After winning a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in July 2021, Bermudian triathlete, Flora Duffy, made Bermuda the smallest country in the world to win a gold Olympic medal. Here, the gold medallist reveals her favourite spots on the island including her favourite running route, the best beach for relaxation and the perfect place to sip cocktails whilst watching the sunset.
What is your favourite running trail in Bermuda?
“My favourite running trail on the island has to be the Bermuda Rail Trail National Park – a scenic, 18-mile trail, offering unrivalled views and natural wonders along the way. Spanning the island from end to end, the Railway Trail follows an abandoned railbed that winds through tranquil landscapes and along stunning rocky coastlines, offering the ideal running trail for any time of day. I start my run at Bailey’s Bay footbridge, located along the North Shore Road in Hamilton Parish and run towards Shelly Bay Beach just north of Flatts Village – my favourite beach on the island, before turning around and running back again. The trail hugs the coastline and the beautiful azure waters which Bermuda is so famous for. You get to enjoy these stunning views for the entire run – it’s super pretty”.
Which is your preferred beach to simply relax?
“This is such a hard one because there are so many beautiful beaches in Bermuda. If I had to choose between two, I really do love Shelly Bay Beach because it’s great for open water swimming. More often than not, the water is very calm and the protected cove stays shallow, even at high tide, making it an ideal spot for snorkelling too. The water is just beautiful! There is also a boardwalk on the western side of the beach which meanders through a small nature reserve which is great for exploring the local flora and fauna. My other favourite has to be Horseshoe Bay Beach – Bermuda’s most famous beach. It is super beautiful and great for relaxing. It also connects to other beaches so you can make a really nice walk out of it”.
Can you tell us something that every visitor should experience before they leave the island?
“Cliff jumping at Admiralty House Park is a must during a visit to Bermuda and a very popular Bermudian pass time. Admiralty House Park is the most popular place for cliff jumping on the island as it offers different levels to jump off depending on how much of a dare devil you are. A lot of fun and a really cool experience!”
What is your favourite local restaurant?
“My favourite local restaurant has to be Ruby Murry’s in Bermuda’s capital, Hamilton. The charming Indian restaurant is hidden in one of the oldest wine cellars in Bermuda and offers delicious food and great service in a really relaxed setting. The food is to die for and everytime I’m home I go there multiple times because I love it so much. For travellers keen to try Bermuda’s famous delicacy, the fish sandwich, I would head to Woody’s. Enjoy perfectly fried snapper, wahoo or grouper with perfectly seasoned batter and tartar sauce. Woody’s fish sandwich is a no-frills classic through and through. These restaurants offer totally different experiences but are both definitely worth adding to your list whilst visiting Bermuda”.
Where is the best place for a Dark ‘n’ Stormy?
“The bars at Hamilton Princess & Beach Club offer the most delicious Dark ‘n’ Stormy as well as other Bermuda classics including the iconic Rum Swizzle. 1609 Bar & Restaurant at the hotel is a stunning spot for an evening cocktail overlooking beautiful Hamilton Harbour as the sun sets. Many of the locals choose 1609 for their weekly happy hour on a Friday night and it’s easy to see why“.
