Fresh off a trip to Mérida, I thought I had filled my cup of inspiration for the season. But then came Bermuda—an island I had long admired from afar, yet underestimated until I stepped onto its pastel-lined shores. What awaited me was more than sun-drenched beaches and turquoise waves; it was a destination layered in history, old-world charm, and architectural elegance that seemed to whisper stories from another time.
The moment we pulled up to the Hamilton Princess—lovingly nicknamed the “Pink Palace”—I understood why this 26-mile stretch of islands has captivated travelers for generations. Cloaked in soft blush hues and framed by swaying palms, the hotel radiates both grandeur and warmth. Smiles at the entrance told me I was about to experience something special.
A Landmark with Legacy
The Hamilton Princess is not just another luxury resort—it’s a piece of Bermuda’s living history. Established in 1885, it became the very first property in the Fairmont collection and has been welcoming guests for well over a century. Even after its recent renovations, the resort has carefully preserved its Bermudian soul. The colonial-style details are still there, woven seamlessly with modern touches like an infinity-edge pool, an exclusive beach club, and one of the most impressive contemporary art collections I’ve ever seen housed inside a hotel.
Walking its halls, I often felt as if I were in a private museum. Works by Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Banksy, and Takashi Murakami hang just steps from the lounge—unexpected, yet incredibly fitting for a property that thrives at the intersection of tradition and modernity.
Mornings by the Sea
Every morning, I found myself eagerly hopping on the jitney, the resort’s complimentary shuttle, that whisked guests away to the Princess Beach Club. Nestled in a private cove at Sinky Bay, the club became the backdrop of my island mornings. Picture it: pale pink sands glistening in the sun, clear blue waters lapping gently, and hammocks swaying above the shallows.
Here, time slowed. I’d read, catch up on podcasts, and—because vacation rules apply—pause for ice cream before noon. Sometimes I’d just float in a water hammock, staring at the sky until the hours melted away. One morning, I even indulged in an afternoon nap—something I hadn’t managed in months. If “making yourself at home” is the highest compliment you can give a hotel, the Pink Palace certainly earned it.
A Taste of Bermuda
Of course, no travel experience feels complete without indulging in the local flavors, and the Hamilton Princess made that easy. The Fairmont Gold Lounge quickly became my secret haven for midday snacks, afternoon tea, and pre-dinner canapés. It was the perfect in-between stop to recharge before exploring more of the island.
But the real culinary highlight was dinner at Marcus’, the resort’s signature restaurant led by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson. The atmosphere buzzed with energy, and every dish was as thoughtful as it was flavorful. His fried cauliflower barbecue was a revelation—crispy, smoky, and perfectly balanced. Paired with a delicate sashimi starter infused with island accents, it was a meal that lingered in my memory long after the plates were cleared.
Beauty Beyond the Resort
As much as I adored the Pink Palace, Bermuda itself is the star. Driving through winding, narrow roads revealed an island of layers: dramatic cliffs that drop into teal waters, pastel homes with crisp white roofs, and gardens that bloom year-round. Almost every house seemed to claim a view of the North Atlantic—a detail that sets Bermuda apart from the Caribbean, despite common assumptions.
What struck me most, beyond the scenery, were the people. Warm, gracious, and proud of their heritage, Bermudians share their island with such generosity. Whether it was hoteliers eager to share history or locals offering friendly conversation, the island’s spirit was every bit as enchanting as its landscapes.
A Weekend to Remember
In the end, my time in Bermuda was brief but deeply restorative. The Pink Palace had given me not only a taste of luxury but also a glimpse into the island’s colonial past, all while wrapping it in modern elegance. I left with a camera full of memories, a suitcase that smelled faintly of salt air, and a heart brimming with gratitude.
It’s rare to find a place that feels both sophisticated and unpretentious, historic yet contemporary. Bermuda manages to be all of this at once. And as my plane lifted off, tracing the horizon back toward Miami, I caught myself already planning a return—this time with more days to linger, more sunsets to savor, and more chapters of this island story to discover.
Bermuda isn’t just another dot on the map. It’s a blend of past and present, a reminder that paradise can be both polished and soulful. If you’re seeking a destination that stirs inspiration while inviting you to slow down, look no further than this tiny slice of the North Atlantic, where history and island charm dance together in shades of pink.