Elite Traveler July-August 2018

EXPLORE BERMUDA

OUT AND ABOUT

1. Openwater No trip to Bermuda is complete without spending time on the water. The wreck scuba diving is incredible — the tiny island is home to over 300 ships that crashed onto its reefs — and there are shallow sites where you can snorkel among the ruins as well. Perhaps the best way to see the island is on a private charter with Captain Lawrence Trimingham, whose family came to Bermuda in 1620. Aboard Escape , his 65ft sailboat, he can take you on a half- or full-day cruise and share his island expertise. After soaking in the views sailing around Castle Harbour or out on the open water, discover shallow beaches accessible only by boat, snorkel among the reefs and wrecks, and enjoy a fabulous picnic. escapechartersbermuda.com 2. Golf Bermuda’s hilly landscape and stunning vistas create the perfect combination for amazing golf. If you’re looking for a challenge, it must be Mid Ocean Club, whose championship course’s views help you appreciate even the most difficult holes. While it is only open to members, lucky for you, it accepts foreign applicants. Considered to be the most popular public course on the island, Port Royal has hosted several Grand Slams and boasts a very difficult 16th hole, with a long drive over water from the tee. Tucker’s Point’s par-70 course, redesigned by Roger Rulewich, has a beautiful setting with many elevated tees and a Bermuda-grass hybrid putting surface that is quite quick. For a fun game, head to Turtle Hill Golf Club at Fairmont Southampton, home of the Grey Goose World Par 3 Championships. themidoceanclub.com, portroyalgolfcourse.com, tuckerspoint.com, fairmont.com/southampton-bermuda/golf 3.Walsingham Nature Reserve Step into the wild in Bermuda’s largest nature reserve, known locally as Tom Moore’s jungle (the Irish poet found inspiration amid its lush landscape and abundant wildlife). After hiking through the dense vegetation, find your reward at the Blue Hole. Jump off the cliffs into the deep, clear water, or wade in from the surrounding mangroves if you aren’t an adrenaline junkie. 4. Taxi tour Since there are no rental cars on Bermuda, you’ll need to book a taxi to get around. Why not make an afternoon of it and hire one of the friendly, and hilarious, drivers to take you on a tour around the island; the government actually certifies taxi drivers to become tour guides, so you know you will be in good hands. You’ll get a taste of real island life, stop at local food spots and see ancient banyan trees, as well as famous sights such as the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, the old Railway Trail, the world’s smallest drawbridge (bring bread to feed the nearby fish), the charming city of St George’s and Bermuda’s best beaches. 5. Crystal Caves An iconic island sight, the Crystal Caves are not to be missed. Sure, it can seem counterintuitive to descend into darkness on a beautiful island, but the extraterrestrial underground caverns have entranced everyone from Mark Twain — the cave’s first official tourist — to Beyoncé and Jay-Z. Clamber down a steep flight of 88 stairs and over the pontoon bridge to fully appreciate the majesty of the white Ice Age stalagmites and stalactites surrounding a crystal-

clear lake. caves.bm

Photo Gavin Howarth