Pink Sand Beaches & Ritzy Resorts: Leave Your Winter Blues Behind For This Underrated Island

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When Americans daydream of their next island getaway, oftentimes, their vacation options boil down to the Caribbean or Hawaii.

But, there’s a stunning island just as close, just as dreamy, and completely safe to visit despite lingering tales of mysterious mishaps.

Pink sand at Horse Shoe Bay in Bermuda

Now that December has arrived, many Americans are beginning to feel the chill of winter, activating their sense of wanderlust for sunny escapes even more.

Recently featured as one of the top 8 ‘easy winter sun destinations‘, the gorgeous island of Bermuda stands out the most with pink sand beaches, ritzy resorts, and a fairly new airline making this underrated island easier to reach than ever before.

Experience A Sunny Slice Of The U.K.

Afternoon tea, proper pronunciations, immaculate British colonial architecture in a land run by a Queen – You might be thinking London, but this also sums up Bermuda.

Tourists riding through Hamilton, Bermuda on nice day

As a British Overseas Territory, the U.K. vibes are palpable throughout the scenic towns dotting the 21-mile-long island, especially in UNESCO-listed St. George’s and the capital, Hamilton.

While you won’t see too many dreary days like London’s notorious drab winter weather, this sunny English-speaking paradise is big on cricket matches, tea time, and wrong-way drivers (at least to Americans).

While Hamilton is a far cry from the vastness of London, Manchester, or Edinburgh, the best of U.K.’s delights can be enjoyed right here in Bermuda, from Hamilton’s historic streets to tasty fish and chips with a Bermudan twist, like Hog Penny Pub.

Historical St. Peter's church in St. George's, Bermuda

Blue Waters & Pink Sand: Bermuda’s Beaches Are Stunnin’!

Bermuda no longer has to be primarily a cruise destination as Bermuda’s 2023 launch of BermudAir makes reaching this North Atlantic island a breeze from:

  • New York
  • Boston
  • Washington D.C.
  • Philadelphia
  • Orlando
  • Miami
  • Fort Lauderdale
  • Atlanta
  • Charlotte
Pink sand beach in Bermuda

With more connectivity, Bermuda has found itself on more travelers’ radars in search of sun and sand – but not just any ordinary sand.

The Caribbean may be known for vivid blue waters and sugar-white sand, but Bermuda sets all alone in the North Atlantic as the black sheep of your vacation options.

Boasting pink sand in the most popular beach destination of Horseshoe Bay, as well as other gems speckled around the island, there are few places close to the States that measure up to Bermuda’s unique beauty.

panoramic view at north end of horseshoe bay beach bermuda

You can also find pink sand at:

  • Church Bay
  • John Smith’s Bay
  • Warwick Long Bay

Horseshoe Bay is definitely the most sought-after for its idyllic beach days and unforgettable memories.

Not all of Bermuda’s beaches are pink, but even Barbie would be hard-pressed to come across any shores that would disappoint.

Beach at Tobacco Bay in Bermuda

Take Tobacco Bay, for example, another popular coastal gem. Yet, Tobacco Bay boasts rocky cliffs, crystalline waters, soft, light sand, and a vibrant array of aquatic life for snorkelers.

For what it’s worth, Bermuda is widely acclaimed as one of the best diving destinations in the world.

Bermuda’s Ritzy Resorts

If there is ever a time to splurge on a vacation, it’s to escape your winter blues. While Bermuda is certainly not the cheapest tropical getaway, it doesn’t have to break the bank either.

It’s definitely not St. Barth’s, but it’s also not Punta Cana, either.

Princess Hotel In Bermuda

Sitting fat and happy somewhere in between are Bermuda’s luxe resorts. Even though Bermuda is only 21 miles long and roughly a 1 mile wide, there are numerous opulent stays with oceanfront views, including some very familiar names synonymous with luxury.

One of the most notable is Rosewood Bermuda, a 5-star resort offering upscale dining and world-class spa services in a prime location.

In the same breath is Loren At Pink Beach (5-star) and St. Regis (4-star) – all three will cost more than a pretty penny, typically upwards of $450 per night.

Lounge chairs on beach at Bermuda resort

There are resorts lined around all of Bermuda’s gorgeous coastlines, and some are much more palatable for your wallet.

These 3 beach resorts are in the $300 range this winter:

  • Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa
  • Pampano Beach Club
  • Coco Reef Resort (low $ 200s)

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Green Skies & Cheaper Spas: Leave Reykjavik Behind For Iceland’s New Travel Hotspot

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Ready to plan your next winter thrills? Look no further than Iceland’s new “it” destination!

Surprisingly, Iceland is one of the easiest European countries to reach despite seeming like a fairytale land in the middle of nowhere.

With 2 Icelandic airlines serving the U.S. as well as a pair of America’s own, your bucket list dreams await.

Northern Lights over Akureyri, Iceland

But if you’ve held off scratching Iceland off your list, you may be late to the party since Reykavjaik, as well as some other former hidden gems, have spiked in popularity.

One city on the northern side is all the rage right now, especially as more airlines trickle in, making for convenient connections.

With frigid weather full steam ahead, Iceland may not seem like an ideal escape, but with some awe-inspiring natural phenomenons and cheap thermal spas to combat the cold, don’t sleep on visiting Iceland’s new tourism hotspot this winter.

Reykjavik Is Old News! More Travelers Are Scoping Out Akureyri

Vibrant street in Akureyri

Reykjavik is a cool little city. The word “city” is a stretch since it feels more like a charming town, yet it’s Iceland’s largest “metropolis” at just a smidge under 140,000 in a nation of only 394,000 people.

More often than not, Keflavik, followed by Reykjavik, are the most common gateways into one of the world’s most otherworldly destinations to explore indescribable landscapes, stunning waterfalls, active volcanos, and possible elf sightings – well, at least to some locals who swear by it.

While spotting Will Ferrell in an open field would surely make lasting memories, in reality, more travelers are discovering the charms and wonders of Iceland’s fourth biggest city, Akureyri.

Church in Iceland

Offering more of an authentic feel than, say, Reykjavik’s Hard Rock Cafe and touristy shops, this vibrant community has so far welcomed visitors with open arms.

Honestly, that’s partly because locals know much of a trek their beloved hometown is to reach, even with easyJet set to launch a new flight from the U.K. on November 12th.

Secondly, Reykjavik isn’t a common place to witness the Northern Lights, given the light pollution, but Akureyri is more remote and a great entry point this time of year to see the skies dance green.

Akureyri’s Fabulous Northern Lights Display

Akureyri Northern Lights

Colder months = more Northern Lights. At least that’s the case for Akureyri.

Tour operators rake in the dough this time of year taking you to the best spots away from light pollution to witness Aurora Borealis put on a show.

According to Arctic Adventures, one of Akureyri’s top tour guides, the best time of year to witness this natural phenomenon is from ‘mid-September until March’.

All you have to do is pack some extra layers and let the experts do the rest.

The bad news being tour guides don’t control the weather, so you will need a bit a good fortune with a clear night.

Akureyki Northern Lights over snow

While Arctic Adventures offers a great price at $123, it’s best to do your due diligence since Northern Light Tours is their own industry here.

For a full list of options, check Akureyri’s official tourism page.

Forget The Blue Lagoon! Visit Akureyri’s Cheaper Spas

Popular belief is Iceland is best explored by road trip.

That’s why you’ll see so many awesome photos or videos of travelers’ adventures across the country on Instagram and TikTok.

Of course, one of the most common and photo-worthy places to visit is the world-famous Blue Lagoon, often a highlight on many travelers’ road trip itineraries.

Patrons enjoying Akureyri spa

That said, the experience of relaxing in this spa’s natural thermal springs is expensive.

The cost of visiting the Blue Lagoon varies by package, but even the most affordable option doesn’t compare to what Akureyri offers.

Spas galore in Akureyri. Arguably the most popular is Forest Lagoon, holding an impressive 4.7 Google rating and only costs $50 to enter, while the Blue Lagoon is roughly $75 – $105 for the low-end Comfort option.

Another great choice is the Beer Spa, where yes, you can take a beer bath!

People enjoying Akureyri thermal pool

Or opt for another thermal bath away from the charming town’s delights.

Set along a black beach overlooking astounding open scenery, a day pass at Hauganes Hot Tubs only costs $14!

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