Bermuda Birthday Escape
Bermuda in October: A Week of Island Magic, Great Food & New Discoveries
October 3–10, 2026
Some places never lose their magic, no matter how many times you visit. For me, Bermuda is one of them.
Our October 3–10 trip was my third visit to the island this year, and somehow, I’m still not tired of it! From familiar favorites and wonderful meals to new discoveries and a fabulous Gombey Festival, this week was another reminder of why Bermuda keeps calling me back.
Getting There & Settling into St. George’s
We flew nonstop on BermudAir, and both flights were perfect and right on time. Even better, we scored an upgrade on the return flight—a lovely way to end the trip!
We stayed with friends at their rental in St. George’s, a property we’ve returned to approximately six times now. There’s a reason we keep coming back. We love the town’s walkability, easy access to beaches, laundry facilities, Somer’s Market, and, above all, its laid-back atmosphere.
We typically rent scooters and a Rugged, choosing between them based on the weather. Scooters are ideal for sunny days, while the Rugged is invaluable when the rain rolls in. We definitely needed it this trip, just as we did in July!
The weather was unpredictable throughout the week, but temperatures remained warm enough to swim, hike, explore, and enjoy everything Bermuda had to offer. A little rain never stopped us.
A Festival to Remember
One of the biggest highlights of the trip was the Gombey Festival at the Botanical Gardens. The event was beautifully organized and absolutely fabulous. It was a wonderful celebration and a real standout experience of the week.
If you have the opportunity to attend a Gombey celebration during your Bermuda visit, I highly recommend making time for it. It was one of those experiences that made this trip feel extra special.
Our Favorite Coffee Stops & New Food Discoveries
Food is always an important part of our Bermuda trips, and this week delivered plenty of delicious moments.
Rock Island Coffee: Our Almost-Daily Ritual
Rock Island Coffee remains one of our favorite places on the island. We go almost daily for their house-roasted coffee beans and delicious house-made pastries.
We can happily spend hours there, sitting inside or outside, sipping coffee, reading, and simply enjoying the surroundings. It’s one of those special places that makes a destination feel like home. No matter how often we visit, it never gets old.
L’Artisan: Baguettes & Pastries
L’Artisan is another regular stop. Seth loves their baguettes for making sandwiches, and their pastries are lovely, too. It’s an easy favorite that continues to earn its place on our Bermuda must-visit list.
One29: A New Addition
One of our new discoveries this year was One29 on Front Street. We tried both the sourdough and sushi, and enjoyed them. It’s always fun to find another spot worth adding to our regular Bermuda food rotation.
Modern Temple Catering: Vegan Goodness
We also discovered Modern Temple Catering at Wesley Church on Church Street. Their vegan food was a real treat, especially the divine rolls and hand pies. It was a wonderful find and a reminder that some of the best travel discoveries happen when you venture beyond your usual stops.
Café Acoreano: A Favorite for Azorean Food
Seth’s go-to for Azorean fare is Café Acoreano, conveniently located next to the bus station. It remains a favorite for him, and it’s a reliable stop whenever he’s craving those familiar flavors.
Drift Takes Top Honors for the Best Meal
Our award for the best meal of the trip goes to Drift in St. George’s!
Their pizza is heaven. If you’re staying in or exploring St. George’s, this is one place we’re always happy to recommend.
Another favorite is Rum Spice and Reggae on North Shore Road. The curried chicken was delicious, and their sorrel and ginger drink was lovely.
The atmosphere is a big part of the appeal. There’s a wonderful vibe, outdoor seating, and plenty of parking, making it a relaxed place to enjoy a good meal.
Birthday Lunch by the Sea at The Reefs
We usually split our Bermuda stays between St. George’s and The Reefs, but this time we visited The Reefs just for Seth’s birthday lunch.
As always, it was perfect. The seaside views are truly special, and the setting made for a lovely birthday celebration.
There’s something about lingering over a meal with the ocean stretching out before you that makes a Bermuda afternoon feel complete.
Lunch at Gulfstream
We also enjoyed lunch at Gulfstream. It was pricey, but the service was impeccable and the food was good.
One highlight for me was their 9 Parishes Rum Swizzle, which I particularly enjoy. It was a lovely way to round out the dining experiences of the week.
The Loren: Beautiful Views & Fond Memories
We make a point of visiting The Loren once a year for lunch and drinks. The views and setting are gorgeous, and we love settling in for cocktails and enjoying the surroundings.
However, after three tries, we’ve decided that the food scene there just isn’t for us. That said, I still have fond memories of the property. It was the first hotel where I stayed in Bermuda, way back in 1990! Some places hold a special place in your travel history, even when they don’t become your favorite dining destinations.
Beach Days, Swimming & Exploring
Despite the unpredictable weather, we managed several swims at John Smith’s Bay, our favorite, as well as at Jobson’s Cove.
Our other perennial beach favorites remain St. Catherine’s Beach and Drew’s Bay.
Each has its own appeal, and returning to familiar beaches is part of what makes Bermuda so enjoyable for us. There’s always time for another swim, another walk, or simply a chance to appreciate the island’s beautiful coastline.
And although the skies weren’t always sunny, it was consistently warm enough to get outside and enjoy ourselves. We swam, hiked, explored, ate well, and took things at the island’s own pace.
Final Thoughts: Bermuda Keeps Calling
This was my third Bermuda trip of the year, and I’m still not tired of it.
We enjoyed a wonderful mix of familiar favorites and new discoveries, from our almost-daily coffee ritual at Rock Island Coffee to the unforgettable Gombey Festival, delicious pizza at Drift, and birthday lunch overlooking the sea at The Reefs.
Not every meal was a home run, and the weather certainly kept us guessing. But that’s part of traveling. You learn what you love, discover new places, and appreciate the experiences that make each trip unique.
For us, St. George’s continues to be the perfect home base, with its relaxed atmosphere, walkable streets, nearby beaches, and easy access to so many of the things we enjoy most.
Three trips in one year, and Bermuda still feels like coming home.
Until next time, Bermuda! 🌴🌊
