The last place a single woman thinks about going when planning a weekend escape on her own is to a romantic island. After all, why would you pay to remind yourself of your solitude? It's enough you don't have someone to whisk you away for the weekend, right? Maybe you're wrong. There's something to be said for intimate destinations - they are quiet, they are peaceful, they often have a great spa attached and depending on where you stay, you can treat yourself to a little luxury in the comforts of your guest room.
Having come off almost four weeks of not sleeping due to pending deadlines that kept piling up, I was eager to get away and just crash for a weekend. Like most people, being at home isn't often 'relaxing' - there's always a dish to clean, laundry to do, piles of mail to organize ... you get the point. While I can't advocate that you dismiss all your responsibilities at home and take off for a weekend away because you want one, I can suggest that you reward yourself with something serene after finalizing a huge project, or when you're just so worn down you can't recall what happened earlier in the day.
Enter: Bermuda. The picturesque island with pink sand located just a few hours from most East Coast airports. Romantic? Yes, but it is equally private and secluded, which made vacationing alone on this island the perfect prescription for my worn out mind, body and soul.
I hopped a flight Friday morning and was in Bermuda one hour and 48 minutes later, thanks to Jetblue. My destination: Tucker's Point. My plan: Nothing. I was going to check in, order up some room service, make myself a dark-n-stormy and exhale. That's exactly what I did, and it felt great.
Bermuda is more than long walks along the pink sand beaches. Steeped in history and fiercely proud of its heritage, Bermuda can capture the hearts of the heartbroken, and ail even the most tired souls. You could spend the entire time in your room enjoying the peace and quiet of the ocean views, or you can get out and do some of the following:
- Call down to your hotel's water sports center and ask for a private boat ride early one morning. Head out before the crowds take over and ask your driver for a trip to see the best homes on the island. Because Bermuda is so perfectly private, many celebrities have a home here including Ross Perot, David Bowie and his wife Iman, and Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones. While you're out and about, tuck into a few of the hidden coves and awe at the homes and boats of Bermuda's wealthiest residents. Why? Because you can. The best part of the entire journey? Being on the turquoise blue waters. Sit back and relax while you spend a few hours on the water.
- Visit St. George's town: St George's was Bermuda's capital before Hamilton took over, and is located at the east end of the island. A walk through this historic town is a great way to spend a few hours and spot some awesome architecture. The hub of town life is King's Square where you'll find Town Hall and the State House, dating back to the early 1600s. Nearby you'll find art galleries and museums, but the best parts of the area are the narrow sidewalks and hidden streets that frame the picturesque homes and provide an authentically Bermudian photo opp.
Learn to golf: Bermuda is known for its amazing golf courses, so you might as well try, right? If you're already a seasoned golfer, head to the links for an afternoon game. If you're new to the game, call ahead and schedule a lesson with a pro. It doesn't matter if you never golf again, the feeling you get from whacking the ball is an awesome stress relief, and you'll get a great workout (nice segue into 'book spa appointment').- Book a spa appointment. But go for something unique. A little known fact: Bermuda is home to some of the best honey makers in the world. Each beekeeper is given a number and each resort, restaurant and store, sells and uses a particular beekeeper's brand. If the spa you're staying in has a honey scrub or something similar, go for it! You know it's unique and completely organic, and honey is an excellent source of nutrition for your skin.
- Talk to the locals. If you're feeling a little lonely, get out and talk to the locals. Bermudians are genuine, generous people; each one with a story to tell. You'll learn about the generations of families that lived on the island, those who've met past-presidents and those who've helped rebuild and reshape the island, while preserving its historic past. Share a dark-n-stormy with a stranger and regale in some tales.
Remember, just because it's branded a romantic island doesn't mean you, a single woman, won't enjoy yourself. Take advantage of a solo weekend away, and don't forget to sleep in!
