Bronze Member Janet Dobinson has been to Bermuda 12 times in the last 14 years, so what keeps pulling her back? While we all dream of some winter sun, Janet reveals how to see the island at its best

Island digs
The Royal Palms Hotel (pictured above) is, without a doubt, the best place we have stayed – and we’ve stayed at most of the island’s hotels. A 25-minute drive from the airport, its rooms are all individually styled, some with their own kitchen facilities and private entrances. Our favourite is room 26, out in the gardens. It also boasts an outstanding restaurant, Ascots. Most of all, though, the staff are truly lovely – I remember one year we were talking about missing the Champion’s League Final, and next thing they’d got us live coverage! 

The place to be seen
A 10-minute drive from the hotel, Mickey’s Beach Bistro is mere metres from the turquoise seas and has a curious blend of informality and fine dining. Dress code is casual, but not beach wear – and if it’s not already a warm evening you’ll need a layer or two on as it really is all outdoors. I tried my first red snapper at Mickey’s and remember it still as one of the best dishes I’ve ever tasted. And when it comes to cocktails, make sure you order the two local favourites: a Rum Swizzle and Dark and Stormy.

If you do one thing...
In Bermuda, you have to get out on the water. I’d recommend a trip to see the amazing coral reefs in a glass-bottomed boat. We booked this with Reef Explorer and, though the sunken ships, colourful coral and plentiful fish made it fantastic, the very best part was the commentary from Captain Mike. You can find his boat at the quay in Hamilton easily enough. Personally, I just love riding the ferries, especially the St George ferry (only running in the summer months – pictured above), which gives a lovely perspective of the island.

Getting around
You cannot hire a car in Bermuda, but the bus and ferry services are excellent. To get on board, you can buy up blocks of tickets (transferable between buses and ferries) from the bus station, ferry terminals and in some hotels. It’s not easy to use cash on the buses and ferries, so I wouldn’t try. Taxis are fairly reasonable and it’s possible to zip around in a hired scooter, too.

The view to thrill
The Number 7 bus ride is absolutely stunning. It takes you from the main bus station in Hamilton to the Dockyard via the island’s South Shore (often voted one of the world’s best beaches). If you sit on the left-hand side, you have the most magnificent views of the ocean. To see the horizons at their best and brightest, visit in May or late September.

Get packing
Gentlemen must, of course, pack a pair of Bermuda shorts (or buy some while you’re there). Meanwhile there’s a local perfumery, Lili Bermuda that’s great for the ladies. You can even have a short tour of the perfumery. The perfumes from here are an easy spot, attractively wrapped as they are in little pink boxes. I still use mine, which I now mail order.

It’s about time
You can fit quite a lot into just a week here, mainly because the island is so compact. A week is easily enough time to tick off the main sights: St George’s historic old town, Front Street for shopping, the Royal Dockyard, the Commissioner’s House museum and South Shore’s beaches. Two weeks, though, would obviously be fantastic. That way you can really get into the rhythm of the island.

British Airways flies to Bermuda in only seven hours and 20 minutes from Heathrow, starting 28 March 2021. To find out more, click here

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This article has been tagged Opinion, Destination