Expert: Nan - 6/27/2008

Question
Hello.  My husband and I have a trip planned next week for Bermuda.  We're staying at the Grotto Bay resort for a week.  Can you give us some tips, including places to eat, the best beaches to visit, where to snorkel, any boat or sightseeing tours, etc?  Also, I'm a shopaholic, so any advice on great shopping would be appreciated as well.  Thank you for your help!  We appreciate it.

Answer
Hi Sarah, Yours is the type of question I love!  So let's get started on some answers. You're staying at a resort that gives you on-site access to great snorkeling, boat rental and much more through Blue Hole Watersports. (Church Bay on the South Shore is also a snorkeling destination of choice -- there are so many, you won't be disappointed.)   Trust the folks at Blue Hole to steer you in the right direction. You can also rent a Boston Whaler (unsinkable!) through them and enjoy the clear waters right in your own "backyard" so to speak. (This rental includes snorkel gear and a cooler.) There are a number of boat tours and sightseeing tours to take advantage of. If you're taking a taxi to Grotto Bay from the airport (as opposed to a pre-arranged transfer), take the opportunity to talk with the driver.  Taxi drivers in Bermuda can be your best tour guides and often, this is truly the case.  Taxi tours are quite common.  You can also get a bird's eye view from the water by taking a ferry to/from multiple locations.  Catch a ferry in Hamilton (main hub) and see both the East End and the West End of Bermuda with a quick change in between.

You're staying in what's called the East End of Bermuda - close to the historic town of St. George.  This is a wonderful place to walk, shop, eat and enjoy the beautiful harbor views. Try Cafe Gio for a great meal.

Further afield is Cafe Rustico in Flatt's Village. Great food! Try also Fresco's in Hamilton.  You might also enjoy a "traditional" English evening at The Hog Penny pub in Hamilton with hearty fare and entertainment. Many tourists don't consider a visit to Bermuda complete without a visit to The Swizzle Inn -- very near you in Bailey's Bay.  One of my favorite places (along with Rustico, Cafe Gio and others) is the House of India in Hamilton.  

Shopping in Hamilton along Front Street is not to be missed with fine jewelry, clothing, art and typical souvenirs in just about every block.  Be sure to also check out the shops on Reid Street (parallel to Front Street) as well.  You can also find good shopping in St. George (East End) and Dockyard (West End).  If you're a "shopaholic" I'd start shopping in Hamilton and go from there.  (If there's something specific you'd like to find, let me know and I'll try to steer you in the right direction.)

You asked about beaches.  If a wide sandy beach is what you're looking for, start with the South Shore (take a bus or taxi or rent a scooter).  When the tide is right, you can walk from the famous Horseshoe Bay right up to Warwick Long Bay and enjoy the little coves along the way.  (Every year I visit Warwick Long Bay in the late afternoon to watch the BIG parrot fish feeding in the surf.  Lots of fun and a nice walk.)

I hope you find this information helpful.  Enjoy your trip!  Nan