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Bermuda is a fantastic place for a luxurious holiday. The island, with a true treasure trove of stunning beaches – some large and open, others off the beaten track and secluded – has everything you could want. Sun and sea, sailing, water skiing, snorkelling, and plenty for the entire family (including children) to do. Add to this some of the most comfortable hotels, cottage colonies and guest houses around, plus top-grade restaurants and bars, and you’ve got the recipe for a successful holiday. Holidays to Bermuda are the perfect choice for singles, couples and families alike. The Island’s History Did you know that the island was originally settled by shipwrecked sailors? The first European settlers, albeit not by choice, were sailors from a British sailing vessel, the Sea Venture, which was shipwrecked here in 1609. Eventually, they managed to return home, but their description of this idyllic island led to the Virginia Company sending a colonisation mission in 1612 – and Bermuda has been inhabited ever since. The 1612 settlers landed and built their first outpost at what was later to be St George’s. Today, St George’s is the oldest continuously occupied town founded by the British in what is known as the “New World”. Because of the town’s historical importance and the fact that it still retains the character and quality of that long-ago first settlement, it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For many who decide to take their holidays in Bermuda, St George’s offers them a unique opportunity to experience life as it was lived in the past, but still enjoy all the amenities of modern life. Inside the town, you are immediately taken back in time. Most of the streets were designed to be wide enough for a horse and carriage rather than a car. Street names are also quaint, many named after local characters as in “Aunt Peggy’s Lane”. Many of the streets are lined with small, picturesque buildings and cottages but there is no shortage of shops, coffee bars and restaurants in which to sit and watch the world go by. What Not to Miss There’s a lot to see in St George’s, so rather than provide you with a complete guide book, here are some of the places you must visit. The World Heritage Centre – Next to Penno’s Wharf, you’ll get a great insight into the town’s history, its heritage and its many historical buildings and fortifications. Ordnance Island – Just metres off shore and connected to the island by bridge, here you can see a full-sized replica of the ship built by the original shipwrecked sailors to leave the island – the Deliverance. St Catherine’s Fort and Gates Fort – Both going back to the days of the British Empire when they protected the sea approaches to the port. The Ducking Stool – An age old punishment for a nagging spouse when they would be tied to a chair and ducked in the water. Re-enactments are staged at 12:30 Monday to Thursday and Saturday between May to October and at 12:00 on Wednesdays and Saturday the rest of the year. Somers Wharf – Named after the captain of the Deliverance, this is now a small but vibrant commercial centre with bars and restaurants and dozens of small boutique shops that have something for everybody. Olde Town Market – No one’s holidays in Bermuda are complete without a visit to at least one colourful street market. And the Olde Town Market along Water Street has to be one of the best, selling homemade food, arts and crafts, and souvenirs. It’s a real festival of sight, sound and smell. So, that’s the town of St George’s in a nutshell. We hope that you enjoy your stay and we are certain you’ll be back for more. John Dixon is Managing Director of Prestige Holidays and visits Bermuda at least twice a year. He has been providing luxury Bermuda holidays as well as luxury holidays to many other destinations worldwide for over 30 years.
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