Masterworks Credit: Bermuda Tourism Authority
CRYSTAL & FANTASY CAVES
There’ s a world going on underground in Bermuda. That’ s what two local boys discovered one day in 1907 when following a cricket ball down a hole. They found two vast caves covered in dramatic limestone stalactites and stalagmites and a 55-foot-deep lake so clear that formations at the bottom appear to be just below the surface. Today, cross the water yourself on floating pontoons and bridges on illuminated guided tours of both caves that explore their magnificent beauty.
GIBB’ S HILL LIGHTHOUSE
The tallest lighthouse in Bermuda appears even taller set atop one of Bermuda’ s highest hills. Erected in 1846 to ward off ships from the dangerous reefs, the lighthouse was one of the first in the world to be made of cast-iron. In the lantern room, a 1000-watt bulb beams 40
miles out to sea, while outside on the circular balcony is a 360-degree view that goes as far as the Royal Naval Dockyard, Hamilton Harbor, and all manner of homes, farm fields, and landscapes in between.
MASTERWORKS
The artistic spirit of Bermuda has lured many creative masters to its shores, including John Lennon, who wrote much of his final album, Double Fantasy, here in the summer of 1980. Tribute is paid with a 6-foot-tall, 4,000-pound steel sculpture in front of the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art. It’ s just an appetizer of the tremendous Bermuda-inspired art on the premises, including works by Winslow Homer and Georgia O’ Keeffe. The museum is inside the Bermuda Botanical Gardens, where the rare and protected Bermuda cedar grows. Its striking natural aroma and workability have made even slivers of it prized for artists and perfume makers.
PORT ROYAL GOLF COURSE
There’ s a reason Bermuda grass grows on the fairways of championship golf courses around the world, and perhaps nowhere does its remarkable beauty and durability stand out than in its native soil, home to more golf courses per capita than anywhere else in the world. Despite many able contenders, the Charles Bank-designed Port Royal Golf Course remains the grand poobah, with 18 championship holes landscaped against sweeping vistas of the Atlantic. The 16th hole is particularly legendary, requiring a shot across pure ocean to the green perched on a coastal peninsula.
HARTLEY’ S UNDERSEA WALK
The trip to Bermuda is incomplete without slipping below the stunning blue waters that endlessly caress the coast. Snorkeling and diving opportunities abound, but none are quite like this guided underwater walk in bell diving helmets, fed oxygen from topside, about two miles from Bermuda’ s western shore. Only 8 – 10 feet under water,“ divers” can explore the seabed, meet and befriend starfish, sea urchins, lobster, and a host of tropical fish— all without the weight of air tanks, annoyance of mouth pieces, or the training required for scuba diving.
Port Royal Golf Course Credit: Bermuda Tourism Authority
Naval Dockyard Credit: Bermuda Tourism Authority
BARRACUDA GRILL
The vast seas surrounding Bermuda make fresh fish and seafood a highlight of the diet, from five-star, fine dining affairs to roadside sandwich carts. One of the most award-winning restaurants is Barracuda Grill in Hamilton, serving boutique versions of island favorites— grilled yellowfin tuna, seared rockfish, pan-fried snapper, and its signature fish chowder— in a sophisticated dining room of mahogany furnishings, designer lamps, and etched glass partitions. For added romance, reserve the“ snug corner,” with a table for two out of sight of other diners. For a more casual experience, grab a fish sandwich Art Mel’ s Spicy Dicy, also in Hamilton, with fresh-caught fish stacked high on thick raisin bread.
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