My Island: East To West
By Kristin White
Bermuda is so excited to welcome all of you to the island for the Coterie Retreat!
Munaluchi Bridal has planned incredible breakout sessions, networking events, and parties— so yes, your itinerary is jam-packed with goodness.
But just in case you have some time to explore, I wanted to offer you some ideas, from East to West.
East
Everyone in Bermuda will tell you I am COMPLETELY biased—and they’d be right! It’s well known that my favorite part of the island is the Town of St. George, the oldest continuously inhabited English town in the New World, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town and wider parish boast architecture from as early as 1620, cobble-stoned winding alleys, massive forts, museums and historic homes, beaches and coves, unique shopping and dining, a 64 acre nature reserve and a 404-year-old church. You can easily spend a few days exploring this underrated and highly Instagram-able gem.
Don’t Miss
The Unfinished Church, now a gothic ruin, this never-completed cathedral is a coveted spot for wedding ceremonies, and stylish photo shoots.
African Diaspora Heritage Trail (ADHT) tells the stories of enslaved Africans, brought here from 1616, and their descendants. The trail extends across the whole island and the majority of the sites are in St. George’s.
Central
The conference will be held in the City of Hamilton, the central and bustling city. It’s cliché to say there’s something here for everyone—but it’s true! From locally-owned boutiques to global luxury brands, cozy cafes to world-class eateries, public art murals to your host hotel’s jaw-dropping contemporary art collection—there’s a must-see around every corner.
Don’t Miss
Urban Cottage and Davidrose Jewelry on Front Street is perched alongside the stunning Hamilton waterfront, and, for the first time, black-owned businesses have opened on this primary shopping and dining thoroughfare. Urban Cottage is an incredibly stylish and unique boutique, designed and curated by Bermudian trendsetter Nicole Golden. Davidrose is owned by a husband and wife duo of jewelry designers, with each piece a work of art inspired by Bermuda.
Northeast Hamilton, Bermudians calls this area ‘back o’ town’. This off-the-beaten path, historically black district has a great selection of shops, hole-in the wall bars, plus authentic (and affordable!) West Indian, Japanese, Chinese and Indian cuisine.
West
The southern shore of Southampton is easily one of the most gorgeous stretches of seaside in the world. Depending on the weather, you might be able to laze on the soft pink and white sand at Horseshoe Bay, repeatedly named one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet, and it’s off the beaten path neighbour Chaplin Bay. Or hike along the sand dunes that connect these beaches, smaller coves, and a large park and camping grounds. Even on an overcast day, this picturesque vista is the perfect backdrop to let the world know that you’re in Bermuda.
Don’t Miss
Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse, perched high up on Gibb’s Hill, 245 feet above the water, this cast iron lighthouse was built in 1846. Open daily, visitors can climb the 185 steps to the platform to see for miles.
Woody’s, the famous Bermuda fish sandwich, with fish piled high on raisin bread, is served across the island. Woody’s is a local fave. Wash it down with a dark n’ stormy or Bermuda swizzle!