Outside Names Bermuda ‘Best Island’ For Travel

March 11, 2015

[Updated] Outside, one of America’s leading active lifestyle brands, has selected Bermuda as ‘Best Island’ in its annual Best of Travel awards, with the Bermuda Tourism Authority [BTA] saying that it is “thrilled for Bermuda to be recognized by a travel brand like Outside.”

The entire list of winners appears in Outside’s April issue, on newsstands March 17, and online.

This year, Outside’s adventure travel veterans scoured the globe to identify the best mountains to climb, food to eat, rivers to float, guides to hire, beaches to lounge on, lodges to luxuriate in, and islands to explore.

The result is 40 breathtaking options, from the guides to show you around, to the cameras to capture it all, to the places to stay, to the best place to grab a snack at a food truck along the way.

Bermuda’s entry on the top 40 list says, “A subtropical archipelago of 181 volcanic islands, Bermuda won the bid to host the 2017 America’s Cup, thanks to near perfect North Atlantic sailing conditions.”

Screenshot from the Outside website

outside-bermuda-entry-screenshot

“Beyond wind, the British Overseas Territory, just a two-hour flight from New York City, has 75 miles of pink-sand beaches interspersed with jagged limestone cliffs, many of which are perfect for deep-water soloing and hucking into the Atlantic from the top. Stay at Elbow Beach, a 50-acre hideaway with a private stretch of sand on the southern shore.”

BTA CEO Bill Hanbury said, “The Bermuda Tourism Authority is thrilled for Bermuda to be recognized by a travel brand like OUTSIDE.

“From world-class sailing conditions to unparalleled reef and wreck diving to mountain biking our historic Railway Trail, Bermuda is perfectly suited for all types of adventure-seekers. Bermudians have known the thrill of their island for generations – now we’re excited for a new generation of travelers to jump into the island’s culture and experiences.”

Update 3.29pm: Outside has replaced the photo used on the website

Fullscreen capture 3112015 32346 PM

A BTA spokesperson said, “With a mild year-round climate located less than two hours from numerous East Coast cities, Bermuda has become a mecca for those seeking diverse adventure on land and water. Thrill-seekers can’t miss cliff jumping and cave diving; other visitors are enamored with SUP yoga and snorkeling.

“Bermuda has also increasingly become a training destination for both amateur and professional athletes, with a series of races and competitions attracting entrants from around the world. The island most recently won the distinction to be home to the 35th America’s Cup in 2017. Events begin on-island with the America’s Cup World Series Racing Event October 16-18, 2015.”

Update 3.36pm: Glenn Jones from the BTA explained that “apparently Outside Magazine sourced and used an image of 9 Beaches when it went online today with its Best of Travel post.”

Mr Jones said, “The image did not come from the Bermuda Tourism Authority’s asset library and, as is commonplace with editorial pieces like this, our marketing team did not get to see the content before it went live. It appears the image came from Getty.

“Once the BTA saw the post this morning we immediately contacted Outside and requested the image be changed since 9 Beaches is not currently in operation. They agreed. The image has been changed.”

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Comments (38)

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  1. Raymond Ray says:

    Now this is what we Bermuda needs more of, “free publicity” :-)

    “The Bermuda Tourism Authority is thrilled for Bermuda to be recognized by a travel brand like OUTSIDE,” said Bill Hanbury, chief executive officer of the Bermuda Tourism Authority. “From world-class sailing conditions to unparalleled reef and wreck diving to mountain biking our historic Railway Trail, Bermuda is perfectly suited for all types of adventure-seekers. Bermudians have known the thrill of their island for generations — now we’re excited for a new generation of travelers to jump into the island’s culture and experiences. ”With a mild year-round climate located less than two hours from numerous East Coast cities, Bermuda has become a mecca for those seeking diverse adventure on land and water. Thrill-seekers cannot miss cliff jumping and cave diving; other visitors are enamoured with SUP yoga and snorkeling. Bermuda has also increasingly become a training destination for both amateur and professional athletes, with a series of races and competitions attracting entrants from around the world. The Island most recently won the distinction to be home to the 35th America’s Cup in 2017. Events begin on-island this year, with the America’s Cup World Series Racing Event from October 16 to 18.

    • Eve says:

      Free publicity….do you really think Bermuda suddenly got to be the “Best Island” without a little financial assistance from BTA, directly or indirectly. 9 Beaches, what kind of goof is that! Today Hanbury was out cliff jumping too.

    • Mockingjay says:

      So what happens when people come here to stay at one of these beautiful bungalows, “don’t worry as long as they get here” and Mr. Dodwell can put them up at his place …….from the dilapidated Nine Beaches.
      Would be nice if they fixed them up, oh I forgot, “NO MONEY”, but the BTA got $23 Million and Hanbury gets $1,000 a day.
      What a F!@#**** JOKE.
      False advertisement at its best.

  2. ron says:

    were are the tourist, this is a joke

    • Mockingjay says:

      In the Caribbean where it is Cheaper and more Fun, like the guy from Tempo said, he was told “it’s a certain kind of clientele they are after.

  3. ron says:

    pic of a place that’s been shut down for five six years cause of no tourist

    • PBanks says:

      That is a bit unfortunate there. Hopefully the potential tourists won’t be all “where are the bungalows on the water” as a deal-breaker.

  4. Ed Case says:

    1. This hotel shut down several years ago.
    2. We have no gaming.
    3. No night life.
    4. Rubbish taxi service.
    5. Unreliable bus service.
    6. No car rentals.

    How can we be on this list?
    We simply don’t think we have to compete. We have nice beaches and we say good morning.

    That is why we are in such a fix. We never bothered to compete. Like pretty girl who once had everyone flocking around her – but now she’s getting old and losing her looks. Very sad.

    • Starting Point says:

      You might want to research more about the magazine in question, it is an adventure magazine for people who embrace fitness, find their own adventure etc. Not really focused on people who want to sit in a seat in front of a slot machine while food is delivered to their chair……Outside mag fans would prob be asleep by 9:00 pm because they spend the day snorkelling, or riding the trail, or deep sea fishing etc….

      Based on your lists of don’t haves, this market is even more critical to Bermuda tourism imo.

      • Ed Case says:

        Starting: Its possible we may actually get a coupe of fitness fanatics coming to Bermuda – but this is not our bread & butter. Its like doing a junkit to China for tens of thousands of dollars so that maybe a dozen people might come here.

        The fact is, that most people want the things I metioned above and Bermuda is simply not competing and hasn’t done for many years. Until we suck it up we are doomed to failure. Saying we shouldn’t have renta cars ‘cuz dey get indee vay an slow mee darn’ is simply not a good enough reason.

        Bermuda is still too entitled – still thinks its special – like the once good looking girl I mentioned above. Not being sexist – being honest.

        • Bermystyle says:

          Cry baby! Do something about and stop whining

    • Sara says:

      I agree with everything you said except. ” Like pretty girl who once had everyone flocking around her – but now she’s getting old and losing her looks.” Very sexist comment.
      That aside, if we are the top island in all of these magazines, why do we have such trouble getting tourists here?

      • Ed Case says:

        With humble apologies to Sara. I didn’t mean it to be sexist – it could be anyone of any background (or sex) who feels somehow unrealistically entitled and it eventually comes back to bite them.

        That’s really where we are in Bermuda today. We were once very attractive and everyone wanted to be with us – now, not so much.

        We’re old and boring now. Not as full of life – not as attractive. That’s what I meant.

  5. This is excellent recognition for Bermuda. Outside Magazine has a huge following for people looking for adventure. Credit to the BTA and all of those that worked behind the scenes to make this happen. It does not happen by accident.
    Now its up to the Bermudian entrepreneurs to ensure that when the guests arrive in Bermuda, they have an exciting, fun and enjoyable visit.
    That includes transportation alternatives, boating, water sports, night life, hotels, entertainment, events, friendly islanders and everyone pulling in the same direction and proud to be Bermudian. Its not rocket science and worldwide tourism is growing. We should be sharing in the “rising tide” by all working together, cutting red tape and supporting entrepreneurs at every opportunity.

    • Mockingjay says:

      How do you expect us to act like Johnny Barns when this Government is totally disrespecting the average working Bermudian.
      You expect us to be “Proud to be Bermudian” while Bermudians are continually being overlooked in top jobs, and are qualified, neglected laborious jobs for foreign cheap labor and want us to have ALL our working rights eradicated (that our for fathers fought and died for) so we can be exploited just liked the foreign cheap labor.
      I like your concept of sharing in the “rising tide” by all working together, but this is a two way street Jack.
      You treat us right we will act right, you treat us like S!@# your gonna get S!@#.
      Real Talk Jack !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      • Longtail5 says:

        “Act right” because it is right to do so – not because someone else led you that way.
        You are your Government.
        You are Bermuda.
        At her core, the island is her people – the compilation of every single one of them. She has always been beautiful because of her people, even – no, especially, through the ugliness of her past and the trash of her present.
        Who do you want to be Mockingjay? A mimic? Or an original? A leader or a reactor?
        Which part of Bermuda’s myriad facets are you? I hope you will be the facet that reflects the truth, yes, but I also hope you have the courage to act as you would like the island to be instead of reacting to what happens to you.
        You have the power to make the difference. You. Be the example of what you want your island to be. Get involved in positive group action – peacefully led group action. Call up your parish representative and ask to sit down with him or her. Tell your story – eye ball to eye ball. Demand accountability. Demand integrity, intelligence, fairness, empathy and action. Run for office yourself – but when you get elected know I will be there knocking on your office door, demanding the same of you.
        Educate yourself on those who have done just that throughout history – both on and off our island. If you are going to follow a lead let it be one of those people – grab a book from the library and read – or re-read and discern what other great leaders would have done in your position.
        Johnny Barnes found a way for himself – and he shares it with all of us. What courage! What generosity.
        There will always be problems and injustices and ugliness but if you display your fierceness through your integrity, honesty, forgiveness and love (daily through your actions) tides will turn in your favor. Seriously, stop pointing fingers at others you are so angry with. Do you have a right to feel so disappointed and angry? Of course, but that is such a waste of your boundless energy! It is it’s own form of terrible bondage. Use that surge of emotion to focus on, instead, on all that is good in your history -our history- and honor your rich heritage by seeking out how positive change came about. Believe me, that will be contagious, in a very good way.
        You may say your hands are tied and you are consistently undermined by the powers that be. I don’t buy it. You are better than that – the fact that you are engaging in the fray with your vehement words shows you truly do care about your island home. Refuse to allow the garbage to be the distraction from what you are able to achieve. You want to clean things up? Affect the changes you need and deserve? You want truth in the island’s perceived beauty? Let it start with you.
        We are all so fortunate to call this coral rock our home. Look around if you don’t believe me and really see…when all the crap you mention overwhelms and suffocates you try your very best to see the beauty. It is there in the sea, the sky, the sand, the wildlife ( check out those toads , tree frogs, lizards, birds and fish …they are freakin’ awesome to watch) – you have access to all of that -it is free and it is yours – and look for the beauty too in your people and how they treat each other. Small gestures of essential kindness rarely make the headlines you have to relax and notice it.
        Do all you can- even if it is in opening a door for someone you do not know when you are in the foulest of moods, or doing a favor for a neighbor when you are bone tired, or listening with openness and intelligence to someone you consider your foe.
        Don’t mock – engage in empathetic, constructive dialogue.
        Don’t whine – act in positive , life affirming ways.
        Call things as you see them but do more than just offer lip service – serve others as you would want to be honored and respected – first, before they do to you.
        When you are running low on tolerance, listen for a second and appreciate. Feel gratitude for what you love right there in front of you, even if for only a nano second , even if that thing is as small a the tiniest grain of sand on your toe ( and you know it stuck there from the beach even after your shower…sand has a way of being that stubborn).
        Yelling is just noise that scatters and scares everything away. If you want to be heard be calm in your assertions and always take the intelligent, strategic lead. Be the green shoot in the shit. The sweetest, most nutritious bananas grow in the lowest trenches surrounded by manure and rotting decay.

        The natural beauty of our island is what may catch the outside world’s eye but it is who WE are as a people and community, and how we treat each other and take care of this island world, that resonates in them when they leave.

        Be the Bermuda you want to be. I’ll do too, all I’m asking of you. I promise. I’ll be looking for you out there.

  6. Rhonda says:

    I Recall accolades, like this came with how much did DoT pay, nonetheless, I am booking my ticket right now, what is the name of the accommodation in the article, …….. what do mean it longet exist. Oh well never mind.

  7. Rhonda says:

    From cheap hideaways to epic fishing and diving spots, we dug up seven crowd-free island escapes for every type of adventurer.

    Maalifushi, Maldives
    Great Abaco, Bahamas
    Corn Islands, Nicaragua
    Mumbo Island, Malawi
    Niihau, Hawaii
    Niue, South Pacificu
    Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands

    From Outside Magazine, Nov 2013 Get the Latest Issue

  8. ann says:

    what a miserable bunch of people that write their comments, glad I’m not friends with you, take a positive and keep it that way once in a while, We are trying to attract tourists, but naysayers like you all will chase them all way.

    • Tolerate says:

      lol, and you got a dislike? But you are right; the mentality of some Bermudians has dropped to levels unheard of. So what if some parts are inaccurate or out dated, its good publicity.If the magazine fudged it, its on them. We did not write the article. I personally relate it to the constant divide we have. People have become miserable excuses for human beings; however it will only get worse as this Island slowly continues its descend into crap.
      SMH

    • ron says:

      how long is one suppose to stay positive?
      after being let down so many times? just asking

  9. Scotty says:

    Ann that is unfair to call commentators a miserable bunch of people because they have an opinion. Perhaps they are realists! There is nothing in these comments that is not true. The place highlighted has been closed for six years. Why on earth would anyone congratulate the BTA for their achievements in this regard. It is shocking that they are promoting this as a newsworthy story when the place highlighted is not in existence. Bermuda is a destination for that group of tourists that enjoy safety and home away from home. To link Bermuda to adventure tourism is absurd!

  10. stunned... says:

    if anything Bill should be embarrassed to be congratulated for something which no longer exists…smdh

  11. obasellouts says:

    As someone who actually does travel to the Carribean, I can tell you that the nightclubs and bars on Front Street compare quite well to the nightlife in many many islands.

    Now if you never leave your hotel then you may not have any clue whats going on.

    Take a trip and check it out

  12. ron says:

    lies!! we are not on that list, just cant be

  13. just wondering says:

    wow – incredible – many of you should be ashamed of yourselves – we have an incredible island – amazing places to have fun and adventures and incredible holidays – which is EXACTLY what the average person going on holiday wants – we get voted NUMBER 1 by one of the top adventure magazines in the world and this is your reaction? I certainly hope none of you making these type of unpleasant remarks are in the hospitality industry – its like you don’t want the island to succeed – well fortunately many of us do!!

    • Bermystyle says:

      I am 100% on your team. I’m tired of all the cry babies and whiners who complain but never bring solutions to the table. If you’re not going to be part of the solution then get out of the way. And for those of you who want to call me out…I’m investing my own personal money to create a unique tourism product that will absolutely be successful.

  14. Ann says:

    We are not part of the Caribbean, and I tire of be associated with it, people can walk the streets here and go out and not need police protection. There are people that blog on this thing, that I swear want us to turn into a dirt village. If we do you can forget your double time, because there won’t be any regular time

    • Mockingjay says:

      So your comparing the Caribbean Islands as dirt villages, that’s why ALL the tourist are going down there instead of coming to a racist, stuck up island.

      • Starting Point says:

        I agree the racism towards guests (workers and tourists) to our island has got to stop. Way to lead the charge Mockingjay!

    • PBanks says:

      I’m not sure what part of the Caribbean you visit, but there are several places and regions where you can walk around safely.

      You talk about not wanting to be generalized by being lumped in as ‘Caribbean’, yet you generalize the Caribbean as a whole yourself.

  15. Bermuda123 says:

    If you can’t be positive then stop commenting! This is excellent free publicity and well done BTA. People from outside Bermuda read these comments and the negative ones will undo this opportunity. Just stop it and be positive.

    • Mockingjay says:

      Thats good people from outside are reading, its probably worse where they’re from like Ferguson or one of the other hick towns where people are not treated fairly.
      We want to portray a Johnny Barns happy community when this Government is throwing money at their interest and treating the average working Bermudian like S#!+.
      PLEASE

  16. Claudine says:

    As an American who loves Bermuda I been there many times and have about 75 days till I get back there, I can say I have been to the Carribean and Bermuda by far is the better choice. Oustide magazines clientele will not be swayed by a picture, I have waited for years for 9 beaches to open back up it looks amazing but i can wait no more,I agree with STARTING POINT Bermuda is definetly for the outdoor enthusiats not the sit at home type.

  17. aceboy says:

    Mockingjay must be in the CS. Nobody else has the time for such prolific posting.

    • stunned... says:

      one wonders if mockingbird is a competitor masquerading as Bermudian resident.