For those looking to spend Christmas in hotter climates, here are some reasons why Bermuda should be top of the destination list.

1. The climate

With an average temperature of low-to-mid twenties during December, spending Christmas in Bermuda will mean that the whole family gets to join in the many activities taking place on the island without breaking too much of a sweat. From golf to hiking, there is a sport for everyone. Bermuda’s crystalline waters will still be perfect around this time of year, so that you don’t have to compromise on exploring the incredible diving and snorkelling opportunities that have made this island so famous. Known as the shipwreck capital of the world due to the puzzling effects of the Bermuda Triangle, diving in Bermuda is world-class. If diving isn’t your thing, snorkelling around Church Bay’s numerous shallow reefs, all of them teeming with marine life, is a fantastic alternative.

2. The food

Yes, we all love roast turkey and potatoes, but sometimes it’s good to shake up the norm entirely. Hoppin’ John, paw-paw (papaya) casserole, and cassava pie (a sweet cake made with shredded cassava root layered with chicken) are a key part of any Christmas dinner in Bermuda. With Bermuda’s culture being a rich tapestry of African, Caribbean, Portuguese, British and Native American influences, it is no surprise that the island boasts a gloriously diverse cuisine. A secret among locals is the Cambridge Beaches Monday Night BBQ, a plentiful buffet where the best of Bermudian cuisine can be sampled. Among the other local delicacies to try are raisin bread and wahoo fish sandwiches from Art Mel’s Spicy Deli, rum-infused fish chowder from The Lobster Pot, and mussel pie from Bermuda Pie Company. With a true Bermudian feast on the agenda, it’s hard to miss the Yorkshire puddings for too long.

3. The parties

Bermuda is a nation of party people. On December 25, it’s a pink (sand) Christmas at Elbow Beach, where expats and tourists come together on Christmas morning to party, swim, eat and drink. Across the island, raft up boat parties are a rite of passage, where boats of partygoers hop between boats, bringing food and their own Swizzle concoction (Bermuda’s iconic rum cocktail) with them. Round off the celebrations with Bermuda’s annual Christmas Boat Parade, where boats draped with twinkling lights take to Hamilton Harbour for a festive floatilla of holiday fun.

4. The luxury, family-friendly hotels

With its foot firmly planted in the luxury hotel scene, Bermuda has much to offer the whole family. Among the top hotels is Cambridge Beaches Resort and Spa, which will be celebrating its 100th Christmas in 2023 with many festivities planned to commemorate this landmark event. Alternatively, Grotto Bay Beach Resort is scattered over 21 acres, with 11 colourful cottages overlooking turquoise waters and its own cave that reaches depths of 30 feet. This lush tropical estate features dramatic caves and acres of coastal woodland preserves. Find relaxation at the resort’s exquisite Natura Spa, where all treatments are performed in incredible settings dotted around the resort’s pristine private pink beaches and meticulously manicured grounds.