"Self Care" might be an excessively used catchphrase these days. However, given what is going on in my life (and American society), it has never been more germane.
Located so close to our coast, but exuding an aura of being a world away, Bermuda would be wise to capitalize on our collective need for a getaway (or mass exodus) from the stress that is omnipresent on our shores. We need to refresh.
Recently, after returning home from Bermuda, I decided to take myself out to dinner in Sag Harbor on a Sunday evening.
Seated on a banquette at Page on Main Street, I enjoyed plush surroundings and a bird’s eye view of a nautical painting across the room. As I sat, enjoying my glass of wine, a lady was seated to my left- also at a small “table for two.”
We both sat with our menus, overlooking a central space in the room, devoid of customers. An empty table “for two” separated us. She shared that had just put her husband on a bus back to New York City.
In no time, a third “solo lady” was seated in between us. She was a chef who had just arrived in town from South Africa to work on a yacht for the summer.
As the three of us sat on the bench, contemplating the bright, modern artwork, we mused that the scene would have made for good people watching- if only the tables in front of us were occupied.
We all chatted about dining out alone; two of us were somewhat apologetic in tone. I shared that when I dine out alone, I am often greeted with “Just one??” by the host or hostess. Is it necessary to say that to a solo diner? As it is, we are often treated with less status, when alone, because a table for one does not generate a large tip, inevitably.
My South African acquaintance concurred, feeling proud of her desire to wine and dine herself. She took the opportunity to 'school me'. In her charming accent, she said, emphatically, “You cannot WAIT to be romanced by someone ELSE!! You must romance yourself!!” This evoked thoughts of my recent travels.
When I ventured back to Bermuda in April, I had never traveled there alone. It was delightful- the epitome of respite and “self care.” Yes, it was expensive to stay for several weeks. But, it was one of the most healing experiences of my life. If ever there was a time to invest in my well-being, it had arrived.
As I now ponder a return trip to Bermuda, for the sake of writing a special article, I must look closely at price tags. We have not yet arrived in the "shoulder season" (by the way- this term should be obsolete).
It appears to me, that specials at hotels and resorts are largely geared to couples, families, and even "baby-mooners". This is nothing new, but it has caught my eye.
While I understand the value of marketing romance on an island, I ask... what about the inner romantic in all of us? What about romancing ourselves? I would like a hibiscus left on my pillow, and champagne left in my fridge, too!
I am curious about the future of travel. Might there ever be specials for solo travelers (whether they are single or not), for seniors (until they create more Road Scholar programs in Bermuda), or even for family caregivers, as our society creeps up in age? We all need a break right now, no?
Quite honestly, those of us who travel solo are at a financial disadvantage to start with. We are picking up the whole tab, consistently. There is nobody to treat us to dinner, nor anyone to split the cost of a taxi ride. We typically rent the same size hotel rooms, as couples. We pay for it all. Show us some love, tourism industry!
With this said, we cannot postpone our own contentment, can we? We are living in a time when getting away has never been more attractive.Below are a few tips about visiting my favorite island, that might spur you to leave your stress, stateside.
As I now ponder a return trip to Bermuda, for the sake of writing a special article, I must look closely at price tags. We have not yet arrived in the "shoulder season" (by the way- this term should be obsolete).It appears to me, that specials at hotels and resorts are largely geared to couples, families, and even "baby-mooners". This is nothing new, but it has caught my eye.
While I understand the value of marketing romance on an island, I ask... what about the inner romantic in all of us? What about romancing ourselves? I would like a hibiscus left on my pillow, and champagne left in my fridge, too!
I am curious about the future of travel. Might there ever be specials for solo travelers (whether they are single or not), for seniors (until they create more Road Scholar programs in Bermuda), or even for family caregivers, as our society creeps up in age? We all need a break right now, no?Quite honestly, those of us who travel solo are at a financial disadvantage to start with. We are picking up the whole tab, consistently. There is nobody to treat us to dinner, nor anyone to split the cost of a taxi ride. We typically rent the same size hotel rooms, as couples. We pay for it all. Show us some love, tourism industry!
With this said, we cannot postpone our own contentment, can we? We are living in a time when getting away has never been more attractive.Below are a few tips about visiting my favorite island, that might spur you to leave your stress, stateside.
1. KEEP YOUR PASSPORT CURRENT. Bermuda is a British Crown Colony. You will need a valid passport to visit. Don’t let this technicality ruin the prospect of spontaneity. This is the easiest international trip, that you will ever make. No need to even exchange U.S. currency!
2. BE SPONTANEOUS. If you live in New York, or one of the East Coast getaways, keep your eyes peeled for low airfares and hotel rates. When you see a good deal, book it! Guest houses or Air BnB tend to be the most affordable, although- with last minute travel websites handy, you can easily vet your options. Bermuda is less than two hours from New York. No need to overthink a thing.
3. BOOK FOR THREE NIGHTS. If you have never been to Bermuda, do not book for less than three nights. You will be mad at yourself. It is merely a tease. It is self-punishment, rather than self care! Three nights is a perfect getaway for your first taste of the island. You may find yourself calling into work sick on Monday, though...
4. MAXIMIZE YOUR TIME. Try to take the morning flight from New York. Leaving in the morning gives you an extra day in Bermuda. You will land in time to have lunch on the beach. If you must fly out at cocktail hour, you might want to bring dinner on the plane. Many restaurants in Bermuda will be closing, just as you clear Customs. Remember to pick up some Goslings Rum from the airport shop, upon arrival; you will get a bargain!
5. THINK LOGISTICS. If you are new to Bermuda, think about logistics, prior to selecting where to stay. Aim to be near a ferry stop or the public bus for getting around the island. If you are staying at either end of Bermuda, be cognizant of travel times and costs to get around (and ferry schedules). Spontaneity (jumping in a taxi because you just missed the ferry to Hamilton) adds up over time- this I know!
2. BE SPONTANEOUS. If you live in New York, or one of the East Coast getaways, keep your eyes peeled for low airfares and hotel rates. When you see a good deal, book it! Guest houses or Air BnB tend to be the most affordable, although- with last minute travel websites handy, you can easily vet your options. Bermuda is less than two hours from New York. No need to overthink a thing.3. BOOK FOR THREE NIGHTS. If you have never been to Bermuda, do not book for less than three nights. You will be mad at yourself. It is merely a tease. It is self-punishment, rather than self care! Three nights is a perfect getaway for your first taste of the island. You may find yourself calling into work sick on Monday, though...
4. MAXIMIZE YOUR TIME. Try to take the morning flight from New York. Leaving in the morning gives you an extra day in Bermuda. You will land in time to have lunch on the beach. If you must fly out at cocktail hour, you might want to bring dinner on the plane. Many restaurants in Bermuda will be closing, just as you clear Customs. Remember to pick up some Goslings Rum from the airport shop, upon arrival; you will get a bargain!
5. THINK LOGISTICS. If you are new to Bermuda, think about logistics, prior to selecting where to stay. Aim to be near a ferry stop or the public bus for getting around the island. If you are staying at either end of Bermuda, be cognizant of travel times and costs to get around (and ferry schedules). Spontaneity (jumping in a taxi because you just missed the ferry to Hamilton) adds up over time- this I know!
6. STAY WITH BERMUDIANS. While Air BnB is very popular in Bermuda, I err on the side of traditional options, as a single lady, traveling alone. For first time solo travelers, I advise selecting an accommodation with an onsite Bermudian host- an affordable guest house or a hotel with staff to be at your service. Note: Bermuda is a notoriously safe travel destination. Just use the same common sense precautions you would elsewhere.
7. DO NOT OVERSPEND. Take advantage of inexpensive delights. Eat out for breakfast. Sip Iced Coffee, while watching a cruise ship park in Hamilton. Walk on The historic Bermuda Railway Trail. Jump in the sea. Have a picnic. Fly a kite. Ride the public ferries. Revel in nature. Enjoy the palette of colors in the clouds. Sip a Rum Swizzle with a tranquil view. There is so much to enjoy, without opening your wallet. Let the island be a backdrop for your curiosity and adventuresome spirit. Those who presume that Bermuda is too expensive for the average traveler just need to do more homework.
8. BE MENU SAVVY. Make the time to read menus online, before you go out- especially if a restaurant is at the other end of a decent cab fare. If you find that dinner menus are too pricey, opt to eat out for lunch, and dine in for dinner- or go out for a drink in the evening, and enjoy a brick oven pizza. Pizza is one of the most affordable options for budget travelers in Bermuda, since portions are generous for the dollar. Sushi and Tapas are also popular. I do not advocate foregoing local cuisine by any means (fish and seafood); splurge as often as you can afford to.
9. COLLECT MEMORIES. What is your idea of a decadent treat? Whether you relish a delicious brunch on the veranda of an historic hotel, the luxury of a spa treatment, a full day at an oceanfront resort (complete with amenities), the tradition of High Tea, or parasailing over the turquoise sea, remember that memories are what you are purchasing. Be selective; then, indulge.
10. CHERRY-PICK. Know in advance that you cannot take in all of Bermuda on your first trip. Consider this to be your ‘first date’. You are looking to maximize your first impressions, in anticipation of a longterm love affair. Do not rush around, feeling regretful. Embrace what you can, during your brief flirtation. You will likely be planning your return trip while onboard your flight home.
11. GAIN PERSPECTIVE. Bermuda is not merely one island, contrary to what you might think. You will get a good overview of the islands upon landing, if you arrive on a day flight. However, I suggest hiring a tour guide (a Certified Tourism Ambassador) to drive you around Bermuda; they can customize a tour to your liking, and give you a broader perspective of the country. Many taxi drivers in Bermuda provide custom tours. Fellow travelers can join you, to share the expense. Once you have the lay of the land, you can tailor the rest of your stay accordingly.
12. BE A SPONGE. Bermuda is serendipity for the senses- all of them. Swim in crystalline waves over powdery sand. Ask your cabbie to play local music. Catch the island breezes, with the windows down. Eat alfresco, just steps away from the ocean. Catch a sunset on Hamilton Harbor. Eat dinner at Gibbs Hill Lighthouse- with sweeping panoramic views of the islands. Join a group tour that explores the island-scape from jet skis, kayaks, parasails or pedal bikes. Contentment can be found anywhere.
13. RELISH RAINDROPS. Showers are usually transient in Bermuda. As a result, the weather can change before you alter your plans! Unlike the United States, Bermuda depends on collecting rainwater (off of their pristine roofs) for drinking and household use. So, if you see clouds roll in, appreciate the value of minimalism; it is refreshing! Should you encounter rain showers, seize the opportunity to discover an indoor delight- a British pub, High Tea, a museum, spa or The Bermuda Aquarium and Zoo.
14. VANQUISH TECHNOLOGY. The beauty of Bermuda lies not only in the aesthetics of the volcanic islands, but also in the warmth and civility of the Bermudian people. Although you may be a stone’s throw from the U.S. (as the jets fly), Bermuda has a very distinct culture. Unplug from the mainland. Turn off your phone. Appreciate being referred to as "Darling"- in an old-fashioned genteel British manner, without immediately feeling insulted. Bermuda remains a reliable oasis of tranquility in a fast-paced, unpredictable world. Why not time-travel, too?
15. TAKE SOMETHING HOME. Bermuda has stellar shopping options- including British shops, such as Marks & Spencer, and decidedly Bermudian ones, featuring local artwork, jewelry, hand-painted ceramics, fine linens, home design products, locally crafted perfume, handmade sandals and Bermuda Rum Cake- to name a few. Don’t be shy. Seek treasures to take home. Consignment shops, such as Orange Bay Company, or gift shops in galleries are also great places to find authentic, affordable souvenirs.
Sure, it is natural to seek a travel companion to share life’s sweet experiences. However, there is so much beauty to behold when you travel alone. You are on your own clock, with your own agenda. You can do whatever you wish, with no need to compromise. Simply put, you can indulge! I can’t see anything wrong with that.
Can you, Darling?
7. DO NOT OVERSPEND. Take advantage of inexpensive delights. Eat out for breakfast. Sip Iced Coffee, while watching a cruise ship park in Hamilton. Walk on The historic Bermuda Railway Trail. Jump in the sea. Have a picnic. Fly a kite. Ride the public ferries. Revel in nature. Enjoy the palette of colors in the clouds. Sip a Rum Swizzle with a tranquil view. There is so much to enjoy, without opening your wallet. Let the island be a backdrop for your curiosity and adventuresome spirit. Those who presume that Bermuda is too expensive for the average traveler just need to do more homework.
8. BE MENU SAVVY. Make the time to read menus online, before you go out- especially if a restaurant is at the other end of a decent cab fare. If you find that dinner menus are too pricey, opt to eat out for lunch, and dine in for dinner- or go out for a drink in the evening, and enjoy a brick oven pizza. Pizza is one of the most affordable options for budget travelers in Bermuda, since portions are generous for the dollar. Sushi and Tapas are also popular. I do not advocate foregoing local cuisine by any means (fish and seafood); splurge as often as you can afford to.
9. COLLECT MEMORIES. What is your idea of a decadent treat? Whether you relish a delicious brunch on the veranda of an historic hotel, the luxury of a spa treatment, a full day at an oceanfront resort (complete with amenities), the tradition of High Tea, or parasailing over the turquoise sea, remember that memories are what you are purchasing. Be selective; then, indulge.
10. CHERRY-PICK. Know in advance that you cannot take in all of Bermuda on your first trip. Consider this to be your ‘first date’. You are looking to maximize your first impressions, in anticipation of a longterm love affair. Do not rush around, feeling regretful. Embrace what you can, during your brief flirtation. You will likely be planning your return trip while onboard your flight home.11. GAIN PERSPECTIVE. Bermuda is not merely one island, contrary to what you might think. You will get a good overview of the islands upon landing, if you arrive on a day flight. However, I suggest hiring a tour guide (a Certified Tourism Ambassador) to drive you around Bermuda; they can customize a tour to your liking, and give you a broader perspective of the country. Many taxi drivers in Bermuda provide custom tours. Fellow travelers can join you, to share the expense. Once you have the lay of the land, you can tailor the rest of your stay accordingly.
12. BE A SPONGE. Bermuda is serendipity for the senses- all of them. Swim in crystalline waves over powdery sand. Ask your cabbie to play local music. Catch the island breezes, with the windows down. Eat alfresco, just steps away from the ocean. Catch a sunset on Hamilton Harbor. Eat dinner at Gibbs Hill Lighthouse- with sweeping panoramic views of the islands. Join a group tour that explores the island-scape from jet skis, kayaks, parasails or pedal bikes. Contentment can be found anywhere.
13. RELISH RAINDROPS. Showers are usually transient in Bermuda. As a result, the weather can change before you alter your plans! Unlike the United States, Bermuda depends on collecting rainwater (off of their pristine roofs) for drinking and household use. So, if you see clouds roll in, appreciate the value of minimalism; it is refreshing! Should you encounter rain showers, seize the opportunity to discover an indoor delight- a British pub, High Tea, a museum, spa or The Bermuda Aquarium and Zoo.
14. VANQUISH TECHNOLOGY. The beauty of Bermuda lies not only in the aesthetics of the volcanic islands, but also in the warmth and civility of the Bermudian people. Although you may be a stone’s throw from the U.S. (as the jets fly), Bermuda has a very distinct culture. Unplug from the mainland. Turn off your phone. Appreciate being referred to as "Darling"- in an old-fashioned genteel British manner, without immediately feeling insulted. Bermuda remains a reliable oasis of tranquility in a fast-paced, unpredictable world. Why not time-travel, too?15. TAKE SOMETHING HOME. Bermuda has stellar shopping options- including British shops, such as Marks & Spencer, and decidedly Bermudian ones, featuring local artwork, jewelry, hand-painted ceramics, fine linens, home design products, locally crafted perfume, handmade sandals and Bermuda Rum Cake- to name a few. Don’t be shy. Seek treasures to take home. Consignment shops, such as Orange Bay Company, or gift shops in galleries are also great places to find authentic, affordable souvenirs.
Sure, it is natural to seek a travel companion to share life’s sweet experiences. However, there is so much beauty to behold when you travel alone. You are on your own clock, with your own agenda. You can do whatever you wish, with no need to compromise. Simply put, you can indulge! I can’t see anything wrong with that.
Can you, Darling?
*Properties featured on this blog include: Fairmont Southampton (pool), Coral Beach & Tennis Club (balcony view with palms), Salt Kettle House (Sea Horse sign), Ocean Grill at Pompano Beach Club (interior above), Mickey's Bistro (below). Scones (Coral Beach & Tennis Club), Cobb Salad (Rosedon Hotel), Harbor-front Sunset(patio at BLU at Belmont Hills). Beach- Elbow.
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