Bermuda Birthday Travel Diary

Birthday in Bermuda: A Luxe Getaway to the Island that Surprised Me

This year, I wanted my birthday trip to feel a little different—somewhere beautiful, a bit off the beaten path, and, most importantly, a place where I wouldn’t feel tempted to open my laptop. When you work with luxury boutique hotels for a living, you tend to set the bar high. But even with those expectations, Bermuda managed to surprise me in the best way possible.

Getting There: From Charlotte to Island Time

After a short stop in Charlotte, NC (you might’ve read my post about that detour!), we woke up very early to catch our flight to Bermuda. It was a quick hop across the Atlantic, and we found ourselves chatting with the loveliest woman seated next to us. Turns out, she is originally from the UK but has been living in Bermuda for the past 50 years. According to her, despite Bermuda not being technically part of the Caribbean, it’s the most beautiful of all the islands she’s visited. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but her words stuck with me.

And she was right.

First Impressions: Green, Lush, and Simply Stunning

Bermuda is green. And not just palm trees and landscaping-green—it’s jungle lush, tropical-vibrant, take-your-breath-away green. The water? Unreal. That electric turquoise you think only exists in filters or Photoshop. And everyone we met? Incredibly kind and welcoming, from airport staff to locals showing us around.

A Quick Lunch Stop at The Loren Hotel

Since our hotel, Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa, was about an hour from the airport, we didn’t want to lose the entire first day in transit. So, we made a quick pit stop at The Loren Hotel—a chic oceanfront spot much closer to the airport—for lunch. And wow. The view, the food, the vibe… let’s just say it set the tone for the days to come.

A Scenic Drive with a Local Guide (Kind Of)

We flagged a regular airport taxi upon arrival, but our driver turned out to be the real MVP of the day. He casually gave us his WhatsApp number and offered to drive us across the island whenever we were ready. When we called, he basically committed the entire day to us—showing us his favorite island spots, sharing stories, and even offering to store our luggage if we wanted to go exploring. (We didn’t take him up on that, but still… incredibly generous.)

On the way to the hotel, he made spontaneous stops: Hamilton Bay, Queen’s View, the lighthouse, tucked-away overlooks. He wasn’t just a driver, he was a guide, and it gave us a much more intimate introduction to the island.

Cambridge Beaches Resort: A Dream Stay

Let’s talk about Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa. Oh, man. I wish photos could do this place justice. It’s tucked away on a private peninsula in the west of the island, with panoramic water views in every direction. The property has that refined, timeless charm—think pink-washed cottages, winding garden paths, and ocean breezes everywhere you go.

Our room was more like a private villa: spacious, elegant, and perfectly positioned. We had our own terrace with a direct view of the water (sunrise direction, during the summer months, I’d recommend sunset direction, but since it was still considered shoulder season and quite windy, the sunrise direction was pretty good). The interiors felt like a luxe version of old-school island glamour: Soft tones, natural textures, a bathroom I wanted to move into.

We honestly didn’t feel the need to leave. Most of our days were spent hopping between our terrace, the pool, the beach, and the resort’s restaurant and bar. The food was excellent—fresh seafood, flavorful cocktails, and dreamy views with every meal. The vibe? Calm, elegant, and intimate. Exactly what I was craving.

What to pack & bring to Bermuda

Packing for Bermuda is a little different from your usual island getaway—it’s all about effortless island chic. Think chic swimwear in soft pastels or playful stripes, oversized sunhats (or statement sunglasses if that’s more your vibe), and flowy linen or silk dresses that catch the breeze. Flat sandals are a must, since heels don’t mix well with cobblestones and beach walks. And don’t underestimate the wind—Bermuda evenings can get surprisingly breezy, so a light cardigan, wrap, or even a thin pullover will make all the difference. Last but not least, don’t forget a chic SPF—because in Bermuda, even sunscreen is part of the look.

I’ve also put together a ShopMy list with pieces I wore on the island (and a few I wish I’d packed). For more inspiration and my full birthday trip wardrobe, take a look at What I Wore in Bermuda.

A Bit About Bermuda

In case you’re not totally sure where Bermuda is—you’re not alone. It’s often mistaken for a Caribbean island, but Bermuda is actually located in the North Atlantic Ocean, about 650 miles off the coast of North Carolina. It’s a British Overseas Territory with a fascinating blend of cultures and history. Colonized by the English in 1612, Bermuda blends British charm with African, Portuguese, and Caribbean influences.

It’s also immaculate. The roads are clean, the houses are pastel-colored perfection, and everything is beautifully kept. Bermuda has a slower pace, but in a way that feels intentional—not sleepy, just elegant and unhurried.

Would I Go Back? Absolutely.

This wasn’t a press trip. I booked everything myself. But I loved it so much that I might write a separate review just for the hotel, because it really blew me away. Bermuda isn’t wild or chaotic—it’s not party central—but if you’re looking for something elevated, beautiful, and peaceful, this might just be your place.

Bermuda

My Bermuda Birthday Travel Diary

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