigeon View is a holiday cottage that offers ocean views and a furnished garden area. Sleeping up to six guests, there are plenty of beds to go around. The cottage comes with a fully equipped kitchen, coffee machine and BBQ. There is free WiFi throughout, and a television too.
• Bermuda Dreams – Situated a 10-minute walk from the beach, Bermuda Dreams is an affordable apartment rental in Hamilton Parish. The hosts can help arrange bicycle rental, along with any other travel arrangements and day trips. The house has two bedrooms and can sleep up to four people. Free WiFi available.
• Grotto Bay Beach Resort – This is one of the most popular resorts in the area. A four minute walk from the beach, and only a 10-minute drive from the international airport, guests have access to the hotel’s private pink-sand beach, tennis courts, hot tub and outdoor swimming pool. Family rooms are available.

Elbow Beach

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Quite possibly the most famous spot on Bermuda, Elbow Beach is a firm favorite of locals and visitors alike. Chances are, if you have seen photos of Bermuda on Instagram or in the luxury travel magazines, it will be Elbow Beach.

Relaxed and laid back, never overly busy, Elbow Beach is the perfect place to stay if you are heading to Bermuda for a dreamy beach vacation. Set within Paget Parish, away from the beach you will find a number of endearing locally run cafes, boutique shops, and endearing English village-inspired cottages.

Elbow Beach is a great place for divers to base themselves, or in fact, any traveler keen on keeping active during their time in Bermuda. From Bluewater Divers you can hire kayaks and paddleboards. You can snorkel off Elbow Beach, but to get to the very best spots you will have to have your PADI certificate at the ready.

Good For: Active Travelers, Adventurous Travelers, Beach Bums, Couples, Divers, Families, Nature Lovers, Older Travelers, Like a Local Travelers, Whistle-Stop Tourists

Neighborhood Highlights: Elbow Beach, Coral Beach, Surf Side Beach, Marley Beach, Mermaid Beach, Southlands Park, Bermuda Botanical Gardens & Camden House

Hotel Recommendations:

• Elbow Beach Bermuda – The most popular hotel in the neighborhood, guests have access to a private pink-sand beach, luxury spa complex and an outdoor pool. All rooms have a tropical, floral theme and an ensuite bathroom with tub. A great breakfast is included in the room rate and there is a restaurant on-site.
• Dawkins Manor – Affordable, self-catering, holiday apartment located a five-minute walk from Elbow Beach. The apartment can sleep up to four people across two double beds. There is air conditioning throughout the property and WiFi too. There is a fully equipped kitchen with oven, toaster and microwave.
• Coco Reef Bermuda – Coco Reef is an oceanfront hotel that lies a two minute walk from the beach. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool and tropical garden. The decor is arguably a little dated but is homely and comfortable. All rooms have either a private balcony or a private patio area.

Southampton

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As one of the nine Bermuda parishes, Southampton has a strong community feel and all the home comforts you could wish for.

Southampton is home to some of Bermuda’s finest pink-sand beaches and marks the beginning of the western edge of the island. Just a 25-minute drive to the National Museum of Bermuda to the north-west, and just 40-minutes to St Georges, Southampton is a great base for avid explorers.

Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse is the neighborhood’s most iconic landmark. Built in 1846, Gibb’s Lighthouse is made of cast-iron. Visitors are welcome to climb to the top, if they can stomach the 185-step ascent.

South Shore Park is the gateway to Southampton’s best beaches. It is possible to walk from Horseshoe Bay Cove, along Middle Beach, to Angle Beach, should you desire. Horseshoe Bay is a picture-perfect beach that is known for its rocky outcrops.

Good For: Active Travelers, Adventurous Travelers, Backpackers, Beach Bums, Couples, Families, Hikers, Nature Lovers, Older Travelers, Like a Local Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse, South Shore Park, Horseshoe Bay, Middle Beach, Jobson’s Cove, Butts Beach, Water Rocks Beach, Angle Beach, Sinky Beach Bay, Bartlett’s Island, Church Bay Park, Little Sound Cruises

• The Reef Resort and Club – A couples-orientated beach resort offering guests access to infinity pool and fitness center. Each and every room offers an ocean view and either a private balcony or patio area. The hotel has a luxury spa complex, multiple tennis courts and beach equipment for complimentary use.
• Fairmont Southampton – One of the most lavish and extravagant hotels in Southampton, guests are welcome to make use of the hotel’s 18-hole golf course, spa facilities and dive center. There are nine different restaurants to choose from and room service is available. All rooms have a balcony and many have a sea view.
• Natalia Guest Room – Affordable holiday cottage with private pool and garden area. Sleeping up to four guests across two bedrooms. The hosts can help arrange day trips and travel arrangements. Guests can use the kitchen facilities or walk five minutes into town for food. Air-conditioning and WiFi are available throughout.

Somerset Village

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Tucked away in the northwest of Bermuda is the tiny community of Somerset Village. This is a wonderfully laid-back neighborhood that is ideal for travelers who want to stay in a more secluded spot. There is a lot to explore in this village, and there is always a smiling local face to help point you in the right direction.

Did you know that Somerset Bridge is the smallest drawbridge in the world? Built in the 17th-Century, Somerset Bridge is the most iconic landmark in the neighborhood.

Although the Bermudan railway was closed down in 1948, the railway track remains, and has since been converted into a walking path. Running from Somerset Village up to Evan’s Bay, this easy walk is a great way to burn off the calories from all the indulgent seafood dishes you’ll no doubt be treating yourself to.

Mangrove Bay Beach is a simply beautiful shore that offers shimmering, crystal clear waters and a gentle breeze.

Good For: Active Travelers, Adventurous Travelers, Backpackers, Beach Bums, Couples, Families, Hikers, Nature Lovers, Older Travelers, Like a Local Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Long Bay Beach, Somerset Country Square, Sugar Cane Point Beach, Springfield, Cambridge Beaches, One Tree Island, Springfield & Gilbert Nature Reserve, Daniel’s Head Beach Park, Mangrove Bay, Virginia Park

Hotel Recommendations:

• Willowbank Resort – Willow Bank is a low-key resort that offers a subtle sense of luxury and amazing ocean views. There is a tennis court, fitness center, and guests can hire snorkels and bicycle nearby. All rooms have a work desk, flat screen TV and air conditioning. All have an ensuite bathroom with bathtub.
• Cambridge Beaches Resort and Spa – Set a 1-minute walk to the beach, this is an adults-only resort. The hotel offers a full-service spa and excellent breakfast every morning. All rooms have either a private patio area or a balcony. Rooms feature little luxuries like complimentary toiletries, slippers and fluffy bathrobe.
• Studio at Camden Inn – Studio at Camden Inn is a newly renovated holiday rental apartment that can sleep up to three guests. There is a fully equipped kitchen featuring an oven/stove, fridge and dishwasher. There is air conditioning and WiFi throughout the property. Guests can relax in the cozy lounge or patio terrace.

Surf Side Beach

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If both Mount Pleasant and Southampton felt like your kind of places, why not meet in the middle at Surf Side Beach?

This iconic Bermudan beach sits right in the middle of the island and is a great spot for travelers who want ample beach time, with the option to explore further afield.

Divers will be keen to base themselves at Surf Side Beach, as it is home to a great selection of dive shops, who offer advanced PADI training courses and day trips to the best spots off the south shore and beyond.

Both of the famous shipwrecks – Hermes and Pollokshields – lie within a 15-minute boat ride of Surf Side Beach. Hermes is interesting, as it was taken in by the Bermuda Dive Association after being abandoned by the US Coast Guard on its way to Cape Verde. It was cleaned up and sunk off Surf Side Beach as part of a reef restoration project.

Good For: Active Travelers, Beach Bums, Divers, Couples, Culture Vultures, Families, Nature Lovers, Luxury Travelers, Whistle-Stop Travelers: All Kinds of Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Surf Side Beach, Elbow Beach, Marley Beach, Mermaid Beach, Southlands Park, Paget Marsh, Belmont Hills Golf Club, Middle Beach, Horseshoe Cove, Sinky Bay Beach, Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse, Warwick Seventh-day Adventist Church, Cobbs Hill Methodist Church

Hotel Recommendations:

• Blue Horizon Guest House – Located a matter of steps from Surf Side Beach, Blue Horizon offers guests an affordable beachside accommodation option. There are both rooms and studios available. The studios offer guests a fully equipped kitchen and lounge area. All guests are welcome to make use of the communal BBQ.
• Sandpiper Apartments – Sandpiper Apartments offer luxury and privacy and are set just back from Surf Side Beach. There is an outdoor swimming pool and a sun terrace complete with sun loungers and umbrellas. All apartments are self-catering and have fully equipped kitchens and dining room space. There is WiFi throughout the complex.
• Mayfield Cottage – Mayfield Cottage is a cute and cozy holiday cottage set a 10-minute walk from the beach. Guests have access to the fully equipped kitchen and the private garden area. Complimentary tea and coffee are included, as are herbs, spices and cooking oil. Towels, shampoo and a hairdryer are also provided.