Bermuda is practically a year-round destination, and an excellent spot for shoulder-season spring travel.
This picture-perfect Caribbean island offers a unique escape; it’s incredibly safe, clean, has a family-friendly culture and is full of adventures. You’ll find your family’s ideal base at Hamilton Princess, a sprawling resort located in the heart of Bermuda’s capital city, boasting picturesque harbour views and the island’s only full-service hotel marina.
The Vibe
Affectionately known as “The Pink Palace,” Hamilton Princess first opened its doors in 1885 and is steeped in island history. Though it boasts amenities and activities aplenty, this iconic hotel has a boutique-y feel that will allow you to create your own ultimate getaway at this pink paradise.
You’re welcomed into the Hamilton Princess family as soon as you step foot into the breezy lobby and the staff will quickly become friends, greeting your children by name at breakfast each morning. Even if it’s your first visit, you’ll feel as if you’ve been travelling to the hotel with your family for years – and you’ll notice that plenty of other guests have been. Don’t be surprised if you find local families popping in for dinner at 1609 Restaurant or lounging by the pool for a staycation, either. While there are plenty of luxury hotels on the island, Hamilton Princess offers a truly family-oriented stay, while still catering to adults in need of some R&R or elevated cuisine.
The Food + Drink
Hamilton Princess is home to five dining outposts, each with a distinct personality. Kids under five eat free at all of them. The crème de la crème of fine dining at the hotel is its latest venture, Intrepid, a steak, seafood, and raw bar, which offers an elevated American grill experience with local, freshly-caught fish and shellfish. Make reservations ahead of your stay as tables fill up quickly.
1609 Restaurant is a favourite, and not just for the impeccable harbour views. The menu features Latin American fusion cuisine with unique offerings – such as the sea bass empapelado or the charred cauliflower flatbread – that will have you scheming in your own kitchen upon returning home. They also serve poolside dishes during the day when you’re looking for a casual lunch.
Crown & Anchor is the flagship restaurant and heartbeat of the hotel, hosting everything from breakfast to afternoon tea and a hearty Sunday roast. It’s the spot for live music and a laid-back meal with a menu that will please a variety of palates. It also boasts a collection of cocktails featuring the local, island-made rum, Goslings.
After hopping on the adorable jitney to the hotel’s beach club, you’ll enter a private paradise home to a chic shack with pink-sand views. Order lunch from your beach chairs or private cabana to maximise play time. Back at the hotel, stop for coffee or a sweet treat at the end of a sun-soaked day at the lobby restaurant, The Duchess Café and Gelateria; it’s named after Princess Louise, the Duchess of Argyll – and also the hotel’s namesake – who first brought global acclaim to the island.
The Rooms
All 368 standard rooms, suites or penthouse suites boast views of either Hamilton Harbour, Pitts Bay, or the colourful capital city – but it’s the Fairmont Gold rooms and suites that go all-out for families. Opting for Fairmont Gold accommodation gives access to the Fairmont Gold Lounge, serving a daily complimentary continental breakfast, afternoon tea, happy hour hors d’oeuvres, and post-dinner desserts, along with all-day beverages and snacks – an excellent option for busy families, offering kids and parents a place to dine, sip, snack, and chat at their leisure. Plus, the dedicated Fairmont Gold staff is loved for their ability to always bring a smile to each child’s face and remember their favourite treats. Cribs are available on request, as are connecting rooms and accommodation for nannies travelling with you.
The Child’s Play
Beyond the beach club and pool (at which sunscreen, goggles and pool toys are offered to little ones), there are tennis and pickleball courts, and a stunning marina for all kinds of water sports (think whale-watching excursions and sailing trips). You’ll also score some cool points with your budding creatives: the hotel functions as a stellar art gallery, full of original contemporary works ranging from Warhol and Hockney to Banksy and KAWS. Art tours are offered every Saturday morning inviting kids (and adults) to learn more about the collection and its prominent works.
The Spa
The Exhale Spa is a must-know destination for parents and older kids. This stunning 8,000-square foot facility houses a recently reimagined spa, fitness centre full of Technogym equipment and a full roster of group exercise classes, a Zen Lounge, and an adults-only pool, complete with its own terraced spot for lunching between treatments. All with sparkling harbour views. The spa features a generous menu of head-to-toe treatments, from Hydrafacials to deep tissue massages however, if you’re looking for a really luxurious afternoon, book a treatment on board one of the marina’s yacht rentals.
The To-Do List
Just as at Hamilton Princess, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on this island. Ask the hotel to book you a Twizy, an electric-driving vehicle ideal for exploring UNESCO World Heritage Site, St. George, or visiting Bermuda’s most iconic beach, Horseshoe Bay, considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
If you’re looking for a souvenir you’ll actually cherish, a visit to Lili Bermuda Perfumery is a must for a tour of the facilities and afternoon tea in the gardens. The colourful neighbourhood of Southampton is home to charming boutiques (Tuck Shop is a favourite), and it’s also worth making a trip to the Bermuda National Gallery and Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art with younger family members. Touring the Crystal & Fantasy Caves is a must for families with school-age children or, if you have a moment san enfants, don’t miss out on a stop at Goslings Rum Distillery.
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