To assure your stay is as comfortable as possible, check in to the Fairmont Hamilton Princess in the heart of the capital city. Known as one of the most historic hotels on the island, the property was opened in 1885 and named after Princess Louise. The property recently celebrated its 125th anniversary last year and is the embodiment of class and luxury.
The hotel features fresh and saltwater pools, outdoor putting greens, the award-winning Heritage Court restaurant and an elegant lobby bar with the best high tea in Bermuda. Explore the lush gardens and gaze at the boats as they seem to effortlessly glide across Hamilton Harbor. The guest rooms have been modeled elegantly and many have private balconies and harbor views. Marble bathrooms compliment the upscale rooms with all the amenities you would expect from a Fairmont property.
Steps from the hotel are the most upscale shopping, restaurants and attractions, and there is something for everyone to do. For the beach-goers, catch the ferry to the Fairmont Southampton and relax on the private pink sand beach. For the golf lovers, Bermuda has more golf courses (eight) per square mile than anywhere in the world. Try a round at Riddell's Bay Golf and Country Club or the Fairmont Southampton Golf Course.
Explore the history and architecture of the colorful island and you will come across several churches from around 25 different denominations. St. Peter's Church in the historical town of St. George is thought to be the oldest Anglican church in the Western hemisphere. Gibb's Hill Lighthouse is the oldest cast-iron lighthouse in the world and offers spectacular views of the island after a pleasant hike. The Royal Navy Dockyard was built in the 19th century and now is the home to shopping, restaurants, The Bermuda Rum Cake Factory and naval museum. Devil's Hole is a collapsed caved turned Aquarium that is said to be the very first attraction on the island.
The history of the island will charm you, as you experience island elegance to its fullest. One attraction not to be missed on the island is Crystal Caves. Discovered in 1907 and located 120 feet underground, the beauty of nature is captured with dramatic formations of stalactites and stalagmites, which are naturally formed out of limestone after thousands of years. The clear lake casts serene shadows and the floating bridge rises and falls with the tide currents. Looking below the clear waters, you can see stalagmites rising from the cave floor.
Next to Crystal Caves is Fantasy Cave, which is a natural wonder. Steep stairs take you down to the cave that has rare soda straw formations and an extremely humid climate. Formations here seem to take odd shapes and have many nicknames such as The Thinker, The Skull and The Hand.
As the sun starts to set, head to dinner on Front Street. Lined with restaurants, shops and bars the area has much to choose from. Cuisine ranges from Mexican to Middle Eastern to American. A favorite of islanders and travelers alike are The Barracuda Grill and Café Cairo. After dinner head to The Cellar, the most exclusive club on the island.
Located in the wine cellar of the Fairmont Southampton, the red carpet directs you to the dark and cozy lounge-like area. A dance floor that has seen some of the best music on the island frames the DJ booth. Two popular local drinks to try are the Dark 'n Stormy (rum and ginger beer) and the Rum Swizzle (rum, fruit juice, grenadine).
From the charming history to the luxurious accommodations, Bermuda has something for everyone. Enjoying the pink sand beaches and clear blue skies is only a stone's throw away.
The Fairmont Hamilton Princess
76 Pitts Bay Road Pembroke
Hamilton, Bermuda HM 08
866.540.4447
www.fairmont.com
