The Best of St. George, Bermuda

"Selecting a Signature Scent at the Bermuda Perfumery The abundance of tropical flowers and plant life flourishing along Bermuda’s sunny shores makes it a prime location for the creation of fabulous fragrances. The Bermuda Perfumery has been blending essential oils and floral essences into sweet-smelling perfumes, under the Lili Bermuda name, since 1928. Located at Stewart Hall in St. George, visitors can see the perfume-making process, sample different scents, and purchase lavish gifts. All fragrances are developed on the island under the direction of perfumer Isabelle Ramsay-Brackstone. Specially blended fragrances represent the natural beauty and floral, citrus, and sea-inspired scents of Bermuda. Whether your fragrance tastes lean toward flirty florals, hints of honeysuckle, or fresh bursts of citrus, there is a scent to suit every body. Exotic concoctions of coconut milk, guava, and sea salt will stir up memories of Bermuda's tropical location. Men’s fragrances include refreshing aromas of loquat and seagrass as well as masculine mixes of warm Bermuda cedar, rosemary, and lavender. A wide variety of products are available for purchase, including perfume, eau de toilette, cologne, body lotion, and shower gel. Can’t decide between all of the enchanting scents? Try a mix of small, sample-size vials."

"The centerpiece of a vast resort, golf club, and residential community complex, Rosewood Bermuda sits on 240 acres of waterfront land overlooking Castle Harbour, Harrington Sound, and the Atlantic Ocean. The recently refurbished resort is anchored by the Manor House,where 88 guest rooms blend classic cottage-style architecture and modern interiors that continue to set the standard for today’s luxury seekers: think canopy and four-poster beds, plantation shutters, and colonial-era antiques, all set against a cool white backdrop. Spring for a deluxe poolside room, which also has access to a private poolside daybed. Just don’t expect too much down time. Three on-site restaurants and two bars are beyond selfie-worthy, treatments at the spa incorporate local ingredients like cedar and juniper, and hotel guests receive membership to the 18-hole Roger Rulewich–designed golf course, tennis courts, and a beach club that sits on an exclusive stretch of pink sand for the duration of their stay."

"Fort St. Catherine and Museum The first fortification to occupy this spot on the northern tip of Bermuda was built from wood in 1612; it was replaced just two years later by a stone structure. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this fort was rebuilt and expanded several more times over the centuries as the needs of the Royal Navy changed and its presence on Bermuda increased. The final expansion in the 19th century included the addition of military housing and new gun positions. Today the site, which sits between St. Catherine Beach and Achilles Bay, includes a dry moat, numerous stone buildings, and a museum that features antique weapons and a gallery of dioramas that trace the fort’s various iterations."

"Step into Bermuda's Colonial Past at the Tucker House Museum Owned by the Bermuda National Trust, the Tucker House museum in St. George is a tribute to the prominent family that lived there during the 1700s. Henry Tucker was president of the Governor’s Council and had connections to Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. A collection of family treasures such as silver, china, portraits, and antique cedar and mahogany furniture are on display. Learn about the home’s former inhabitants, Bermuda’s history, and island architecture as you take a guided tour through the house. An archaeology exhibit in the basement tells the story of the family through displays and artifacts. Be sure to check out the Rainey Exhibit in the kitchen. Joseph Rainey was a free slave from South Carolina who fled to Bermuda during the height of conflicts in the U.S. He operated a barber shop, presumably off of the kitchen, from 1862-1865. Rainey eventually returned to the U.S. where he went on to become the first African American in the U.S. House of Representatives."

"Withstanding the Test of Time at Bermuda's Unfinished Church Standing strong and serene upon a carpet of soft green grass, the weathered surface of the Unfinished Church has withstood both Mother Nature and Father Time. The Gothic Revival structure is located at the eastern end of Bermuda in St. George, about a 15-minute walk from Kings Square. Construction on the church originally began in 1874 when St. Peter's Church suffered storm damage. Disagreements between members soon caused production to come to a standstill - it seems that while some thought a new church should be built, others wanted to just repair the old one. A shortage of funds also played a big factor in the issue, and construction never continued. In 1926, another storm destroyed a lot of what had been built up to that point, leaving a roofless frame of quiet contemplation. Today, visitors can stroll past the soaring stone pillars, crumbling columns, and beautiful arched windows of this open-air sanctuary. Even though it’s incomplete, there is a certain mystical appeal and air of tranquility to the property. The Unfinished Church is part of the St. George’s World Heritage Site. It makes a beautiful backdrop for weddings and photo sessions."

"Trotting Across the Coast on Horseback Nothing says tropical beach destination better than trotting across the sand on an equestrian adventure. Get a unique vantage point of Bermuda’s cliffs, coves, and turquoise waters from the back of a horse. Both beginner and experienced riders can enjoy the unique experience of horseback riding on the beaches and trails of Bermuda . Enjoy the view as gentle horses walk past the stone walls of Fort St. Catherine and the pink sand of Tobacco Bay. Trail rides and lessons are offered at Little Piece of Heaven in St. George’s and the Spicelands Equestrian Centre in Warwick."

"St. David's Lighthouse St. David’s Lighthouse stands on the highest point on the eastern end of Bermuda at a total of 208 feet above sea level. Located on St. David’s Island, this stone structure is 55 feet tall and overlooks the South Shore. Built in 1879 to signal ships so that they didn’t come too close to the offshore hidden reefs, the beam reaches 20 nautical miles and is still used as a beacon to mariners today. The 85 steps are a fairly easy climb, and the view is well worth any exertion it might take to get to the top. In April and May, this is a great place to watch migrating humpback whales. St. David’s Lighthouse is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free."

"A Glimpse into Southern Secession at the Bermuda National Trust Museum Within its stone walls, the Bermuda National Trust Museum holds exhibits and examples of Bermuda’s link to the Confederacy during the American Civil War. The island’s central Atlantic location made it a prime stopping point for shipments between the Southern ports and England. During the war, the building served as the offices and headquarters of Confederate agent Major Norman Walker. After the war, it saw a second life as the Globe Hotel. Today, visitors can travel through nearly 400 years of Bermuda and maritime history through the exhibit “Rogues and Runners: Bermuda and the American Civil War” and the video presentation “Bermuda: Centre of the Atlantic.” Other historic topics include piracy and smuggling. There are also models of the ships used to transport goods to the southern states on display."

"Bermuda Sunsets If you ever have the chance to visit this gorgeous destination, be sure to catch one of our beautiful sunrises or sunsets. The best you'll ever see! By Jenita Dyer"