Bermuda Destination Guide: What to Pack
Vacationing in Bermuda is nothing short of extraordinary. Known for its pink sand beaches, crystal clear waters and glorious weather year-round, Bermuda is a spectacular destination for travelers looking to immerse themselves in Bermuda’s natural beauty. As a guest of the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Hamilton Harbor while having easy access to some of the islands most celebrated beaches.
Bermuda also has its fair share of cultural attractions, including fantastic local dining options along with art galleries and museums. Many of the island’s activities change according to the season. Whale watching, sailing and cherry picking are best in springtime, while golfing, hiking and dining are go-to winter activities. While its subtropical climate ensures warmer temperatures year-round, knowing what to expect seasonally will help you plan and pack accordingly. Whether you’re looking to explore the beaches, harbors or parks of the island (or all of the above), we’ve compiled a list of our favorite local attractions and an all-weather guide to help you prepare for your Bermuda getaway.
The Essentials
Year-round temperatures in Bermuda range from 63 °F/17 °C at the coolest to a balmy 86 °F/30°C at the warmest. Beach days are especially pleasant during the warmer months, though water activities are a draw all year long. During spring and winter, you’ll want to prepare for chilly mornings and warmer days, so be sure to pack plenty of layers, like light jackets and sweaters. During summer and early fall, you’ll want to pack shorts, dresses, and breathable clothing. Since no trip to Bermuda is complete without a little sunshine, you’ll want to bring all the accessories needed for fun in the sun – just in case. Here’s a complete list of the essential items you’ll want to bring for your Bermuda vacation:
- Light layers for springtime and autumn, sweaters for winter, or breathable fabrics for summer
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Swimsuits for swimming in the ocean and the luxury infinity-edge pool at Hamilton Princess & Beach Club
- A book or reading tablet for beach or poolside reading
- Three types of footwear: sandals, closed-toe shoes appropriate for the rain, and dress shoes.
- Rain jacket
- Hat
For travelers looking to pack light, the Fairmont Fit program offers athleisure clothing to help you stay comfortable or get in a good workout while on vacation.
For The Beach And Pool Addicts
What better way to get into the island spirit than by spending the day in the water? Regardless of the time of year, take advantage of Bermuda’s alluring coastline with a trip to one of the island’s most beloved beaches, like Horseshoe Bay Beach. With its clear blue waters and pink sand, it’s easy to see why Horseshoe Bay Beach is one of the most instagrammed beaches in the world. Whether it’s your first or fifth time visiting the island, you’ll fall in love with the pristine water and hidden rock caves awaiting discovery.
For a more secluded day on the water, visit the beach at Somerset Long Bay. Nestled in the Somerset Long Bay Nature Reserve and Park, this tranquil beach on the West End of the island is an ideal spot for an intimate beach-day getaway. With a long, crescent shaped stretch of sand that rarely gets crowded, you’ll enjoy calm and shallow waters and beautiful surroundings. To make the most of its park reserve location, bring a pair of good walking shoes along so you can explore the peaceful trails and freshwater ponds before or after your day at the beach. And if you’re a fan of birdwatching, pack your binoculars to catch the migrating birds that make their way to the reserve during spring and autumn.
Or, you can always take a relaxing day at Hamilton Princess & Beach Club’s stunning infinity edge pool with uninterrupted views of Hamilton Harbour. Whether you plan to spend the day poolside or by the surf, complimentary beach towels are available for guest use at both the pool and beach club. Don’t forget these other beach day essentials:
- Swimsuit
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Book or reading material
- Sandals
- Water-resistant wallet
- Hiking or walking shoes
- Binoculars (for birdwatching at the Somerset Nature Reserve and Park)
For Trailblazing
Bermuda’s natural landscape offers plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors that don’t involve sand and surf. Trailblazers can take advantage of hiking paths in the many nature reserves on the island, like Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve, home to 12 acres of pristine land known for its seabirds, giant land crabs and ancient Bermuda cedar trees. Or, there’s Spittal Pond Nature Reserve, another lush sanctuary located on the South Shore that’s home to mangrove forests, a lagoon and many species of birds. If you prefer your hiking trails to end seaside, visit the trail at Hog Bay Park. You’ll adventure past cherry, loquat and spice trees before finally descending onto a secluded beach excellent for swimming or snorkeling.
Travelers who prefer local flora over fauna can explore the grounds of the Bermuda Botanical Gardens. The gardens include over 36 acres of colorful plants, from flowering hibiscus to native palmetto trees. Lastly, if you’re a fan of traveling on horseback, book a ride with Moran Meadows and trot alongside Bermuda’s coastline on one of the island’s most beautiful horses. Don’t forget to pack:
- Binoculars
- Hiking shoes
- Camera (portrait or macro lenses are great for wildlife captures)
For Sailing
Sailing has long been a part of Bermuda’s history. To experience the joys of open water first-hand, visitors can charter or rent a boat or book a sightseeing tour. Hamilton Princess & Beach Club recommends the following three companies: Sail Bermuda, True Blue, Double Play. Each company offers various tour types–simply pick which adventure best suits you and prepare for an unforgettable journey on the waters.
If you’re a fan of the races, check out the schedules for Bermuda International Invitational Race Week and the Argo Gold Cup. If the dates align with your travel plans, you’ll have the opportunity to watch some of the world’s best sailors competing on Bermuda’s coveted ocean. For your sailing adventure, make sure to bring:
- Rain jacket or windbreaker
- Deck or water resistant shoes
- Nautical sweater
- Reusable water bottle
- Hat
- Camera
- Anti-nausea medication (if you’re prone to motion sickness)
For Gallery Hopping
If you’re taking a break in-between outdoor excursions, why not get to know Bermuda’s thriving art scene? This small island is full of exciting local and national galleries. To start, take a tour of the impressive art collection onsite at Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, where you’ll find original artwork from iconic artists like Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Nelson Mandela and Banksy. Guided tours on Saturdays are available by special appointment.
In the city center, visit one of the local galleries like Crisson & Hind African Gallery, specializing in sculptures by the Shona people of Zimbabwe, the contemporary collection at Gallery One Seventeen or the local exhibits at the Bermuda Society of Arts.
To see one of the island’s best museums, take a trip to The Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art, located in the heart of the Bermuda Botanical Gardens. Its unique mission is to showcase artwork inspired by the island. Over the years, the collection at Masterworks has evolved to encompass new Bermudian and international artists in addition to the more famous works by Georgia O’Keefe, Charles Demuth, Winslow Homer and others.
To stay comfortable in and out of the galleries you visit, make sure to bring light layers with you, especially in autumn or spring. A small notebook or journal is also a great accessory for visiting galleries, in case you want to take notes of the pieces you love or use the inspiration to draw sketches of your own.
For Dining
Dining alfresco is one of the greatest pleasures of island living. And with the geographic advantages of its bold, tropical flavors and international culinary influences, the great food of Bermuda is one of the island’s best-kept secrets.
For some of the freshest seafood around, make a trip to the Blu Bar & Grill overlooking the Great Sound. Indulge in their raw bar with seasonal oysters on the half shell and a classic shrimp cocktail, or try their fan-favorite fresh sushi.
To pair your meal with a local brewery tour, visit the Dockyard Brewing Company. The island’s only microbrewery offers guided tours followed by a five-course meal. Learn about the secrets of microbrews from one of their Brew Masters before enjoying the delicious and satisfying fare. If you’re not in the mood for a tour, visit one of their restaurants, like the Frog and Onion Pub or the Hog Penny to get a feel for the local dining scene.
Better yet, you can always stay on property and visit Marcus Samuelsson’s signature restaurant, Marcus’. Marcus’ blends the best of the island’s flavors with breathtaking views. As one of the best fine-dining options around, you’ll feast on specialties like stewed short ribs or lobster tacos. Don’t forget to pack:
- Sundress or sports jacket and linen pants
- Sweater or heavy jacket for the colder months
- Sandals
- Accessories
Whether you plan to explore the beaches, hiking trails or restaurants of Bermuda, one thing is for certain: adventure, relaxation and unparalleled beauty are waiting for you!