Mt. Pleasant

On the south shore of Paget Parish, the twenty-six-acre Coral Beach & Tennis Club, which dates back to 1948, is ripe with old Colonial charm and exudes a slow, easygoing pace. Access to the property is limited to members or friends of members, but well worth it for the experience if you can snag an invitation. Coral Beach Club, or CBC as repeat visitors call it, is the kind of place that feels unchanged by time, mostly in a good way: Cottages are quaint and feature a ceiling fan, wicker furniture, pink-and-green upholstered chairs, and chinoiserie. (A note: The bathrooms in many of the rooms could use a fresh coat of paint and an update.) The Beach Terrace, with its iconic yellow-and-white striped umbrellas, is just right for idling with a Dark ‘n’ Stormy in hand as golden hour approaches over the turquoise water and powder-pink sand. Service is warm and friendly, as that’s the Bermudian way, and much of the staff has grown up on the island. Old-fashioned dress code rules still apply—and are politely enforced: Gentleman are to wear blazer and ties with Bermuda shorts and knee…

Elbow Beach feels like the British Bermuda of yesteryear. The recent takeover by the Mandarin Oriental group means some of the bright pastels, floral wallpapers, and grandad feel are changing to a sleeker look, but we hear the careful charm of the staff and the slow pace still feel delightfully old-school. The resort is home to Veranda, Bermuda’s only rum bar, with over 100 varieties of rum and a clubby, jazzy vibe. FYI, The Bougainvillea cottages with sea views are said to be the ones worth coming for.