There’s only one country where nearly every course has an ocean view. But there’s much more to this British outpost than golf. Its pink sand beaches, proximity to the U.S. and balmy weather make the island an ideal escape for a memorable long weekend.
Golf
Mid Ocean Club, an expansive Golden Age beauty by C.B. Macdonald on cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean, accepts visitors when there are openings. Port Royal Golf Course’s famous 176-yard 16th demands a carry over crashing waves, but it’s about to undergo a renovation, so check ahead. Your concierge may be able to swing a tee time at Tucker’s Point Club, which sits on hilly terrain above Castle Harbour and Harrington Sound. Belmont Hills Golf Club is a circa-1930s Devereux Emmett design that was toughened up with a 21st-century renovation.
Accommodations
The Fairmont Southampton has a fun 18-hole par-3 course and is a quick walk to two stunning pink-sand beaches. 9 Beaches has 84 ocean-front cabanas. The Newstead Belmont Hills Resort is steps from the course and has a private ferry to Hamilton. The Fairmont Hamilton Princess is near shops and restaurants, and Elbow Beach is a Mandarin Oriental property on 50 pristine garden acres above the ocean.
Dining
For pub fare and classic Bermudian drinks like the Rum Swizzle, you can’t beat two island institutions: Swizzle Inn and Hog Penny Pub. Fresco’s serves a mix of Italian/Mediterranean/Bermudian food in an elegant setting. Aqua at the Ariel Sands resort, owned by actor Michael Douglas’ family, is the place for romantic beachside dining and innovative seafood dishes. The Southampton’s French-cuisine Newport Room has the feel of a richly decorated yacht.
Activities
Off the course, you’ll want to be in, on or near the island’s turquoise waters. There are plenty of beaches and you can rent gear to jetski, parasail, scuba dive, sail or deep-sea fish. Cars aren’t allowed for visitors, so rent a scooter to explore. Stop at Hamilton’s Front Street for shopping and pub hopping, and at the Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse for panoramic views and a spot of tea.
