Bermuda Emerges as a Top Wellness Destination with Unique Experiences
Bermuda is rapidly gaining recognition as a leading hub for wellness-focused travel, offering an array of unique experiences that blend natural beauty with holistic health. On a recent visit to the island, I discovered a world of relaxation and rejuvenation, starting with an extraordinary spa treatment in a 500,000-year-old cave.
Nirvana in an Ancient Cave Spa
Lying face-down in a floating cabana during an aromatherapy massage in Prospero's Cave was the closest I've ever come to nirvana. The cabana hovers above an azure underground lake, surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites that create a serene, otherworldly atmosphere. The gentle drips of water, echoing through the cavern, provided a calming soundtrack as my muscles relaxed in this ancient setting.
This cave, along with the nearby Cathedral Cave, forms part of the expansive limestone grottos beneath the Grotto Bay Beach Resort & Spa. Guests can also take a refreshing dip in Cathedral Cave's naturally cool waters, which reach depths of nine metres, offering a welcome escape from Bermuda's balmy temperatures.
Historical Roots and Modern Wellness
First discovered during Bermuda's early colonisation, Prospero's Cave is thought to have been found by Sir George Somers after his shipwreck in 1609. Today, the resort's Natura Spa, with just three overwater cabanas inside the cave, offers exclusive treatments in one of the world's few such unique locations. This experience marked the beginning of my wellness journey on this beautiful archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Bermuda's Allure Beyond the Caves
Famous for its pink-sand beaches and turquoise waters, Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory comprising seven main islands within an archipelago of 181. It is actively positioning itself as a premier destination for wellness travellers. I was pleasantly surprised by the mild winter temperatures in January, ranging from 16 to 20 degrees Celsius, providing a respite from harsh British winters just eight hours away by air.
The warmth and hospitality of Bermuda's people are equally compelling. Walking through Hamilton, the capital on Main Island, with its pastel-coloured waterfront buildings, vibrant street art, and charming shops, it's nearly impossible to pass anyone without receiving a friendly smile.
Luxury Accommodations and Culinary Delights
I stayed at the luxurious five-star Rosewood Bermuda on Tucker's Point in Hamilton Parish, home to Bermuda's largest private pink-sand beach. The sand's subtle pink hue comes from microscopic marine organisms called foraminifera, whose red or pink shells mix with white sand and coral fragments. A visit to nearby Horseshoe Bay, with its crescent-shaped beach and dramatic limestone cliffs, is a must.
The resort features a spa, five scenic swimming pools, and three restaurants with two bars, offering the perfect setting to unwind. Bermuda's food scene celebrates local flavours, with must-tries including the Dark 'n' Stormy cocktail made with Gosling's Black Seal rum and ginger beer, and the famous Bermuda fish sandwich served on toasted raisin bread.
Wellness Experiences Across the Island
My trip focused on exploring Bermuda's full range of wellness offerings. One highlight was a barre class at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, also known as the 'Pink Palace', which boasts an impressive art collection and is Bermuda's only luxury urban resort.
Jessica Burns, founder of The Retreat House, embodies Bermuda's wellness ethos. After losing her mother to ovarian cancer in 2023, she left her corporate career in London to transform her family's property into a sanctuary for connecting with oneself and nature. Since 2024, she has hosted retreats for people living with cancer and expectant mothers, aiming to establish Bermuda as a world-leading wellness destination.
Foraging and Natural Healing
Bermuda's lush tropical greenery and unhurried pace naturally foster relaxation, but it's also rich in culinary and medicinal plants. I joined a foraging tour with local vegan chef Doreen Williams-James on Cooper's Island Nature Reserve. She pointed out edible and medicinal plants like Old Spice, fennel, wood sorrel, hibiscus, and scurvy grass, a vitamin C-rich plant that historically cured scurvy among sailors.
Williams-James emphasised the health benefits of eating seasonally, noting that many plants are naturally high in vitamin C during certain times of the year. Foraging, once a way of life for older generations, is now attracting younger people seeking healthier lifestyles.
A Refreshing Departure
From massages in ancient caves to foraging tours and unspoilt beaches, I left Bermuda feeling refreshed and ready to tackle city life again. This trip showcased how Bermuda is breaking the mould as a wellness destination, offering unique experiences that blend history, nature, and holistic health.
