Hours from most of the east coast, Bermuda and its pink sand beaches enchant visitors to an awe-inspiring island getaway.

Guests to the island, just over 20 square miles in size, can enjoy a mix of activities, from simply lounging beachside to exploring a range of spectacular attractions.

And those gorgeous pink sand beaches in Bermuda that everyone loves? They are the result of a calcium carbonate organism that lives under coral, called red foraminifera. That, along with coral and shells that get washed ashore, mixes with the sand to give the beaches their blush color.

Possibly the island’s most celebrated beach, Horseshoe Bay Beach was named for its shape. It is located on the southern coast and is surrounded by rock formations, caves and coves waiting to be explored. West Whale Bay Beach is the place to spot humpback whales and go shore fishing, while Church Bay beach is renowned for snorkeling.

Perched on Bermuda’s stunning south shore with miles of pink sand beaches, the luxurious Fairmont Southampton, a beach resort sitting on nearly 100 acres, is dotted with lush bougainvillea and towering coconut palms. It is perfect for Atlantic vacations, getaways, meetings, and events year-round. The hotel offers spacious guestrooms — many with sweeping water views — which are richly appointed with private balconies, walk-in closets, and marble bathrooms. For unsurpassed luxury and service, reserve a room on the Fairmont Gold Floor, a hotel-within-a-hotel.

The resort offers unparalleled amenities throughout the entire property. Relax at the resort pool, or pull up a chaise lounge at the sprawling oceanfront beach club. Unwind in the Willow Stream Spa, visit the indoor pool and fitness facility, or tee off at the 18-hole, par-3 championship, Turtle Hill Golf Club. As a family-friendly destination, the hotel offers a kids camp. The Fairmont Southampton has dining covered for even the most discerning palates with an impressive range of 10 restaurant options. The Ocean Club offers wonderful seafood, simply prepared and served surfside. It combines the freshest local catch with the relaxed atmosphere of a sea-side setting. Defining Bermuda’s steakhouse experience for nearly 350 years, the historic Waterlot Inn remains one of Bermuda’s best. Gracefully nestled dockside on Jew’s Bay, the Waterlot Inn offers breathtaking sunsets and proudly boasts of receiving Wine Spectator Awards. Serving the finest steaks and chops, this classic dining room has introduced a newly updated and inspired menu that spans time-honored signature specialties and incorporates bold new flavors. Fresh ingredients, unique preparation, and award-winning service surrounded by warm furnishings are the hallmarks of The Waterlot Inn.

Besides the beaches, adventurers can explore the Crystal Caves, the largest cave system on the island with a 50-foot-deep lake. In 1908, Mark Twain became one of the first tourists to descend into the Crystal Caves. “We visited a wonderful cave…” he wrote in a letter. “The most beautiful cave in the world, I suppose. We descended 150 steps and stood in a splendid place 250 feet long & 30 or 40 wide, with a brilliant lake of clear water under our feet and all the roof overhead splendid with shining stalactites, thousands and thousands of them as white as sugar, and thousands and thousands brown and pink and other tints.” Over the next century, the caves became one of Bermuda’s most popular attractions, with thousands of people discovering the otherworldly subterranean beauty that lies beneath the island’s surface.

For nature lovers, the Bermuda Arboretum is 22 acres of forest and walking trails with a bird sanctuary and beautiful plant species. Walking through the Arboretum provides vistas filled with cedar trees, flowing golden acacias, exotic rubber trees, black ebony, and avocado trees. Distinct sections of the park include wildflower meadows, a large collection of conifer trees, cherry forests, and Bermuda and Chinese Fan palms. The Arboretum is also a noted bird sanctuary, home to cardinals, rare bluebirds, white-eyed vireo and kiskadees.

Cooper’s Island, 12 acres of wilderness, is home to seabirds, land crabs, and cedar trees. It was re-opened to the public in 2011 after the U.S. Military and NASA occupied the space. The highlights of Cooper’s Island include a restored pond and salt marsh area complete with a boardwalk. Meander through the salt marsh and keep your eyes peeled for killifish, giant land crabs and seabirds like herons, egrets, and kingfishers.

Bermuda also boasts the Walsingham Nature Reserve, another 12-acre natural paradise with blue pools and grottos, walking trails, snorkeling, and rock climbing; the Railway Trail that runs from end to end of the island; and the Spittal Pond Reserve, fantastic for birdwatching and spotting butterflies and rare lizards.

Golf lovers will be pleased to learn Bermuda offers a myriad of courses, including Port Royal Golf Course, Tucker’s Point Golf Course, Ocean View Golf Course (9 hole), Turtle Hill Golf Club (located at the Fairmont Southampton), and Belmont Hills Golf Club.

The island also boasts hiking and biking trails, beautiful spas, and lots of shopping. The City of Hamilton is the spot for shopaholics, specifically Front Street where you will find both independent and high-end international retailers for stylish wares. The Town of St. George and the Royal Naval Dockyard are shopping hubs for more locally-made arts, souvenirs, and accessories.

For a night on the town, the City of Hamilton offers everything from upscale bars to lively nightclubs to laid-back pubs. Bermudian food is a fusion of British, Caribbean, African, Native American, and Portuguese influences — and do not miss out on all the fresh seafood dishes!

Overlooking the stunning blue waters of the Hamilton Harbor sits the Grand Dame of luxury Bermuda resorts, the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club. With panoramic views of the water, guests can sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful yachts passing by at this Bermuda hotel. At “The Pink Palace,” where history meets modern sensibility, you can experience Bermuda’s only luxury urban resort. This hotel is an urban oasis featuring beautifully appointed guest rooms and a stunning infinity edge resort pool with uninterrupted views of Hamilton Harbor. The Hamilton Princess offers a range of luxurious guest rooms and suites. Guests can choose from harbor, garden, pool, or city views. The recently renovated Poinciana Wing offers beautifully appointed, modern one-bedroom suites and deluxe rooms.

Chef Marcus Samuelsson has brought his latest culinary creation, Marcus’, to the Hamilton Princess. Chef Samuelsson has crafted a vibrant menu that celebrates Bermudian culture. Guests can dine on the Hamilton Harbor with a spectacular panoramic view in Bermuda’s first and only celebrity chef restaurant. 1609 Bar and Restaurant, is an open-air casual dining experience that takes you out to sea as you dine out on the Harbor and is situated on a new 60-berth marina. The Hamilton Princess Beach Club is the exclusive, private beach club, located at one of the island’s most picturesque spots, South Beaches, featuring tranquil clear waters for snorkeling and swimming, and a food & beverage menu designed by Marcus Samuelsson.