Visiting Bermuda? Here’s Where to Drink on the Tropical Island

Walking through the grassy grounds of the Hamilton Princess, I pass by a large statue of the circle which stands out among the modern design of the massive 400-plus room hotel which brushes against the tranquil, turquoise waters.

Naturally, because we decidedly live in the age of social media, me and my friend Brenda snap pictures in and around it. It seemed like a cute novelty, until I began seeing these strange circles everywhere. Were these some extraterrestrial signs, somehow related to the area’s famed Bermuda Triangle?

Turns out they’re called Moongates; a national symbol designed to bring good luck: especially to newlywed couples who pass through them hand-in-hand. Fortunately, or unfortunately, the only thing in my hand during my jaunt to Bermuda is a cocktail.

Today, after traversing the Princess’s impressive lobby (it doubles as an art museum with pieces courtesy everyone from Banksy to Picaso), I’m enjoying a Dark & Stormy in my spacious room which looks out onto an expanse of palm trees with the ocean just beyond their breezy tips. It’s another one of Bermuda’s national emblems; one of two of the region’s most iconic cocktails. (The other, of course, is the Rum Swizzle). The wall of my room naturally has a depiction of a Moongate, which I’m taking as another lucky sign.

With the glorious sun still high in the sky, my next logical spot to traverse was the Princess’s array of pools. There are two distinct areas to swim, bathe and tan, including a shallow area where the lounge chairs are plopped directly into the water. There’s a friendly pool attendant who is taking orders. Would I like something? Do they need to ask twice? I order up a Pina Colada; a cocktail which later becomes a staple of my trip. The ones here at the Princess are delectable: milky and perfectly sweet, with a hint of dark rum (probably in the form of Gosling’s, the go-to brand around these parts). The great Mark Twain once said,” You can go to heaven if you want. I’d rather stay in Bermuda.” It’s around this time I start to agree with him.

As the sun sets, I embark on a mini-trip out of Hamilton (where the Princess is located) in search of a bar in nearby Somerset Village that ironically has roots by my apartment in Brooklyn, New York. After a walk to the ferry station, we take a smooth half hour ride from Hamilton to the Royal Navy Dockyard, a mecca for cruise ships and another regale clue that Bermuda is a territory of the United Kingdom. After a 10-minute cab ride, we pull up to Cambridge Beaches, the home of the Sunken Harbor Club. (And yes, it’s located on King’s Road.)

One of the island’s most lauded cocktail destinations in the wake of its September 2022 opening, it’s an offshoot of the Sunken Harbor Club in Brooklyn above the celebrated restaurant Gage and Tollner. Here in Bermuda, the bar seems more like a hideaway than a meeting ground for global travelers. Outside sits two vibrantly pink lounge chairs (photo opportunity!). Inside in a pink building boasting a white-trim door we find a homey atmosphere of comfortable furniture and potted plants. The bar itself is a small nook that seats less than 10 people. (There are other places to sit, including outdoor seats; but curious about their stellar reputation, we take a seat).

Keeping with my Pina Colada streak, I opt for their Angostura Colada (Jamaican rums, pineapple, coconut and nutmeg along with the eponymous Agnostra). It goes down as smooth as imagine island life is. Should I just sublet my apartment right now and stay here forever? Don’t think it didn’t cross my mind, especially after noshing on Spanakopita and Curry Chicken Skewers.

You can imagine what followed next during another day at the Princess: more pool time, and more Coladas. Hey, don’t judge me: I’m in vacation mode, which really hits home during dinner the next day at Rosewood Beach Club where I meet managing director Andrew Archibald and F&B director Serge Bottelli who both clearly have a passion for their work. Even as downpours from passing storms pound the roofs above us (which adds an entertaining tension drama to my getaway rather than raining on my parade), the property is still jaw-droppingly beautiful; surrounded by rich vegetation, with the wafting smell of flowers and gorgeous vistas. The pink beach here is popping with pink, the water is astoundingly blue.

The frozen drink selection at the Beach Club is copious (Pina Colada, Strawberry Daiquiri, Mango Daiquiri, Margarita, along with Dark and Stormys and Frose’s), as well as their cocktails which range from a Mango Sangria (whipped up with Bermuda White Roof Gin) and a High Tide (which includes 3 Star Plantation Rum and a splash of Blue Curacao). Their dinner menu is just as noteworthy, including an Oyster’s Rockefeller special (life-changing). Other fresh fare amounts to gazpacho, oysters and Rockfish, the latter of which is a prevalent menu item around these parts.

Towards the end of my jaunt around beautiful Bermuda, I find myself at The Loren which has its own array of culinary and cocktail delights spearheaded by F&B director Andre Roberts. One night following dinner at their very own beach club, I follow it up by walking upstairs to the Marée Lounge. the bartenders here were just about to close up, but they pour us a glass of red wine as they began putting everything away.

Before long, we’re trading our favorite songs as they blare over the loudspeaker, including a sing-along to “Sweet Caroline.” Nearby, a pool table is calling our names. We’re playing, singing, sipping. At the risk of continuing to spout platitudes, it’s a fitting and fun end to 48 hours in paradise.