Bermuda: A Wellness Getaway for Gen Z, Just 2 Hours from New York

Bermuda is the ultimate wellness escape for Gen Z travelers, offering relaxation, adventure, and rejuvenation just two hours from New York. From serene beaches to spa retreats and outdoor activities, this island paradise is perfect for those seeking a quick yet refreshing getaway. Experience the ideal blend of nature, self-care, and vibrant culture in a destination designed for wellness enthusiasts.

For overworked New Yorkers seeking a quick escape from the city’s relentless hustle, a cabin retreat just two hours upstate has long been the go-to option. But what if I told you there’s another destination - one with crystal-clear blue waters and swaying palm trees - that’s less than a two-hour flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport?

As a member of Generation Z (cue the collective sigh), I constantly find myself torn between staying connected on social media and striving for peak mental wellness. This combination often leads to burnout, so when the opportunity arose to visit Cambridge Beaches Resort and Spa in Bermuda, I didn’t hesitate to pack my bags.

Nestled just 650 miles off the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, Cambridge Beaches offered the perfect four-day retreat I had been craving. The century-old resort was not only rich in history and culture - much like the island itself - but also provided a much-needed mindful escape.

The 50-minute drive from L.F. Wade International Airport in Hamilton to my accommodation felt like a private sightseeing tour, spanning the entire length of the island. Bermuda, which stretches less than 20 kilometers in length, is famous for its pink sand beaches, as well as its extensive nature reserves and wellness-focused activities designed to help visitors unwind. Over 300 acres of land have been set aside to protect Bermuda’s most endangered species, giving travelers the opportunity to connect with nature by hiking through reserves such as Cooper’s Island, Southlands Estate, and Abbott’s Cliff Park.

However, it was Horseshoe Bay Beach in Southampton Parish that immediately captured my attention. As we drove along the island’s winding cliffside road, I caught my first glimpse of this world-renowned beach, often ranked among the top 10 in the world. With its signature turquoise waters, Horseshoe Bay is practically Bermuda’s visual trademark.

The bay, shaped like a horseshoe as its name suggests, is surrounded by limestone cliffs that create a natural cove, making it an idyllic spot for relaxation. The beach is also connected to a scenic 1.2-mile walking trail that runs through South Shore Park, perfect for those looking to explore the island’s natural beauty.

When I finally arrived at Cambridge Beaches in the charming village of Somerset, it became clear that relaxation was the resort’s top priority. Established in 1923, the resort offers a unique lodging experience - rather than traditional hotel rooms, guests stay in standalone cottages, each painted in Bermuda’s signature pink hue to match its famous sandy shores.

For my stay, I checked into a one-bedroom Water View Suite, which felt like a true home away from home. The suite featured a king-sized bed, a separate living area, a Whirlpool tub, a walk-in shower, and a private patio overlooking Long Bay Beach. Since the resort is located on the western side of the island, I had a front-row seat to some of the most breathtaking sunsets I’ve ever witnessed.

Despite the luxurious accommodations, my main focus was immersing myself in the resort’s wellness offerings. The Ocean Spa at Cambridge Beaches boasts one of Bermuda’s few indoor pools, along with a hot tub, sauna, and steam rooms. Open to both resort guests and the public, the spa offers 20 different treatments, ranging from a 50-minute detox facial to an aroma stone massage.

As someone who rarely takes the time for a spa day, I opted for a classic Swedish massage - though the experience was anything but ordinary. Years of working remotely had left my back stiff and my shoulders knotted, but after just one session with Pachuau, a massage therapist with nearly a decade of experience at the spa, I felt completely rejuvenated.

Of course, Bermuda is home to countless spas, so what makes Cambridge Beaches stand out? While the massage itself left me feeling refreshed, what truly set this resort apart was its serene setting, which ensured my sense of tranquility lasted throughout my stay.

Spanning 23 acres, the resort felt like a built-in wellness retreat, complete with four private beaches, an outdoor infinity pool overlooking Mangrove Bay, and hidden coves waiting to be discovered. On my first full day, I stumbled upon Turtle Cove - a secluded beach at the bottom of a worn-out set of concrete steps. With only two lounge chairs lining the white sand, it felt like my own personal paradise. I spent the remainder of my trip floating in the cove’s calm waters, contemplating whether I had finally found the true meaning of relaxation - until a couple booked the spot for a private sunset dinner on my last night.

That said, I didn’t spend my entire trip meditating or practicing yoga like a full-fledged wellness guru - because, frankly, I didn’t need to. From the moment I stepped onto the resort grounds, I could feel the stress of burnout melting away. Maybe it was the fact that my flight from New York took only an hour and 44 minutes, making travel completely hassle-free. Maybe it was the Swedish massage that erased all the tension built up from long hours at my desk. Or perhaps it was Bermuda’s breathtaking scenery and peaceful atmosphere that made me feel at ease.

Or, maybe - it was all the Rum Swizzles.

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Source: independent‍