The Best Luxury Hotels in Bermuda

Described as Bermuda’s “old world” hotel, guests have been crossing the threshold of the grand Rosedon since 1906. Once a grand house, the lush gardens at this Bermuda boutique hotel are filled with passion flowers and birds of paradise making it feel secluded from the bustle of capital city, Hamilton. Take tea in the gardens, then wander five minutes to the boutiques along Bermuda’s most famous street, Front Street. Alternatively, hop on the free shuttle to the beach after a hearty breakfast of cloud-light buttermilk pancakes or silky eggs benedict at the hotel’s restaurant, Huckleberry.

Sprawling, yet perfectly proper, the manicured lawns and neat preppy buildings of the Rosewood sit atop the bluff between Castle Harbour and Harrington Sound. Yet, its commanding perch is still within easy reach of Bermuda’s blush beaches, including its own, which is accessed via tram. The Beach Club, which also has two pools, is open from March to October. The 240-acre (97ha) luxury hotel in Bermuda has its own golf course, a further two pools, croquet lawn, spa, water sports center and tennis, so there’s no excuse to be idle – unless, of course, you want to be. Sink into the deep roll-top bath to soothe aching muscles after kayaking around Castle Harbour.

Maximalism rules at the Fourways, where decor worthy of a grand château defines the stately stone chamber of the restaurant. Don’t miss Sunday brunch at this landmark eatery, where three courses are near mandatory. Go for the old-school charm of the shrimp cocktail, beef wellington and strawberry shortcake. To sleep off that food coma, you’ll be glad to know there are 11 family-friendly holiday cottages on site, with spacious balconies and patios, and access to a shared pool.

Bermuda’s rosy sands are one of the main draws at the Reefs, where each guest room faces west to enjoy sunsets over the Atlantic. This large resort – one of the best hotels in Bermuda – has been open since 1947, and is still owned and operated by Bermudian family, the Dodwells. Free kayak, paddle board and snorkeling gear allow you to make the most of the calm, secluded bay below the limestone cliffs. Four restaurants, an award-winning spa and a tennis court mean there’s no reason to leave once you’ve settled in. This is definitely one for those seeking easy relaxation.

Ever had a massage in a 500,000-year-old cave? Book the Grotto Bay Serenity Cave Experience and instead of your therapist’s feet, you’ll be gazing down at clear, turquoise waters, to the sound of droplets gently falling from thousands of stalactites. Described as Bermuda’s only all-inclusive optional resort, it’s also just five minutes from the airport. In the rooms, luxury touches such as marble bathrooms and coffeemakers come as standard. Try the swimming cave if the luminous bay gets boring.

Soak up some culture and fine living by the water’s edge. The Hamilton Princess & Beach Club is set right on the Harbour, perfect for watching world-class yachts as they take to the bay, and just a 15-minute walk from the Bermuda National Gallery. Yet, you don’t need to leave the hotel to see works by some of the world’s best artists – pieces by Picasso and Matisse adorn the walls of this alternative gallery space, with new pieces being acquired all the time. Book a guided tour and sample everything this Bermuda top hotel has to offer.

The owners of the Edgehill Manor bed and breakfast, while far from great at the game by their own admission, are very keen golfers. This colonial-style Bermuda guest house therefore particularly welcomes those that are here to hit the fairways. November through to the summer months is the best time to play the island’s nine courses. The 14-bed mansion is in a quiet residential area, but still only 10 minutes from downtown Hamilton, making it a favorite with business travelers. There’s a pool, and the style is fairly traditional, as befits a grand old house.

Traditional decor and old-fashioned hospitality await at the Royal Palms, where each day is marked with an evening wine hour, and rooms feature fresh-cut flowers on arrival. Downtown Hamilton is just a 10-minute walk from this former private home that dates from 1903, set in quiet tropical gardens. For a special night out without leaving the property, head to award-winning Ascots restaurant for homemade pasta and fresh seafood.

Sit up straight and mind your manners – there’s just something about a stately historic house that makes you carry yourself with a little more elegance. Tradition and refinement live on at this family-run bed and breakfast on the edge of Hamilton, which has been in the same hands since 1983. There’s no pool, spa or gym, but rooms are exceptionally spacious, furnished with antique and reproduction furniture befitting of its setting. Take a short walk to reach capital Hamilton’s boutique shops and fine dining spots.