Lush Beachfront Resort with Dramatic Subterranean Caves

Brilliant lights illuminate a pair of natural caves nestled along the Bermuda shoreline, beckoning adventurers. Those who answer the call are rewarded inside with glinting stalactites dangling over brilliant blue lakes, whose refreshingly cool waters provide a haven for cave swimming. Grotto Bay Beach Resort takes its name from these subterranean caves, though the natural wonders of the resort extend to the flourishing woodland preserves hugging the water's edge and beautiful turquoise surf rolling up to the serene beaches. Eleven salmon-colored Bermudian cottages and tropical fruit trees slope down manicured lawns toward the coastline, where natural caves and secluded coves beckon to explorers with dramatic, crystal-like formations.

Ocean View Superior rooms occupy the first floor of the resort's three-story buildings, each custom-designed with tables, dressers, and ottomans for distinctive character. New arrivals will find a bottle of champagne patiently waiting with an unspoken invitation to sip bubbly on the private patio, where views of the water unfurl under crystal-clear skies. Across Grotto Bay's sprawling 21 acres, sunbathers lounge on the pink sands of the three private beaches with shorelines as curvaceous as a mermaid's sports car. While kids run amok on the playground, adults take a relaxing dip in the freshwater pool and outdoor jacuzzi, or mollify their muscles with a massage at the full-service, on-site spa. During summer months, the family-friendly resort also offers supervised children's programs.

Warm ocean breezes waft onto the terraces of the Great House, where antiques and fireplaces create a cozy atmosphere for mingling at the Rum House Bar or enjoying continental cuisine in one of the two dining rooms. Come evening, the terrace lights come up and live performers entertain nightly at the lounge.

Bailey's Bay, Bermuda: Peaceful Parish Close to Historic Towns and Capital City

Removed from the frenetic clamor of central Bermuda, Bailey's Bay possesses a secluded feel and celebrates the area's spectacular natural attractions. The resort flirts with the Bermuda coast, where the water invites kayaking even as it washes over stunning coral reefs and wrecked ships. A dive shop located at the resort equips certified and noncertified explorers for tank dives and arranges snorkeling trips to observe Bermuda's exotic marine life at shallower depths.

A short bus ride north, the 400-year-old town of St. George showcases Bermuda's history in well-kept buildings, monuments, and forts dating back to 1612. Shoppers meander along colonial streets, converging on King's Square to browse the wares of craft vendors and watch costumed reenactments of historical incidents around the square's replica stocks and pillory. About a block away, Saint Peter's Church—one of the oldest Anglican churches in the Western Hemisphere—enthralls with tombstones and architecture.

Heading south, buses also transport travelers to Bermuda's capital, Hamilton. Pastel-colored Victorian buildings front the shop-filled streets, and restaurants and bars overlook the bustling Hamilton Harbour where cruise ships dock and depart with sightseers on board.