The Dock at Waterlot Inn

The Dock at Waterlot Inn (101 South Road, Southampton, 238-8000, www.fairmont.com/Southampton-bermuda/dining/waterlotinn) is the perfect setting for a night out with the one you love—if you know how to do it right. You must go on a Saturday evening, when Chris Finsness graces the small wooden stage with his guitar and his renditions of popular songs. And you must arrive after the sun has set when it’s dark enough to really appreciate the tree at the centre of the dock, wrapped gloriously in twinkling yellow lights. Another benefit to going after dark is that it’s cool enough to really enjoy; with very little breeze coming off Riddell’s Bay, any earlier than sundown and the dock is simply too hot. Couples who heed our advice and arrive at The Dock at just the perfect time (think 8:30 p.m. or so) are treated to an unforgettable experience. 

What to Drink: Markham Vineyards Merlot, Napa Valley, 2009, $65 per bottle.

 

Seabreeze Lounge at Elbow Beach Hotel

If you long to sip a cocktail alfresco with the sound of the waves gently lapping in the (not-so) distance, grab the one you love and spend an evening relishing the moonlight at Seabreeze (60 South Road, Paget, 232-3999 or info@lido.bm, www.lido.bm). Part of the Lido Complex at Elbow Beach Hotel, Seabreeze perfectly unites playful and sexy, where sandy feet and salty skin are acceptable and couples enjoy each other’s company without being disturbed either by staff or fellow customers. With its open-air design, the terrace at Seabreeze is exposed to the elements, meaning it’s virtually off-limits during dismal weather but comes alive with agreeable conditions, particularly at full moon. To experience the best Seabreeze has to offer, arrive as late as possible (we think around 8:00 p.m.) when the hotel guests have retreated to their rooms, taking with them any excess noise and underage patrons. 

What to Drink: Sangria Bianca—Prosecco, Martini Bianco, peach schnapps, peach nectar, pineapple juice and fresh peach, $46 per pitcher.

 

Coconuts at The Reefs

Coconuts at The Reefs (56 South Rd., Southampton, 238-0222, www.thereefs.com/coconuts) is the ultimate getaway, a place you go when you want to be transported, leaving reality behind. Essentially Coconuts is a roofed deck built into the cliff face of the hotel property, overlooking the private beach and the Atlantic Ocean. During the summer months, Coconuts becomes a haven for couples looking to escape it all and immerse themselves in the romantic atmosphere and picturesque setting. For lovers, the gentle sound of the waves and the salty sea breeze set the scene for an evening well spent together. To make the most of your time at Coconuts, arrive before the sun sets, giving yourself ample time to enjoy the view before dark.

What to Drink: “Coral Reef”—Grey Goose vodka, DeKuyper triple sec, DeKuyper blue curacao, sour mix and black-rum-soaked mint leaves. (Award-winning cocktail created by Miguel Verdagoer for the Guest Cocktail Competition.) 

 

Breezes at Cambridge Beaches

Breezes is one of the best places in Bermuda to get engaged. (We should know; we’ve awarded them a Best of Bermuda Award three times for it!) Cambridge Beaches (30 Kings Point Road, Sandys, 234-0331, www.cambridgebeaches.com) has been around for generations and has an old-world charm incomparable with anywhere else on the island. Looking out over Long Bay Beach, Breezes, the hotel restaurant and bar, seems always to be doused in sunshine, no matter the weather anywhere else. Take the chance to escape the madness, shy away from socialising (except with the one you’re with) and just enjoy your surroundings. Arrive on a Sunday evening, when all is quiet, giving you and your spouse the opportunity to experience a slower-paced and gentler Breezes. 

What to Drink: Merry Edwards, Russian River Valley, 2009 Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc, $96 per bottle. 

 

Sunset Cruise on the Water

Really the only place to be in the summer is on the water, but of course anyone in Bermuda already knows that. While most head to the usual haunts of Paradise Lake, Gibbet’s Bay and Mangrove Bay, couples in love know that the secluded Castle Harbour islands is the place to be. Go one evening during a quiet week, taking off in a rented boat from Tucker’s Point Dive and Water Sports Centre (19 Harbour Drive, Hamilton Parish, 298-4050 or watersports@tuckerspoint.com, www.divingbermuda.com,) and head down the waterfront of Billionaire’s Row in Tucker’s Town, finally slipping into one of the bays around Castle Island. Anchor off and find a small beach to snuggle up on, taking in the quiet, serene environment around you. Make sure you go well before the Cup Match holiday approaches or else you’ll find yourself one of many boats trying to find a private spot in amongst the picturesque islands. 

What to Drink: Watermelon Tequila Cocktails. Find the recipe at www.thebermudian.com/food-drink/1232-watermelon-tequila-cocktails

 

Picnic at Horseshoe Bay 

For an escape from the ordinary, rise before the sun and head to Horseshoe Bay (South Road, Southampton) with a breakfast picnic in tow. Find a spot on the beach close enough to the shore so that your feet catch the waves every so often and watch the sun rise above the horizon. Skip the plastic cutlery and go all out: pack real china, silver knives and forks and crystal champagne flutes. As you sip on mimosas and dine on fresh fruits and pastries, relish the quiet and appreciate what it means to be truly alone together. Go on the Wednesday before Cup Match, when you have time to savour the beach in all its glory before the madness of the holiday begins. 

What to Drink: Mimosas made with Moet Ice Impérial Champagne, $63.25, available at Gosling’s stores.

 

Fort Scaur 

Simply put, there is no better place in Bermuda to watch the sun go down than at Fort Scaur (107 Somerset Road, Sandys, 234-0908). High up on a hill, Fort Scaur was built in the 1870s for the British army to protect Dockyard from possible invasion by the Americans but it’s now a historical site and national park. Those in the know, know that the location isn’t just rich in history but also one of the best vantage points islandwide. Skip the happy hour scene and go one Friday evening. Pick up a bottle of prosecco, some cheese and crackers and stage a picnic on the hood of your car whilst you watch the sun slip below the horizon. 

What to Drink: Martini & Rossi Prosecco, $18.75, available at Gosling’s stores.