Top Five Things To Do In Bermuda

All the best things come in small packages, and this is certainly true of the tiny Island of Bermuda. Being just under 21 square miles it's amazing how you can fill a visit to Bermuda full of art, culture, history, sports, relaxation and culinary discovery.

With so much to discover here are just a few pointers on what to do whilst visiting the Island.

1. Uncover the colonial past

Bermuda's colonial history is perhaps most apparent in its old capital St. George. This town has been granted UNESCO world heritage status because of its old fortifications and colonial buildings, which are still standing 300 years after the English first settled here. Explore the old streets and buildings, many of which have now been turned into museums, to gain insight into the colonial past of Bermuda.

2. Shop till you drop

The larger towns of Bermuda, Hamilton (the Islands capital city), the Royal Navy Dockyards and St Georges all offer great shopping opportunities to the visitor. Aside from luxury goods and chic boutiques you will also find local Bermudian art, craft and antiques. Look out for the Bermuda Craft Market and Clock Tower Mall in the Dockyards which support and encourage the creation and sale of local crafts. Whilst visiting you can watch the artists at work and learn more about Bermuda traditions such as cedar wood craft.

3. Tee off at a PGA golf course

Bermuda boasts 9 golf courses. Not bad for such a small Island. Each course has been specifically designed to provide a variety of challenges to appeal to all standards of golfers. A round of golf at each course will take you through beautiful landscapes all of which have stunning coastal views. Whilst most of the courses are private, the government-run public golf course Port Royal is ranked as one of the best in the world. It has even played host to the PGA grand slam in 2009 and 2010.

4. Discover an unspoilt underwater world

You don't have to be a fully qualified diver in order to enjoy the stunning underwater world surrounding Bermuda. Organised snorkelling tours can take you to some of the best spots for spotting marine wildlife, ancient wrecks and colourful coral reefs. Otherwise snorkelling from the beach in the crystal clear waters is a perfect way of whiling away a few hours. Some of the best spots for snorkelling are from Elbow Beach and Warwick Long Bay.

5. Get a birds eye view of Bermuda

There are many locations around the Island that afford you great views of Bermuda however the vista you get from Gibbs Hill lighthouse is hard to beat. Erected in 1846, Gibbs Hill lighthouse is the second cast iron lighthouse ever built. The views from the top of the 245 foot lighthouse are reached up 185 steps. Don't worry, there are landings to stop at along the way to catch your breath and find out about the history of the lighthouse. Once at the top you will discover the climb well worth the effort as you take in 360 degree views of the Island.

About the Author

Couture Travel are the Bermuda Holiday specialists having lived and worked on the Island for a number of years. Their wealth of knowledge and experience is used to design tailor made holidays to Bermuda that fulfil each and every one of their clients travel expectations.

Bermuda Records 4 Per Cent Rise in Tourists Arriving by Air

Bermuda has recorded 80,462 airline arrivals during the second quarter of 2011, according to the Minister of Business Development and Tourism, Patrice K. Minors. The number of travellers taking Bermuda holidays during this period increased by 4 percent in comparison to the same period last year which recorded 77,512 airline passengers.

The Minister said that occupancy levels in Bermuda hotels had also risen with the average number of nights increasing from 4.72 nights in 2010, up to 4.80 nights in 2011.

The nine largest hotels in Bermuda who belong to the Bermuda Hotel Association (BHA) and represent 75 per cent of the Caribbean island's properties, reported a 3 per cent increase in room occupancy levels in the second quarter this year. The volumes of guests received during that period meant that hotels experienced the rising number of in travellers taking Bermuda holidays during the first quarter of 2011.

Minors said that occupancy levels in the island's hotels are expected to increase this year with figures oscillating around 6 per cent in July, 19 per cent in August, 8 per cent in September, and 6 percent through October, November, and December.

"We are encouraged by the forecasts moving forward," Minors commented. "The tourism environment is more competitive than ever so we must continue to stress our proximity, outstanding events and diverse attractions to international visitors."

Situated off the east coast of the United States, Bermuda is a beautiful Caribbean island in the North Atlantic Ocean. Famous for its pink sand beaches and sub-tropical climate, the island is visited by thousands of travellers that go on Bermuda holidays each year.

During holidays in Bermuda, tourists can relax on the soft sand palm-fringed beaches; swim, snorkel or scuba dive in the warm azure ocean waters; take tours of the Bermuda Maritime Museum, the Bermuda Aquarium, Zoo and Museum; and explore the island's history at the Royal Naval Dockyard and the town of St George which is also a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Voted as the "Best Island in the Caribbean/Atlantic" at the Condé Nast Traveller 2010 Readers' Choice Awards in October, 2010, the island is a popular destination for international tourists taking Caribbean holidays.

The charming island offers a wide selection of activities for visitors of all ages planning holidays to Bermuda; including hiking and walking around the Caribbean island's rolling hills, rugged coastline or idyllic beaches; land sports such as horseback riding, tennis and golf; and watersports including kayaking, sailing, wind surfing, parasailing, fishing charters, scuba diving and waterskiing.

About the Author

Orlando Consuegra has worked on the Cuba holiday industry from its very begining, initially as a Tour Guide for Saga and Kuoni, he travelled the island helping thousands of holiday makers to make the most for their holiday in Cuba.

Praised by many as one of the best tour guides in Cuba, both for his impeccable knowledge and his very correct manners, Orlando got promoted to Guides Coordinator in the Cubanacan Travel Agency. During this period Orlando helped organise fam trips for European tour operators as part of the insertion of Cuba in the world's holiday industry.

Promoted again as General Supervisor of The Holiday Place in Cuba, Orlando helped build very strong relationships with all the hotels in Cuba while enforcing a very high level of service and attention to all company's clients.

Orlando writes a blog "Know Cuba holidays like Us" at The Cuba Experience website where he shares his deep knowledge in Cuba and its holiday industry.