Page 461 - The British Big Four

Bermuda
what legends are made of
Although ‘La Bermuda’ appeared on a map of the world as early as
1511, it was known to early explorers as ‘The Isle of Devils’. Many a
Spanish galleon plying the routes from Cartagena to Cadiz foundered
upon the reefs surrounding Bermuda. Survivors brought home tales
of terror, shrieking phantasms and mysterious storms.
Bermuda was eventually settled by a fortuitous accident. The Sea
Venture, bound for the struggling colony Jamestown, Virginia, under
the command of Admiral Sir George Somers, wrecked here in 1609 in
“a dreadful storme…an Hell of Darkness”, wrote a member of the Sea
Venture in his diary. The shipwrecked adventurers found Bermuda
anything but forbidding. Eventually, most of them pressed on to
Virginia, but for Bermuda it was the beginning of settlement.
Bermuda is a sub-tropical archipelago warmed by the Gulf Stream.
Legend has it that there are 365 islands, one for each day of the year,
but in truth it is comprised of 181 named islands, islets and rocks. It has
been a destination for the pleasure bound ever since Princess Louise
set foot here over a century ago. Bermuda lies just 650 miles o the
coast of North Carolina and is easily reached in two hours from the
East Coast cities of New York, Boston, Washington D.C. and Charlotte,
NC. It is two and a half hours from Atlanta and Toronto and seven
hours from London, England.
American humorist Mark Twain, a frequent
visitor to Bermuda, may have been
correct when he
claimed that it was
the “right country for a
jaded man to loaf in”. It
would take great deter–
mination, however, to
resist all there is to do
in Bermuda.
Bermuda Gombey Dancer caPture
Bermuda
coNteNtS
4 CAPTURE BERMUDA BERMUDA RANKS as one of the more remote islands in
6 EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT
9 PRISTINE GOLF COURSES the world, it is either second or third in the list—a point for
12 THE ULTIMATE SPA discussion with those ‘Tommy-know-it-alls’ who enjoy a good
15 BLUSHING BEACHES debate. Certainly, it is one of the most beautiful places in the
17 TRANSPORTATION world; those from all walks of life have confirmed this point
18 ACCOMMODATION/MAP since the late 18th century, when Bermuda began attracting
21 WATERSPORTS visitors to our far-flung shores.
24 SHOPPING AROUND
26 TASTE OF BERMUDA The Island is located in the Atlantic Ocean on the same lati-
31 PICTURE PERFECT WEDDINGS tude as Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, just 650 miles o the
35 DESTINATION HONEYMOON Eastern seaboard. Warmed by the waters of the Gulf Stream,
Bermuda is a sub-tropical island with lush vegetation; the sea-
sonal rainfall and a stable water table provide su cient water
to support a relatively dense growth accented by splashes of
glorious colour.
In the beginning, Bermuda was a farming and fishing communi-
ty, well known for its exports of the Easter Lily and the Bermuda
onion. This lucrative trade came to an end in the 1930’s. How-
ever, Bermudians are enterprising and resilient; everything we
build, make or create performs a double duty; even our out-
going nature is a direct spin-o from our isolation.
We enjoy a good time and some say we are born entertainers:
we love an audience. Street festivals are a weekly event in the
summer; the friendly atmosphere is truly contagious. The ven-
ues hosting these events are significant areas that you will like-
ly become familiar with during your daytime sightseeing and
shopping activities as they are transformed to the lively street
festivals in the evening and include the Royal Naval Dockyard
in the west end of the Island, the Town of St. George in the
east end and the City of Hamilton, our capital city. Get into the
rhythm and beat of Calypso, Reggae, Jazz and African dance
groups while you take in the music, art, food and fun. Review
the schedule for these street festivals in the Bermuda Depart-
To find out more about one of the ment of Tourism’s brochure available island-wide or check your
concierge or the Visitor Information Centres for details.
world’s most exclusive destina-
During the festive holiday season, visitors will be spoiled for
tions, please call 1.800.bermuda. choices, a slate of sporting events fill the days and cultural
events dominate in the evenings. Talent is never in short sup-
Or, visit us at GoToBermuda.com ply—we may be small, but we are good. Dates for voice and
music recitals are dotted throughout the holiday calendar. And,
GOTOBERMUDA.COM the new wave of youthful playwrights and actors inject a fresh
‘buzz’ and energy into this vibrant cultural scene.
3
4 1.800.BERMUDA