Rosedon Online Uniquely Bermudian Discoveries

Traditionally on Friday, most Bermudians will wake up, go to church, have a traditional breakfast of codfish and cakes, then head out to fly the infamous Bermuda Kite. The Bermuda Kites is unique to our island and is also saved for this time of year to be flown. These kites are created right here in Bermuda and are typically made of colorful material in the shape of a hexagon or octagon. The kites are flown throughout the entire weekend but usually will start flying on Friday morning right after church. Each Easter, the sky is filled with these colorful creations all weekend long, and guests can join in the fun by buying a kite from one of the many local vendors around the island. 

A local captain chased his dreams to visit China, and when he arrived back to Bermuda, he came back with a good luck charm that is known on the island as a Moon Gate. The Moon Gate is a round opening in a garden wall, they can typically be seen in public parks, private residences, and in many of the hotels around the island. It is said that this round oracle will bring good luck and happiness to those that pass through the opening of the gate, in particular, newlyweds, which is why you will see many passing through and kissing during their wedding celebrations. We believe the more you find, the luckier you will be — and we have hundreds of opportunities to get lucky right here in Bermuda — all you have to do is find the Moon Gate.

Every year since 1976, between the months of January and March, Bermuda has showcased some of the finest performing artists from the surrounding area, as well as a few visiting artists. This event has grown tremendously over the decades and is a reason many of our guests come back year after year. The theme for this year's festival is “Come Together,” representing the power that the performing arts community has on uniting communities and bringing people together. The full list of artists performing for the month of February and March are all listed here along with prices and purchasing information. "Come Together," for a month of music, art and celebration in Bermuda! 

This 60-minute tour will bring you to high points like Hamilton and the Dockyard, depending on the route you choose, while offering a few chuckles along the way. The trolley is a staple among locals and returning guests, and is recognized all around the island. The conductors are experts on the history and culture of Bermuda and will leave you feeling like you’ve been to the island one thousand times over. Immerse yourself in the diverse heritage of Bermuda, and by the next time you come back, you’ll be sharing Bermmy facts like you were born right here on the rock! 

Quite frankly, we could ourselves extremely passionate about the Christmas season. When you arrive to Bermuda in December, you can count on brightly lit-up shops and streets, cheery people around every corner, and a surplus of holiday-inspired events. The Christmas tree lighting, holiday parade, and dolphin carolers are just some of the fun things you might be able to catch during your visit to Bermuda. For those that would like to spend Christmas Day in the islands, be sure to pack a bathing suit, because people from all over the island gather at Elbow Beach for a serene sunrise, a toast of champagne, and a quick dip in the warm waters of the Caribbean ocean. Bring in this Christmas season with the joy that is generated from The Rock—we are sure it will be a year to remember! 

The dockyard was built in the early 1800s as a secure place for the British troops to stop after their defeat during the American War of Independence. This port became useful for the War of 1812 and for another 139 years after that. After it served the country for over a century, it became abandoned until 1995 when the National Museum of Bermuda decided to spruce it back up and make it a nice place for everyone to visit and remember the important role it played in the development of Bermuda. Have lunch, marvel at the ships, and daydream while strolling along the long-standing docks that hold so much history in each and every crevice. 

From the months of September to March you can expect to see fresh spiny lobster on almost every menu here on the rock. If you have never had the spiny lobster experience before, please allow us to give you a quick crash course on this tiny ocean bug. Spiny lobster is a cousin of the classic favorite, the Maine Lobster. Although these two are in the same family, they are very different. The spiny lobster has a much more tough exterior and is missing the infamous claws. But don’t let that scare you, it’s tail Is where all the treasure is hidden. Try this delicacy at any local restaurant or even try your hand at the catch-and-cook experience. There is nothing quite like fresh lobster, especially while sitting oceanside! 

This lovely area will take you through quiet beaches, secluded coves, and even around plunging cliffs. It is one of the most scenic running routes on the island and is a fun way to get in that much-needed workout without hitting the gym. After you conclude your run, take a few minutes to stretch and meditate right along the sandy shores of Bermuda while you gaze out at the vast blue sea. In Bermuda, we don't just work out our bodies, we work out our mind and soul too.

This reserve is full of walking trails, caves, and grottoes that are linked throughout the area—but Blue Hole Park is the spot that sticks out the most to us because of how unique it is. The blue pool of Blue Pool Park is an iridescent pond surrounded by mangroves. This beautiful pond glows with the help of the pond floor because of how clear the water is. The trail to the blue pool is a little rocky, but it's one you will thoroughly enjoy, as it is almost a guaranteed that you will spot countless birds, crabs, and even a couple of turtles on your way to this secret paradise. Bathing suits, bottled water, and shoes are required for this fun trekking adventure! 

The events will commence on Sunday, July 07 and continue throughout the week until the show ends with a bang on Saturday, July 13. It’s no secret that Bermuda has been leading the fashion industry for decades in many tiny ways. We seem to have a knack for creating hot travel chic trends—did somebody say Bermuda shorts? Although we may be known for our shorts we have definitely come a long way. This year, you can expect to see elegant gowns, exclusive ensembles by local designers, and even a few couture pieces throughout the week. Put on your best runway pout and get to walking—it's time to marvel in the deliciously decadent week that is the Bermuda Fashion Festival!  

Bermuda would be nothing without its crystal-clear waters and island life—which is why a boat is truly the only way to understand the essence of Bermy. Almost all the tour boats depart from the Royal Naval Dockyard and are about a two and a half-hour ride from start to finish. You will hear narrations of the Governor’s House, Watford Bridge, the Bermuda Triangle and much more. After you learn a little more about our terrific country, the boat will drop you off at a secluded island for a dip before bringing you back to the mainland. You won’t be disappointed with this perfectly crafted tour around Bermuda.

Bermy is a shortened term for Bermuda, and if that one caught you slightly off-guard, make sure to keep on reading for a little more Bermy slang.

1. Onion — no this isn’t the type of onion that you eat, but actually a term for a local person that was born and raised in Bermuda! If you don’t know about Bermuda’s obsession with onions, you can check it out here. 

2. The Rock — another term that is used to describe our great island of Bermuda.  

3. Session — it’s exactly what you will be doing at night time with your friends and family. If you like to party you may find yourself in a few "sessions" before you pack your bags back up. 

4. Chingas! — aka WOW, AMAZING, SPECTACULAR -- Chingas!!

That session was so fun and now you’re even talking like a real Bermy! 

One of our favorite places to go during the warmer months is Snorkel Park Beach, which just re-opened for the season on April 1st! Snorkel Park is a great way to see what is thriving below the horizon. The crystal clear water in Bermuda makes our island the perfect place to snorkel and scuba dive with ease. The best part about this little park is that you don’t need to bring anything but yourself. They have snorkel gear available for rent, restaurants on-site, and jet skis available, making this day outing very simple and perfect for the whole family. Spend your day soaking up the sun and making friends with someone that might just be out of your species! 

One of our favorite events of the year is the Bermuda International Film Festival. What’s special about this festival is the fact that they make an effort to highlight artists that are from Bermuda. The festival is an entire week-long and you can purchase tickets directly from the website to any of the events. See what all the buzz is about and have fun while supporting the local artists from Bermuda. There is no better way to get immersed in the culture of a country than by seeing it through the eyes of an artist! 

The game consists of two teams, each team has eleven people, and the game is played with a ball and a bat. The sport is played on an oval playing field, which is ideal for spectators because it gives each person a great view of all the action.

Cricket has been played in Bermuda for hundreds of years, so long in fact that the first recorded game was in 1844! The sport gained so much attention that it has not lost its enthusiasm since. It is so popular that the island even hosts an international sporting event called the Bermuda Cup Match. Come August, Bermuda will be crawling with lovers of the sport around every corner! 

But if you don’t know the full story of the Bermuda onion, we thought we’d give you a little layer of insight. 

Onions first came over to Bermuda in 1616 from England. These curious little crops grew so well in the Bermuda soil that the United States started importing them directly from the island before World War I. For years, Bermuda was known for their delicious onions and have since taken great pride in this interesting and silly statistic. When springtime pops up,  so do the onions, which means delicious cuisines and even a full day in the onions honor!

From Christmas activities to New Years celebrations, it's all happening down in the Square. Kings Square has been the central meeting place for generations. It's located in the heart of Bermuda and is easy to get to for everyone. You know you’ve made it to Kings Square when you stumble upon the Bank of Butterfield.

Celebrate your New Years Eve the local way by munching on traditional food from Bermuda, listening to the local bands, enjoying fireworks and experiencing the infamous onion drop at midnight. The best part about celebrating the New Year in Bermuda is that no coat is required!

We start the season off right, with our annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 23rd at City Hall, surrounded by cheering children, games, food and festive music. The very next day we light up the entire city with all of the holiday decorations and lights. St. George is a sight to see when it is shining bright and merry all over the town. But the true celebration does not begin until Olde Saint Nick parades the streets with the beloved Gombey bands on November 25th. Book your stay in Bermuda now to experience the beautiful traditions of St. George Town. 

However, we must say that one of our favorite places in Bermuda did not get there naturally, but we are oh-so-glad it's here. The Botanical Garden of Bermuda popped up in 1898 as an effort to educate and conserve some of our most beautiful plants and flowers on the island. Ever since its existence, the gardens have been a place of peace and beauty, and visitors agree that it's just that. The doors are open from sunrise until sunset and welcome any and all nature lovers. Stop by the center today to see how many native plants and flowers you can identify throughout the gardens. 

Take a tour of Bermuda’s first and oldest lighthouse, the Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse. Constructed in 1846, it has been a beacon of light before electricity was even established on the island, and the light from Gibb’s can be seen 40 miles away from shore.

Today you can tour the 117-foot lighthouse and climb all the way to the top like many men and women who have come before you. Spend the afternoon spiraling your way to the top, then enjoy lunch back at the bottom of this iconic and impressive structure. Imagine yourself looking out over the sea in the 1800’s, guiding ships safely to shore on stormy and overcast days. Be sure to bring the entire family along on this exciting, nautical outing. 

Gombey’s are a blend of the island, incorporating African, Caribbean and British cultures into their rhythmic dance moves. This tradition was originally created to celebrate Boxing Day and New Years Day but became so important and popular among the locals that it is performed during most big celebrations to this day. 

The Gombey tradition was once banned, directly after the slave revolt in 1761, but was soon deemed an important piece of history and culture of Bermuda. Experience the pulse of the island and take part in the magic by visiting Queen Elizabeths Park and cheering on the talented performers. The colorful costumes and strong beat of the drum will leave a mark on your heart forever.  

Be sure you do not leave our little piece of paradise before checking out what the local fishermen have to say. Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo and Snapper are just a few of the fish that are commonly caught and eaten in Bermuda — for the extremely ambitious hunters, you can come across a white of blue Marlin and maybe even a shark. There are many different charter companies that will take you out to sea, stop by our concierge today to help pick out the perfect fit for you. Remember, what happens on the ocean doesn’t always stay on the ocean so be sure to pack your sea legs!

They are normally made in the shape of a bundt cake and soaked with Bermuda’s Local Rum, Goslings Black Seal label. This cake began as a holiday treat but was loved by so many that it eventually became an anytime cake. You can find rum cake almost anywhere on the island and duty-free shops even sell a sealed version you can take home with you. Share the essence of Bermuda with all of your family and friends when you return from the island. Rum cake is a treat to be shared whether you are on the beaches of Bermuda or just returning back to reality.

Their ball got loose and rolled off into the distance. As fate would have it, the boys went off in search of their beloved ball — but what they found was much bigger. After squeezing through a small opening the boys found themselves in the subterranean of Bermuda, making them the sole pioneers of Crystal Cave and Fantasy Cave. Thanks to their accidental discovery these two caves have become one of the most popular attractions on the island. You can take a 45-minute guided walking tour through this spelunking paradise. Although the caves are small, they certainly are not lacking in beauty or stalagmites — and if you look closely into the crystal clear water, you may just catch a glimpse of the lucky cricket ball that made it all happen!

Walk in any direction in Bermuda and you will eventually walk right into the ocean, this makes us the perfect island to practice your snorkeling skills. Throw on your mask and fins and get busy below the H2O—you will see many types of colorful fish, such as parrotfish, sergeant majors, and snappers to name a few. Explore the shallow reefs right off of the shore and see how many creatures you can recognize. Snorkeling is a great way to sneak in a little exercise and sun while still getting in the thrill of exploring the island. Grab a friend or venture out on your own—stop by our concierge today to see which spots have had the fishiest activity lately!

At the height of World War II, British military officers were stationed in Bermuda. The British officials were not well adjusted to the islands' climate and had a hard time staying cool in their military uniforms. The iconic Bermuda Shorts took the island by storm after the British Military Officers persuaded their commanders to let them trim off part of their trousers. This adapted version of the uniform became extremely popular among business men and women because it was still dressy but much more cool. These days you can find the shorts in almost any color—Bermuda Blue being one of the most popular—and take this style for a spin your first evening in the triangle!

This two-seater electric car is perfect for a short day trip, but be sure to claim yours early. We suggest scheduling your Twizy at least one week before you are scheduled to depart for your trip. The two-seater ride has become extremely popular with our guests because of its user-friendly complex and alternative to moped tours. The Twizy gives off an open-air feel while still providing a more secure environment whilst zooming around the island. Hit a few historic spots, some well-hidden beaches, and grab some grub at a local eatery. By day two you will feel like a true local, and may even have a few friends around the island!