Bermuda - The ultimate romantic escape
Couples searching for the ultimate romantic escape this Valentine’s Day need look no further than the sensual paradise isle of Bermuda. Only a six and a half hour direct flight from the UK with either British Airways or newcomer Zoom Airlines, the sweeping pink sand beaches, intoxicating year-round sunshine, enticing restaurants and captivating atmosphere of Bermuda are closer than you think!
Bermuda’s very essence is enough to inspire romance but here are a few extra reasons why Bermuda is the place to spend Valentine’s Day as well as some suggestions of how to enhance a romantic break on this delectable island.
International Love Festival – 15-18 February 2008 celebrates a weekend in Bermuda dedicated solely to love. Three days of events include a champagne and chocolate reception, a private concert by Regina Belle and the Sweetheart’s ball with a performance by Gladys Knight. Daytime activities including couples massage classes; salsa and ballroom dancing classes and romantic movie screenings are also available during the festival.
Moonstruck – Bermuda’s moongates are made for romance. Legend has it that couples who kiss under these coral and stone semi-circles will be blessed with good fortune and happiness. Couples can find these amorous arches dotted all around the island.
Romance on the Railway – For a lazy stroll through Bermuda, couples can enjoy the Railway Trail, a secluded 18-mile trail that runs the length of the island along the route of the former Bermuda Railway. The path provides stunning and peaceful backdrops of harbour and bay views, as well as colourful cottages and lush palmetto forests.
Turn up the Heat – Bermuda’s perfect location keeps the island warmed by the Gulf Stream and the sun’s rays, but free of the tropics’ relentless heat. The extraordinarily pleasant climate rarely sees extremes of either hot or cold and February is a wonderful time to visit, when temperatures average a balmy 70°F / 21°C.
Animal Attraction – Once the only way to get around Bermuda, horse-drawn carriages are still a top attraction for couples visiting the island and a romantic way to tour Hamilton by night. A single-horse carriage accommodating one to four passengers costs approx. US$20 for 30 minutes.
That’s Amore! – Beachfront diners can experience the best of Bermuda – gourmet dining, breathtaking sunsets and professional service – while playing footsie in the island’s famous pink sands. Restaurants such as Mickey’s at Elbow Beach, and Coconuts at The Reefs offer the ultimate al fresco experience.
Saintly Love – Located on the far eastern tip, north-east of the town of St. George, St. Catherine Beach boasts secluded pink sands nestled within a coral cove. Couples can pack a picnic and spend an entire day cosying up on the soft shore or bathing in the warm waters.
You Light Up My Life – From the top of Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, 362 feet above the sea, lovers can take in the sweeping views of Bermuda’s many islets. The second cast-iron lighthouse ever built, the building also houses an interesting history of Bermuda’s seafaring past. After the visit, couples can pause for some of the island’s best tea at the Lighthouse Tea Room.
Romance Concierge - Cambridge Beaches, one of Bermuda’s most exclusive resorts has introduced a romance/proposal concierge to help guests set the scene for romantic rendezvous. Surrounded by five private beaches, this hidden gem of a hotel offers oodles of privacy and old-world charm combined with historic cottages and impeccable service.
British Airways Prestige Collection offers seven nights at Cambridge Beaches, Bermuda from £1075 per person departing 12 February 2008. The price includes return BA flights from Gatwick, in resort private transfers and accommodation with breakfast for the duration. It is subject to availability, based on two sharing and includes all UK taxes. For reservations visit Ba.com/prestige for further information.
For more information on Bermuda visit Bermudatourism.com.
