Bermuda Triangle Unfiltered: My Guide to Culture, Food, and Turquoise Water

Charter a boat on Bermuda’s turquoise water

Chartering a boat was my single favorite experience in Bermuda. The water is a shade of turquoise you don’t fully understand until you’re in it — clear, calm, and perfect temperature to feel like silk on your skin. I loved cruising past hidden coves and limestone cliffs while the breeze kept everything perfectly comfortable. There’s a peaceful rhythm to the gentle waves, and being out on the water gives you a front row seat to Bermuda’s natural beauty in a way no beach day can match.

Spend an afternoon at Tobacco Bay

Tobacco Bay is a casual, high energy public beach with a personality all its own. The shallow water stretches out like a natural pool, dotted with straw umbrellas and filled with locals and visitors who come for the vibe as much as the view. A local DJ kept the energy upbeat without overwhelming the relaxed pace, and I loved how easy it was to float, sip, dance, and wander between the bar and the shoreline. It’s the kind of place where you feel instantly plugged into Bermudian culture—friendly, fun, and effortlessly welcoming.

Create a signature scent at Lili Bermuda

I’ve been searching for a new signature scent since mine of ten years was discontinued, so visiting Lili Bermuda felt personal. The perfumery sits inside a historic building in St. George’s, and the moment I stepped in, I felt like a mad scientist in the best way—sniffing, blending, and experimenting with oils under the guidance of Isabelle, the perfumery’s third generation perfumist. She helped me understand how each note interacts with the island’s climate, which made the process feel even more meaningful. Walking out with a custom fragrance created in Bermuda felt like bringing home a piece of the island’s soul.

Take a cultural walking tour with Kristin White

A trip to Bermuda isn’t complete without a tour led by Kristin White, owner of Long Story Short. Kristin has a gift for storytelling, as an award winning Bermudian blogger—she brings Bermudian history to life through personal narratives, local legends, and cultural insights you won’t find in any guidebook. I loved how she wove humor, honesty, and real community perspective into every stop. Her tours make you feel connected to Bermuda in a deeper way, and you walk away with a richer understanding of the island’s past and present.

Relax at the Hamilton Princess Beach Club

The Hamilton Princess Beach Club ended up being one of my happiest surprises in Bermuda. The private cove feels like a hidden pocket of calm, with soft pink sand, clear water, and a charm keeping everything perfectly comfortable. My favorite highlight was the hammocks suspended right in the ocean—you can float, sway, and watch the light shift across the water without moving a muscle. The beach club offers full service, plenty of loungers, and a relaxed luxury vibe, so you can spend an entire afternoon swimming, snacking, and soaking in Atlantic ocean.

NonMariners' Day: Bermuda’s most playful tradition

Non-Mariners' Day is one of the most entertaining and joyfully chaotic events I’ve ever witnessed on an island. It started decades ago as a tongue in cheek response to Cup Match, and now locals gather in Mangrove Bay for a full day of floating parties, homemade “non boats,” and creative costumes making the entire scene feel like a festival on the water. I loved watching everyone lean into the humor and community spirit—families, friend groups, and boat crews all celebrating in a way uniquely Bermudian. Even if you stay on shore, the energy pulls you in and gives you a glimpse into how fun and connected the island can be.

1609 Bar & Restaurant—Hamilton Princess

1609 became one of my go to spots for an easy, scenic meal. It sits right over the water, completely open air, so you get nonstop ocean breeze and views of the cinematic views of the harbor. I loved how relaxed the vibe was — polished but not pretentious—with boats drifting by as you sip something cold. The menu leans fresh and coastal, and it’s the kind of place where you linger longer than planned because the atmosphere pulls you in.

The Wine Room—Rosewood Bermuda

The Wine Room at Rosewood feels like stepping into a secret space reserved for people who genuinely enjoy slowing down. It’s intimate, beautifully lit, and lined with bottles curated from around the world. I loved the ritual of tasting here—the staff guides you through pairings in a way feeling personal instead of formal. It’s a perfect pre dinner moment or a quiet escape when you want something elevated without being overly serious.

The Loren—Pink Beach (Rum tasting highlight)

My experience at The Loren came with a moment I’ll never forget—tasting the new Loren rum before it’s released. We were outside at the Pink Beach Club, ocean breeze rolling in, soft light settling over the cliffs, and the owner and rum maker sharing the story behind each pour. I loved hearing how the blend was created for Bermuda’s climate, with smooth, warm notes to fit the island’s personality perfectly. Sipping something crafted with so much intention, in a setting feeling modern and coastal, the entire evening felt like a rare insider experience.

Intrepid—Hamilton Princess

Intrepid surprised me in the best way. It’s a steak and seafood restaurant with a polished, club like feel, but the food is the real standout—beautifully seasoned, perfectly cooked, and plated with intention. I loved the balance of classic dishes and creative touches, which made the meal feel special without being fussy. It’s a great choice when you want something upscale and reliable after a day exploring the island.

Wahoo’s Bistro & Patio—St. George’s

The Wahoo fish sandwich on raisin bread is one of those things you hear about and wonder if it’s worth the hype—it absolutely is. The sweetness of the bread with the crispy fish and tangy sauce creates a combination you don’t forget. Wahoo’s sits right on the water in St. George’s, so you get breezy views and a casual, friendly atmosphere… very Bermudian. It’s the kind of meal you remember long after you’re home.

Palomino’s—Royal Palms

Dinner at Palomino’s inside Royal Palms was my favorite private room experience in Bermuda. I loved how personal the service felt—warm, attentive, and paced in a way letting you settle in and enjoy every course without rushing. The food was beautifully prepared, with fresh ingredients and thoughtful flavors, and the setting made the entire evening feel like a special occasion even though it was just dinner. It’s the kind of experience you remember because it feels both elevated and deeply comfortable.

Rum Swizzle (Island Wide)

Even though I didn’t make it to The Swizzle Inn, I fully embraced Bermuda’s signature drink—the rum swizzle—at almost every stop. It’s fruity, refreshing, and somehow tastes even better with ocean air and sunshine. Every version is slightly different, which makes trying them feel like a fun little island scavenger hunt. It’s a must sip experience instantly putting you in vacation mode.