If you saw yesterday’s blog post then you’ll know that a couple of weeks ago, Le Club AccorHotels asked me to go to take their Seeker test. If you missed yesterday’s post or haven’t heard of it, here’s a quick catch up: it’s a biometric test which provides you with three suggested destinations for your next vacation based on what you need. No boring multiple choice questions here! Instead, think fast-paced and instinct based questions and visuals that elicit immediate reactions. Take the test yourself here, it’s free and anyone can take it from the comfort of their home.
As a result of taking the Seeker test I was recommended three destinations, one of which was Bermuda. This was the perfect suggestion for me because I had never visited despite it being so close to NYC. Plus, as Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory, they even drive on the left hand side which made me feel as though I was back in my native homeland! The Seeker tool couldn’t have suggested a better destination for me – it’s the middle of winter here in NYC and I was so ready for some exotic vibes and color! Bermuda is full of color and make-you-smile style moments at every turn, so it was the perfect place for a color lover like me!
Let’s dive in and I will share the five things you need to know about Bermuda:
1. Stay: The Pink Palace
I stayed at the Hamilton Princess Hotel and Beach Club, which is very close to the center of Hamilton, the main town in Bermuda. I called it The Pink Palace and you can likely see why from the pictures. The whole exterior of the hotel is painted a beautiful pastel pink which makes you smile as soon as you step out of the car. The property and grounds are beautifully maintained, and many of the rooms have recently been refurbished. You may have seen that I recently started personal training so I was so glad that the gym and spa were brand new. The gym and fitness areas were really impressive, and they had workout classes each day. The spa was also phenomenal – modern, clean and a great range of treatments.
2. Do: Pink Sand Beaches
If you go to Bermuda you have to visit the pink sand beaches on the south shore. These beaches have a beautiful soft pink color to them that has to be seen to be believed. The pink sand is created by tiny red organisms that grow beneath the coral reefs off shore. When they die they mingle with tiny bits of coral and crushed shells, which makes the sand pink. The beaches are around a twenty minute drive from the hotel and the Hamilton Princess has it own beach club and a complimentary jitney (bus) which takes you back and forth. One thing to remember in Bermuda is that there are no hire cars available, so you will need to use the jitney, hire a moped or use a taxi service. We got the a taxi back on one occasion and it was very easy; everyone speaks English. Plus, we only had to wait two or three minutes for the car to arrive and they accept US dollars.
3. Play: Tennis by the Ocean
Last year, my husband and I started to learn to play tennis and so when we travel we try to have a lesson or practice together. The Hamiliton Princess hotel’s tennis courts were amazing – I loved the pink and blue color scheme and how it matched the colors of the island. The location was also incredible! As you can see they are located right next to the beach and ocean. The tennis courts have rackets, balls, towels and water all available. The hotel also has a resident tennis pro who can provide lessons if, like me, you need some help!
4: Eat: Marcus
Our favorite meal on the island was at Marcus restaurant which offers a gourmet take on the island’s food. The chef, Marcus Sammson, from NYC’s Red Rooster, is so friendly. He goes around the tables often speaking to diners and telling them about how he created his dishes. My favorite was something that was a special for the day -lion fish tacos. Until then, I had never eaten lion fish and the chef explained to us how he cooked it. Also, you have to try the buffalo cauliflower – it was incredible! From a design perspective the restaurant was a great place to sit and get inspiration. I loved the fusion of modern with natural wood elements, not to mention the huge glass windows with water views.
5. See: Art
If you do stay at the Hamilton Princess then be prepared to feel as though you are staying in an art gallery. All of the corridors are lined with some of the most amazing modern and pop artworks. Literally, every corridor and space is filled with world renowned modern art so you will see works by Jeff Koons, Banksy and Andy Warhol to name a few. However, if that isn’t enough to satisfy your art needs, then head out to the Bermuda National Gallery it is only a short walk from the hotel and have rotating exhibitions of art; it costs just $5 to enter.
As you can see Bermuda was a great destination for me! To find your own vacation inspiration, head over to take the Seeker test.
// Photography by Will Taylor
12 Comments
This post took me right back. Stayed there for my honeymoon and I can attest to it being as gorgeous as your photos make it seem. Thanks for the nostalgic boost this AM!!
Bari xoxo
@Bari – Awwwww I love that – and thanks for the sweet words about my photos!
Who wears short shorts?! And looks hooooot in them! 😉
@Jed – Ok, you succeeded in making me turn the color of the hotel! Haha!
Staaaaaph that beach looks insane!!!
@Quinn – Honestly, it really has to be seen to believed; it’s so beautiful!
Hi Will
Great post. I didn’t realize Bermuda was so close to the city. Makes booking a trip there to escape the cold all the more tempting…
Thanks for the inspiration and suggestions. Enjoy the weekend.
Best
Sam
@Sam – Yes, it’s so close! Thanks for reading 🙂
The restaurant looks incredible and I love the pink hotel too. Vacation of dreams it looks like.
@GL – The food was so good and I loved how the chef came over to chat with the tables.
Your stories of the tennis court in insta were amazing! Loved seeing more of it here. Thanks for all the posts and content you share with us all!! Hugs!!
@Carlos – Thanks so much for following along!