Bermuda Trip Recap
by habituallychic
04 . 23 . 18
The first thing you notice when you arrive on Bermuda is the bright turquoise water as you drive across a bridge after leaving the airport. It’s so vivid that everyone comments on how it doesn’t look real. The whole island is so beautiful that it almost looks art directed. Needless to day, it was the perfect place for a group of influencers, editors, and bloggers to convene and take photos as we did this past weekend.
Sarah Bray, who was recently named the editor-in-chief of Gotham magazine, has been spending a lot of time on Bermuda in the last year while visiting her Bermudian boyfriend. As an unofficial ambassador for the island, she arranged a Bermuda Home and Garden Design Weekend to introduce us to the more than just the pink sand beaches.
A lot of my friends and followers who saw my photos on Instagram now want to visit Bermuda. After you read my post, I have a feeling you will want to book a trip too. I can honestly say that I look forward to returning as well. It’s definitely a magical place.
During the trip, we stayed at the Rosewood Bermuda Hotel on Tucker’s Point which is in the final stages of a complete renovation.
This was the view of Castle Harbor from my fourth floor room in the Manor House at the Rosewood Bermuda. There are also villas below and private residences.
I also overlooked the Castle Harbor Pool. There is another Palm Court Pool on the property.
The hallway to my room overlooked the Croquet Lawn and you can also see the Palm Court Pool.
One afternoon, I passed these cute kids playing croquet on the lawn.
Right after we arrived in Bermuda, we drove to the historic town on St. Georges for a bicycle tour with Kristin White.
It was so nice to leave 38 degree New York and arrive in 73 degree Bermuda.
Everyone loves Bermuda which is an British Overseas Territory with its own government. They drive on the left which can be confusing for Americans so always look both ways when crossing the street. Insurance and reinsurrance are the big industries based in the capital of Hamilton. Tourism is a big draw and Bermuda is enjoying a big boom in babymoons since they do not have the type of mosquitos that carry the Zika virus.
St. Georges is picture post card perfect little town while the capital of Hamilton is larger and busier.
We visited Ocean Sails sail makers at their loft and home.
Their home sits below the sail loft.
Their cute little dog who I wanted to steal.
A shipwreck sits at the end of their yard too.
We also visited Bermuda Perfumery that smelled amazing.
I loved these flowers in the perfume shop.
The first night we had a very special dinner at Old Walls, an old farmhouse built in the late 1700’s, owned by a lovely British/Bermudian couple who will be celebrating their 46th wedding anniversary this year.
We got a full tour of the terraced gardens created 40 years ago.
The view from the folley in the garden. I think I’ll have to do another post just on this property later.
The dinner was planned by Dasfete, a wife and husband event planning duo helmed by Selange Gitschner and Matthew Strong.
The table was set with a mix of old silver, new pieces, and beautiful floral arrangements.
Day two began with a scenic drive to Flatts Village dock for photos.
Brunch at Village Pantry followed which was delicious. They have a sister restaurant Devil’s Isle in Hamilton that people also rave about.
Although the sky looks a little dark in this photo, we had incredibly beautiful weather for the entire trip. Did you know that the design of the white limed roofs collect water for each house?
We also made a quick trip to the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art.
Friday was a very busy day that also included a trip to the Agricultural Exhibition which is like an American state fair.
The Ag Show “consists of school exhibitions, floral shows, animal exhibits, and equestrian programs, all related to Bermuda’s agricultural heritage.”
We visited the rose building, saw prized chickens, and learned how winners of vegetables are chosen.
The rose building smelled amazing too.
The Coral Beach and Tennis Club hosted us for lunch after the Ag Show. It’s a member’s only club that I found utterly charming.
They really do wear Bermuda shorts on Bermuda.
Dasfete designed another beautiful table for lunch.
There is nothing better than lunch overlooking the ocean.
After lunch, we went over to the putting green and croquet lawn for Pimms cups.
Bermuda has a lot of great golf courses for those of you into golf and the Rosewood Bermuda Hotel also has their own golf course.
The Rosewood Bermuda has it’s own beach club on the Atlantic Ocean. We were hosted for dinner Friday night at Rosewood Beach Club with a beautiful table curated by Aerin Lauder who has just partnered with Rosewood Bermuda Hotel on her first line of amenities that will be in each guest room starting in May. The exclusive amenity line, called Coral Palm, features six products in a balmy, tropical scent inspired by sunny days, indigo nights, the bright blue sea and sky, and glorious coral sunsets.
The table was designed using Aerin for Williams Sonoma table top pieces perfect for the beach.
I flew to Bermuda very early on the day after my birthday so it was sweet of the Rosewood Hotel to continue the birthday celebration in Bermuda.
Here’s a look at the new Aerin amenities collection for Rosewood Bermuda Hotel.
The Rosewood Bermuda Hotel also offers a 24-hour Fragrance Bar featuring the complete collection of Aerin fragrances. If you can’t pack a perfume in your carryon bag, you can call the Fragrance Bar and a butler will appear at your door with a silver tray with Aerin‘s luxurious fragrances from which to choose.
On Saturday, we were treated to an art tour at the Hamilton Princess Hotel which is where I stayed during my trip last October.
The Hamilton Princess is home to a private art collection filled with art by Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst, Julian Opie, Bansky, and many more artists.
After the art tour was a two hour sail on the classic sailboat Calabash.
The sail was followed by lunch at 1609 at the Hamilton Princess.
The town of Hamilton has a lot of great shopping.
Our final meal was hosted by Sarah Bray at The Loren Hotel who also set the table with block printed fabric found online and custom embroidered napkins with flowers native to Bermuda by Hibiscus Linens.
After one last breakfast at the Rosewood Bermuda Hotel, it was time to head to the airport even though none of us wanted to leave. The best part is that the quick flights from JFK and the entire east coast make it very easy to visit. You can check the Bermuda Adventure Almanac on the best times to plan a trip based on your activity wish list.
The dress on Bermuda is pretty preppy with lots of blue, white, and pastels. Most of us wore cute dresses, white jeans, and stripes with flat sandals and espadrilles. The temperature can drop at night so it’s best to pack layers and a wrap for dinner.
I feel like I’m very well versed on Bermuda now so if you have any questions about where to stay or what to do or wear, I’m always happy to help.
Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic