There is so much to see on the islands of Bermuda that you’ll want to return again and again to explore it all.

Whether you’ve arrived by air or ship, by now you have seen enough of Bermuda’s ­astounding beauty to be intrigued. This is no ordinary island; it is pure oceanic wonder: 21 square miles of mid-Atlantic paradise tightly packed with more history, culture and character than you can imagine.

Communities here date back to the 17th century, with many original buildings still intact and in use. Though Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory and primarily English in its traditions, you’ll find an amalgamation of cultural influences here, which can be traced to the island’s multinational past. Portuguese ties run deep because of the nearest island group, the Azores. And Bermuda’s proximity to the United States gives it that New World flavour in spite of its unbroken ties to the crown. READ MORE

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Travellers accustomed to the finer things in life experience pure retail bliss while strolling around Bermuda’s biggest shopping districts: the city of Hamilton, the historic Town of St. George and the bustling Royal Naval Dockyard. Many fine stores are also located inside major hotels and throughout the island. The best part of shopping here is that there is no sales tax. That means that you’re likely find some of your favourite brands at substantially lower prices than at home, while also getting a great deal on one-of-a-kind items.

When it comes to shopping, Hamilton’s Front and Reid Streets offer so much ­variety. Family-owned stores, chic boutiques and plenty of luxury goods can be found here, rivalling the shopping meccas of Fifth Avenue or Rodeo Drive.

The more laid-back Town of St. George, while quiet and relaxed, has become Bermuda’s other major shopping hub. Its notable ­architectural landmarks and long history make it the perfect place for fascinating curiosities, incredible artwork and antiques, and beautiful crafts. Indeed, mighty St. George is a sought-after retail destination. READ MORE

The global recession has forced arts organisations everywhere to rethink their approach and focus on actively engaging audiences. As a result, Bermuda’s arts scene has grown more active than ever, offering innovative exhibitions with programming that encourages participation, learning and enjoyment. The arts experience provides a greater understanding of the island, its history and culture.

SOME HISTORY
Bermuda’s first arts were the practical “living” arts: architecture, furniture, silver and shipbuilding. The story of the fine arts begins with itinerant artists in the 18th century: Joseph Blackburn, who painted oil portraits of the local gentry in 1752 and 1753, followed by John Green in 1765, who became the first resident portrait artist. The early part of the 19th century saw draughtsmen such as Thomas Driver, Edmund Gilling Hallewell and Gaspard Le Marchant Tupper, who all recorded their subtropical surroundings in works that reveal as much about contemporary attitudes towards art and empire as they do about the appearance of the islands. British watercolourist Edward James recorded much of life in Bermuda from about 1860 to 1877, including marine activity during the American Civil War and news events such as the opening of the Causeway in 1874. READ MORE

Most in the international business community are aware of Bermuda’s dominant position as a global financial centre. Bermuda’s intelligent balance in regulation has attracted the crème de la crème of North American and European business interests.Bermuda has cultivated a thriving hospitality and tourism industry over the past 100 years. However, this is no longer Bermuda’s largest economic sector. For more than 17 years, international business, a mix of insurance and reinsurance, banking, trust services and fund-administration services have been growing sectors in Bermuda’s economy. It seems that Bermudians are just as adept at looking after other people’s money as they are at looking after other people’s holidays.  READ MORE

Rev up your little scooter and your appetite, and take off to discover Bermuda’s amazing range of restaurants, which offer everything from traditional Bermudian dishes such as fish cakes and onion tarts to international cuisine, including Asian, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish and Middle Eastern. Not ­surprisingly, English pub fare also is an important part of the culinary landscape.

In Bermuda, you may want to build your day around food. Take a breezy ride along a coastal road to find a breakfast of saltfish and Johnny cakes; a lunch of fish chowder or lobster salad; a teatime snack of scones and rum cakes; and a happy hour of fried chicken legs and fish dip. And for dinner, there is curried lobster, grilled steaks, paella… you name it. READ MORE

Why do so many good sports come to Bermuda? Some like to get wet, maybe snorkel or dive amongst the shipwrecks and marvel at the corals. Some come to swim with the dolphins. Some prefer to catch fish, which can weigh up to hundreds of pounds. Some just like to stroll the sea bottom wearing a helmet. Some come for the boating — paddle, sail, motor — or at least the riding. Some come to race; others to cheer. Some just enjoy a bit of waterskiing on a tranquil sound.

On the other hand, many visitors prefer to stay dry. They come to whack golf balls on courses played by the greats. They may want to join the parties that swirl around cricket games. They come to jog or bike through parks, preserves and railway trails, along beaches and ponds, and around forts and lighthouses. Or they play football, uh, soccer, um, whatever you call it; or at least cheer. Some come for the tennis — day or night, summer or winter. They even come for the rugby. Where better to play outside in November? READ MORE

A world-class destination for visitors to Bermuda, Royal Naval Dockyard in the West End will amaze you with all its offerings.

The party doesn’t stop in Bermuda’s Royal Naval Dockyard. While the stores in Hamilton close Sundays, the Royal Naval Dockyard shops are open, as well as: restaurants, the craft market, glass blowing, pottery and art centers. During winter months the hours are 10am – 5pm and in the summer from 9 am – 6pm.

It has been almost 200 years since Royal Naval Dockyard on Ireland Island was built. Having  played a key role in Bermuda’s maritime history, this former naval garrison today draws millions of ­visitors a year with its stores, galleries and studios, restaurants and pubs, and numerous tourist
activities and attractions.

Built in 1814 as a strategic outpost for the British Royal Navy, Royal Naval Dockyard played roles in many historic events, including the War of 1812 and World War II. But after 1945 the role of Dockyard diminished, and eventually the Royal Navy sold the land to Bermuda. Decades passed while the old fort and its buildings sat abandoned. However, that all changed in 1982, when a massive ­redevelopment effort began that restored Dockyard and its surroundings. The old warehouses and barracks were transformed into workspaces, the clocktower regained its former glory, and The Keep took on a new life as the National Museum of Bermuda. Artists, retailers and restaurateurs soon moved in —the rest is history.

On a typical afternoon, Dockyard is buzzing with activity. Visitors flock to this bastion in the West End for a good dose of culture, food, fun and lots of ­shopping. Whether you crave heart-racing water activities, encounters with marine mammals, a lesson in Bermudian craft-making, a stroll through Bermuda’s history, a taste of delicious Bermuda rum cake or simply a lazy afternoon on the beach, you’ll find it all in Dockyard. READ MORE

History runs more than 400 years deep in Bermuda, and nowhere is that more evident than in the Town of St. George, a lovely little seaport in the eastern end of the island. It’s easy to see and feel the long history of Bermuda’s first capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sit under the candlelit chandeliers and exposed cedar beams of St. Peter’s Church, the oldest continually used Anglican Church in the Western Hemisphere, and explore the hallowed halls of the State House, built in 1621 and once home to the oldest Legislature in the Commonwealth outside Britain.

The narrow, winding brick lanes give close-up views of pastel 18th- and 19th-century houses — Fanny Fox’s Cottage on Duke of Clarence Street; Stockdale House on the corner of Printer’s Alley and Needle and Thread Alley; and Tucker House on Water Street — all marked with World Heritage Site plaques. READ MORE

The “Bermuda Triangle” or “Devil’s Triangle” is an imaginary area located off the southeastern Atlantic coast of the United States of America, which is noted for a supposedly high incidence of unexplained disappearances of ships and aircraft. The apexes of the triangle are generally believed to be Bermuda; Miami, Florida; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The US Board of Geographic Names does not recognize the Bermuda Triangle as an official name. The US Navy does not believe the Bermuda Triangle exists. It is reported that Lloyd’s of London, the world’s leading market for specialist insurance, does not charge higher premiums for vessels transiting this heavily traveled area. READ MORE