MORNING FUEL

Start your day at the bustling Devil’s Isle Cafe in the City of Hamilton. This hip spot is always buzzing with neighborhood folk pausing to enjoy good coffee and company. Locals swear by the Banana Bread French Toast (don’t forget to ask for charred bananas and sour cream on the side–a surprisingly delicious combination) and omelets served with an organic homemade bread, like pumpkin focaccia. If you have a full day planned, grab a cold brew or protein shake for the road. (Dare we suggest the Liver Lover–a smoothie packed with fresh banana, avocado, pear, and coconut water–to counterbalance all the Dark 'N Stormys^® you’ll order?)

Across the island in the vibrant and historic Town of St. George, Victoire Cafe & Cycle Club provides the perfect place to kickstart your day before heading off on a shopping trip or bike tour for two. With Scandinavian influences, this minimalist spot is ideal for grabbing a quick coffee and snack. For couples looking for a slower start to their morning, seats inside a refurbished fireplace are excellent for cozying up with a matcha and pastry.

MID-DAY MUST-HAVES

The Village Pantry is a delightful option for a bite al fresco. Surrounded by pastel houses in Flatts Village, a charming fishing village, this bright cafe offers a menu as diverse as the island itself. You can sample delicacies like poke bowls, portobello flatbreads, and tuna tartar, and perhaps most important, don’t forget to split an order of the famous truffle fries. If the weather is nice (and let’s face it, it probably is), order a smoothie to go and walk to the nearby docks in the harbour to soak up some rays.

Head to The Pickled Onion on the City of Hamilton’s Front Street to enjoy some sunshine and water views. Grab a table for two on the balcony overlooking the harbour, nosh on rockfish tacos and avocado eggrolls, and toast to new adventures with fun cocktails like the Jealous Coconut, made with coconut rum. When nighttime rolls around, head back for live music and of course, more colorful cocktails.

Legend has it that Shakespeare’s The Tempest was based on the Bermuda Shipwreck of 1609. Paying tribute to the famous play, Tempest Bistro is a hotspot located in an old carriage house in the Town of St. George that’s decorated with art celebrating the age of Shakespeare and the history of this colorful town. They’ve got great options for fish and pasta lovers, and the inventive homemade desserts are not to be missed for a lunchtime treat.

EVENING EATS

Tucked away in the boutique Royal Palms Hotel in the City of Hamilton, Ascots is a romantic dinner retreat. While the hotel style is that of a traditional colonial home, the restaurant’s atmosphere, like the menu itself, is fresh and cool. No trip to Ascots is complete without sampling the famous Banana Soup, served with toasted almonds and a healthy pour of Bermuda Black Seal Rum on top. End your meal with dessert and a sampling of their astounding wine selection before retreating to the patio to enjoy views of the garden.

For an upbeat night full of dinner and dancing, Marcus' at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club boasts mouthwatering dishes like dock-to-table sashimi, jerk chicken, and the best cornbread with tomato jam that you’ll ever get your hands on. Split an oversize glazed doughnut and homemade cream cheese ice cream before taking to the dance floor on Reggae Night, held with a live band each Thursday night at the restaurant.

LUX LIBATIONS

Front Street in the City of Hamilton is full of pubs, restaurants, and bars that are sure to provide the perfect nightcap for you and your beau after a long day of exploring. Yet tucked away on a side street and up a flight of stairs, you’ll find a nondescript door with the letters “YT” that leads to one of Bermuda’s most noteworthy hotspots. Buzz the doorbell to gain access to the cool hideout affectionately dubbed Yours Truly. Dimly lit and full of cozy booths and tables, this alluring speakeasy is a romantic hideaway for locals and visitors alike. Try a Bermuda Sour, a tasty creation with black rum, orange curacao, lemon, hibiscus, and egg white, or if you’re feeling daring, ask for a Bartender’s Choice. Simply tell Sula, or another talented local bartender, what you’re in the mood for, and watch as a cocktail that magically fits your mood is meticulously crafted. “The bartender took his time, listened to all of our preferences and requests, and crafted drinks that exceeded our expectations,” Wendy recalls.

For an intimate drink with ocean views, head to Conservatory Bar & Lounge at The Rosewood Hotel. This chic space is airy and bright during the day, but twin fireplaces and dark wood ceiling beams make this a dreamy date-night spot to relax with a gin cocktail–the bar’s main focus. Their take on the gin martini includes orange bitters, a welcome floral addition to an already near-perfect concoction.

FOR BOTH OF YOU. . .

Lili Bermuda Boutique | 67 Front Street, City of Hamilton

Start at Lili Bermuda, where both women and men can find a new signature scent. The institution, which launched in 1928, also has a variety of fresh, gender-neutral fragrances for couples who believe sharing is caring. Grab the Fragrance Library, a collection of six sample-size bottles from the brand’s legacy collection. For a more immersive experience, pop into the brand’s HQ in the Town of St. George–the Bermuda Perfumery–to create a one-of-a-kind fragrance using essential oils and aromas indigenous to the island with the support of the brand’s Master Perfumer, Isabelle Ramsay-Brackstone.

Wendy Nguyen’s favorite scent? Fresh Water.

“It’s bright and refreshing.” she says. “It reminds me of happy days and warm summer nights. From cappuccino to cocktails, it’s the perfect all-day scent!”

Gosling’s | 9 Dundonald Street, City of Hamilton

Bring the flavor of Bermuda back home by making a quick trip to Gosling’s, the storefront dedicated to the Black Seal rum rooted in the island’s heritage and history. Snag a bottle for the kitchen bar and mix up a a Dark 'N Stormy^® or an iconic Rum Swizzle for guests back home.

Alexandra Mosher | 5 Front Street, City of Hamilton

Keep the pink sand of Bermuda close to the heart by indulging in a pendant necklace from Alexandra Mosher’s flagship store. Mosher uses sand from Bermuda’s beaches in most of her handcrafted designs, which range from earrings to cuff links to a collection of jewelry for every member of a wedding party.

&Partners | 46 Par-La-Ville Road, City of Hamilton

At &Partners, couples will find a distinctive shopping experience unlike any other in Bermuda. The shop was founded by Peter Lapsley, an island native who is the former director of the Bermuda Society of Arts, and his wife Andrea, an artist from Norway. The two have combined their appreciation for minimalist goods and modern designs to curate a collection of homewares, jewelry, and sculptural knickknacks from brands based in North America and Scandinavia.

Bridge House Gallery | 1 Bridge Street, the Town of St. George

A historical monument in St. George’s, Bridge House was occupied by Bermuda’s governors in the late 17th century. Inside the house, you’ll find a ground-floor gallery of photographs and paintings from local artists; purchase smaller reproductions of these colorful pieces and bring a piece of Bermuda home with you.

FOR HER…

1609 Design | Old Cellar Lane, 47 Front Street, City of Hamilton

Stroll down Old Cellar Lane, an alley flanked by vibrant street art, and pop into 1609 Design. The name pays homage to the year Bermuda was founded, and the gifts inside are inspired by the island itself. The variety of jewelry–everything from delicate rings embellished with indigenous stones to large and bold tassel earrings in rainbow colors–was designed by shop owner Joanna Stapff. You’ll find Stapff and her playful little dog manning the shop most afternoons. Also, explore a selection of cute and quirky gifts, like candles made in upcycled glass bottles and tote bags bearing catchphrases like Dark ’N Stormy All Day and Kinda Pissed I’m Not A Mermaid.

Davidrose | 47 Front Street, Hamilton, & 20 Water Street, the Town of St. George

Planning to drop one knee into Bermuda’s pink sand? Solicit the talents of husband-and-wife duo David and Rose–the team behind Davidrose, one of the island’s esteemed jewelry stores. At the stores in the City of Hamilton and the Town of St. George, couples who are lucky in love can peruse a sprawling and sparkling array of engagement and wedding rings. Aside from the bridal collection, Davidrose also offers exquisite statement pieces that incorporate the striking blues of Bermuda’s water and figures like triangles and seahorses that symbolize the island.

Merch | 1 King’s Square, the Town of St. George

Find a fresh assortment of style staples and home goods in this breezy St. George’s storefront. At Merch, shop for trendy tassel earrings and rattan purses, elevated souvenirs like eco-friendly jute bags, and stationery designed and printed in Bermuda.

Urban Cottage | 11 Front Street, City of Hamilton

The quirky, cool selection of apparel and gifts at Urban Cottage includes everything from vintage party dresses and palm-tree-printed swimsuits by international designers to pillows, wall hangings, and serving trays from local artists. Explore two stories of the shop’s self-described “eclectic elegance” on Front Street.

Long Story Short | Tucker House Basement, 5 Water Street, the Town of St. George

Feminists, rejoice. In her shop, Long Story Short, local leader Kristin White has curated a selection of memoirs and novels written by women, for women. Her shop in St. George’s also features gifts like candles, tote bags, and T-shirts that bear witty phrases and sayings, like Don’t Threaten Me With A Good Time.

FOR HIM…

TABS | 12 Reid Street, City of Hamilton

A shopping trip in Bermuda wouldn’t be complete without a trip to TABS–The Authentic Bermuda Shorts, that is. Here, guys and girls can try on a vibrant array of kneeskimming styles in colors like Clearwater Blue and Hibiscus Pink. Remember, fellas: the most authentic way to wear Bermuda shorts is to pair them with a navy blazer and kneehigh navy socks.

Coral Coast | 15 Front Street, City of Hamilton

Find the perfect bow tie and button-down to complement Bermuda shorts at Coral Coast. The brand originated in Bermuda and has become a favorite of gents in Nantucket and Charleston, and every preppy East Coast city in between. At the flagship store on Front Street, browse pastel apparel for work, play, or a day at the beach.