10 Surprising Things We Love About Bermuda

It's a Bit Conservative

With one of the world's highest numbers of churches per capita plus traditional British influences, Bermuda is more conservative than other islands. Fashion tends to be more formal: Even at beachside cafes, visitors don't waltz in with bikini tops, bare chests, or bare feet. Instead, elegant but casual clothes in bright hues (think cardigans, button-down shirts, midi skirts, and trousers) are the norm. When out in the evening, err on the side of caution and dress up.

Save Your Water

If you've ever seen the characteristic roofs of Bermudian houses (steeply stepped white limestone that funnels rain into underground caches), you'll know that life here runs on rainwater. Homes and hotels collect and use rainwater for drinking, cooking, and bathing; in times of drought or overconsumption, back-up sources of freshwater are expensive. This means that water shouldn't be wasted, and some hotels may place placards in the bathrooms to remind you to keep showers short.

Bermuda Shorts Are Real

Yes, gentlemen wear Bermuda shorts. Spend a few moments in the summer heat and you will want to join them. Originally invented by the British military for tropical and desert climes, Bermudians adopted the singular fashion during World War II (not just to keep cool but also, according to local lore, to save fabric during times of ration). The colorful shorts are not just a tourist item, and many upscale clothiers sell them, including The English Sports Shop, an institution in downtown Hamilton.

Wealth Isn't Flaunted

You'll notice shortly after arrival that Bermuda is a destination with plenty of wealth. This is partly because of international business but also because locals' quality of life and salaries are high, with an average yearly household income of around $140,000. (This explains the prices!) But unlike other enclaves for the well-heeled, wealth on Bermuda isn't flaunted. It's in poor taste to be anything but especially gracious and low-key. Always remember to greet every service professional you encounter with good morning, good afternoon, or good evening.

Weather Is Pleasant Year-Round

Yes, Bermuda has a quiet season, but the island is never truly off. The months from November through April are the "spa and golf" season, when temperatures are in the 60s and 70s, winds are light, and skies are sunny. Water temperatures may be too cool for swimming, but walks on the beach are perfect (plus many hotels' pools are heated). During this time, cultural activities abound and hotel prices drop, so it's a great time for budget-minded travelers to visit.

Bermudians Really Are Friendly

On some popular island destinations, tourists and residents are kept far apart, with resorts located in fairly remote areas far away from towns and villages. This isn't the case in Bermuda, where many tourist hot spots are settled by Bermudians as well. Restaurants are likely to be filled with visitors and locals alike, and it's not unusual to strike up a friendly conversation and find yourself invited to a marlin-fishing expedition with someone's uncle, a Christmas picnic on the beach, or a family dinner at home.

The Pace Is Slow

Despite its reputation as a home for the international business world, Bermuda still runs on an island schedule (or "shhhedule," as it were). Meals are slower affairs; it's normal to sit and chat for some time after the plates are cleared. Service, especially at resorts, can be unhurried in a way that would frighten most city dwellers. The best thing to do is simply accept the pace, sit back, relax, and enjoy another rum swizzle or two.

Try Local Specialties

The number of fine-dining restaurants with a decidedly European bent means travelers often see only one side of Bermuda's culinary offerings. But with British and Portuguese heritage plus abundant local seafood, Bermudian cuisine is well worth exploring. Off-the-beaten-path restaurants and holes-in-the-wall feature can't-miss dishes like fish chowder made piquant with sherry pepper and black rum, conch fritters, wahoo and rockfish steaks, peas and rice, and soft, spicy gingerbread. Some favorites are the stacked-high fried-fish sandwich at Art Mels Spicy Dicy in St. Georges (it'll last you two meals at least) and the full menu at out-of-the-way Black Horse Tavern.

You Can't Rent a Car

Per Bermudian law, visitors cannot rent cars, and to prevent pollution and traffic, residents are permitted only one car per household. So how do you get around? Via scooter! Tourists can rent motorbikes, provided they are over the age of 16 and can demonstrate sufficient driving skill. (All cyclists must wear helmets.) Scooters are safe, as the speed limit on the island never exceeds 20 miles per hour, but stateside visitors can be flummoxed by driving on the left. If you're not brave enough to try a scooter, cabs and ferries are easy to find.

It's Easy To Reach

Not only is getting around the island fairly easy but getting to the island is easy as well. After all, Bermuda is situated just about 640 miles east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Daily nonstop service reaches Bermuda from major cities in the Northeast, including Boston and New York. In fact, flights from the northeastern U.S. are generally less than two hours long and are much cheaper than those to the Caribbean and other tropical destinations. The convenient location means that Manhattanites and Bostonians can reach Bermuda faster than they'd make it to the Hamptons or Nantucket. Score.

Readers, have you been to Bermuda? What did you love about the island?

You Might Also Like:

• 10 Things Locals Want You to Know About Las Vegas
• 10 Things Locals Want You to Know About Venice
• 10 Romantic Islands You'll Fall in Love With