7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Smith's
Summary: Planning a quick weekend getaway is a great way to save money while still seeing new places. Here are 7 fun weekend getaways for digital nomads living in Smith''s.
Bermuda is a paradise for digital nomads, offering a unique blend of British charm and island ease. Smith's Parish, located in the central part of the island, is an ideal base for exploring the rest of Bermuda. While the island is small, it's packed with diverse attractions, from pink-sand beaches to historic forts. Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach day, a cultural excursion, or an adventure off the beaten path, Bermuda has a weekend getaway to suit every taste. Here are seven fun weekend getaways for those living in Smith's, including popular spots and hidden gems.
Horseshoe Bay Beach
Horseshoe Bay Beach is one of Bermuda's most famous beaches, known for its stunning pink sand and crystal-clear waters. It's a perfect spot for a weekend of sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. The beach also offers amenities like beach rentals, food concessions, and lifeguards during the summer months. For the more adventurous, there are coastal trails offering breathtaking views of the shoreline.
How to Get There: Horseshoe Bay Beach is easily accessible by bus, taxi, or scooter from Smith's Parish. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes by road.
Travel Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to explore the nearby rock formations and hidden coves, such as Port Royal Cove, which offers a more secluded spot for relaxation.
Where to Stay: The Fairmont Southampton offers luxurious accommodations with stunning views of the beach. For a more intimate setting, consider The Reefs Resort and Club, which has a private beach.
Where to Eat: The Rum Bum Beach Bar is a popular spot right on Horseshoe Bay Beach, famous for its refreshing cocktails and casual beach fare.
St. George's
The historic town of St. George's, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-visit for anyone interested in Bermuda's colonial history. Wander through the old streets, visit the St. Peter's Church, and explore the forts that once protected the island. The town also hosts reenactments and walking tours that bring its rich history to life.
How to Get There: St. George's is accessible by bus or ferry from Hamilton, which is a short ride from Smith's Parish.
Travel Tip: Make sure to visit the Unfinished Church, an eerie yet beautiful Gothic structure that offers a unique photo opportunity.
Where to Stay: The St. George's Club offers comfortable cottages with access to private beaches and pools.
Where to Eat: Wahoo's Bistro and Patio is renowned for its fresh seafood, particularly the Wahoo nuggets, a local favorite.
Tom Moore's Jungle
For a truly off-the-beaten-path experience, Tom Moore's Jungle offers a lush escape into Bermuda's subtropical wilderness. Named after the Irish poet who once roamed these parts, the jungle is a maze of trails, caves, and grottoes waiting to be explored. It's a great spot for hiking, bird watching, and cave swimming.
How to Get There: Tom Moore's Jungle is located in Hamilton Parish, a short drive from Smith's. Renting a scooter or taking a taxi is the best way to reach this hidden gem.
Travel Tip: Bring a swimsuit and dive into the Blue Hole, a natural pool surrounded by mangroves and teeming with marine life.
Where to Stay: Grotto Bay Beach Resort is nearby and offers comfortable accommodations with an on-site cave for spa treatments.
Where to Eat: The Swizzle Inn, Bermuda's oldest pub, is famous for its Rum Swizzle cocktail and hearty pub grub.
Cooper's Island Nature Reserve
Cooper's Island Nature Reserve is a secluded paradise for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. Once off-limits as a military base, it's now open to the public and boasts unspoiled beaches, walking trails, and bird-watching spots. The reserve also offers panoramic views of the Atlantic and the chance to spot sea turtles.
How to Get There: The reserve is located at the eastern end of Bermuda, near the airport. The best way to get there is by motor scooter or taxi.
Travel Tip: Visit the Wildlife Observation Tower for a chance to see rare birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
Where to Stay: There are no accommodations on Cooper's Island, but nearby Grotto Bay Beach Resort is a convenient option.
Where to Eat: Café Boulevard, located at the Bermuda airport, offers a variety of dining options before or after your visit to the reserve.
Crystal and Fantasy Caves
The Crystal and Fantasy Caves are one of Bermuda's natural wonders, featuring stunning stalactites and stalagmites surrounding clear azure lakes. These subterranean landscapes offer a magical experience as you walk along floating pontoons and marvel at the formations that took millions of years to form.
How to Get There: The caves are located in Hamilton Parish, a short drive from Smith's Parish. You can take a bus, taxi, or rent a scooter to get there.
Travel Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as the caves can be damp and slippery, and don't forget your camera to capture the otherworldly beauty.
Where to Stay: Grotto Bay Beach Resort is close by and offers a unique experience with its own underground cave system.
Where to Eat: The nearby Swizzle Inn is a great place to enjoy a meal and Bermuda's national drink, the Rum Swizzle.
Spittal Pond Nature Reserve
Spittal Pond Nature Reserve is Bermuda's largest wildlife sanctuary and a lesser-known spot perfect for those seeking peace and solitude. The reserve features a variety of habitats, from coastal cliffs to freshwater ponds, and is an excellent location for birdwatching, especially during the migration seasons.
How to Get There: Located in Smith's Parish, Spittal Pond is easily accessible by bus, bike, or on foot for those living nearby.
Travel Tip: Visit in the spring or fall to witness the migratory birds that stop at the pond, and keep an eye out for the Portuguese Rock inscriptions from the early 1500s.
Where to Stay: There are no accommodations directly at Spittal Pond, but the nearby Rosewood Bermuda offers luxury lodging.
Where to Eat: The Village Pantry in Flatts Village offers a delightful menu with healthy options and is just a short distance from the reserve.
Jobson's Cove
Jobson's Cove is a small, sheltered bay surrounded by steep rocks, creating a natural swimming pool with calm waters. This hidden gem is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and picnicking in a more intimate setting. The cove's secluded nature makes it a perfect escape from the more crowded beaches.
How to Get There: Jobson's Cove is located near Warwick Long Bay and is best reached by bus, taxi, or scooter from Smith's Parish.
Travel Tip: Arrive early to enjoy the serene environment before it gets busier later in the day, and bring snorkeling gear to explore the vibrant marine life.
Where to Stay: The nearby Fairmont Southampton provides luxurious accommodations with easy access to the cove.
Where to Eat: The Gulfstream restaurant offers delicious seafood and is situated between the South Shore beaches and the city of Hamilton.
Whether you're looking for a weekend of adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, Bermuda's diverse landscapes and rich history provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable getaway.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
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