Travel: Sun Direct: Bermuda
Why: Barely a two-hour flight, and you’re walking on petal-pink sand beaches or taking in the other manicured charms of this upscale but friendly island. It’s not balmy this time of year (the average high is only around 70 degrees), but it’s sunny and pleasant and great for golf. Plus, hotel rates are around 40 percent what they’ll return to in April.
Where to stay: Cambridge Beaches, located on a 30-acre peninsula, has a secluded private beach, beachside dining, spa treatments, and new cottage suites with private infinity pools overlooking the ocean (441-234-0331; cambridgebeaches.com). Managed by Mandarin Oriental, Elbow Beach offers a contemporary twist on the classic island resort; ask for a private lanai with open views of the ocean (441-236-3535; mandarinoriental.com/bermuda).
Where to eat: An island favorite with an appropriately English pub atmosphere, Henry VIII features savory filet mignon along with Bermuda favorites like spiny lobster and pan-fried rockfish (441-234-0331). Grab an outdoor balcony table overlooking downtown Hamilton at Harbourfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar and order the classic Bermudian fish chowder (441-295-4207).
What to do: Book a tee time at one of the island’s most exclusive, breathtaking courses: the world-famous Mid Ocean Club (441-293-0330; themidoceanclubbermuda.com), or the Port Royal Golf Course (on Jack Nicklaus’s list of the world’s best public courses; 441-234-0974).
Getting there: USAir and USA3000 fly direct from Philadelphia in just under two hours
