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How to live like a local in Bermuda

Published

3 years ago

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How to live like a local in Bermuda

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My husband and I watched the final flight take off in March, standing on our porch, gazing across the turquoise harbour toward the Bermuda airport.

The sound of planes arriving and departing in the distance barely used to register. The jet streams crossing the sky often felt like nothing more than the hands of a clock: 8:40 a.m., American Airlines; 2:30 p.m., Air Canada; 6:15 p.m., British Airways. Like the chirps of the dime-sized whistling frogs that blend into our evening chorus, the ubiquity of the planes rendered them nearly invisible.

Yet the silence that followed the dull roar of the last plane soaring out of sight was deafening. “Well, that’s that. It’s just us now,” I declared, somewhat melodramatically. But it wasn’t really an overstatement: We live on a 55-square-kilometre island, a thousand kilometres from our nearest neighbour; planes are our connection to the rest of the world. Bermudians joke about being 60,000 alcoholics clinging to a rock, but as hell broke loose around the world and we segued into isolation, this was about to become at least partly true. Bermuda had closed her borders.

The turquoise waters that surround Bermuda lap against the rocky shoreline. “Swim at moonlight,” recommends author Kristin White.

I shut my bookstore in the 400-year old town of St. George, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts some of the oldest buildings in the New World, and placed a sign in the window that said “Yay! You can still order online!” The exclamation points were a valiant attempt to hide that I’d been crying.

Thankfully, we still had oodles of rum.

I scrolled through my calendar to erase all of the activities my tour and events company had booked for the summer, sighing at my phone’s follow up questions about whether I wanted to remove only this event — or all future events.

Lead morning walking tour of St. George’s for Norwegian Cruise Line. Delete.

Host Nomadness Travel Tribe in Bermuda. Delete.

Emcee Bermuda Day Parade. Weep a bit more. Then delete.

And then I wrote a plan:

Be kind to myself. Cry if I need to. Give extra cuddles to my dog. Help where I can. Try my best to plan for the future. Take long walks around the coast, climbing up Alexandra Battery fort to watch container ships head out through the channel. Sink my feet into the sand. Cook. Burn some sage and Bermuda cedar. Practice gratitude.

St. Peter’s Church sits at the heart of historic St. George.

My neighbours posited that we must face the oncoming challenges like we would a hurricane — by looking out for each other. With friends, I raised money for grocery vouchers, volunteered at the food bank and arranged to distribute bags of vegetables donated by farmers. I spoke on tourism roundtables, as we discussed how we would collectively care for those who’d lost their income.

When the island plunged into full lockdown for the month of April, residents were only allowed one hour of outdoor time a day. I spent mine wandering through the historic cemetery in St. George’s that marked the tenants who had ‘died of the fever’ over the centuries to remind myself that we had faced plagues before.

I cooked a dozen Spanish omelettes, formed a writing group, recorded history lessons about slavery for a middle school and hula hooped. I ran out of yeast, soil and paper towels, achieving consensus with the rest of the world that baking bread, planting kale and wiping down counters was the key to survival. I spent hours on the porch where I’d seen the last flight depart, spying on the luxury yachts that came rolling into the harbour and watching as the uber wealthy rode out the pandemic on hydrofoil surfboards.

Then, in early May, the lockdown ended and we ventured out in the eye of the storm to survey the damage and figure out the way forward. The airport reopened in July and the sounds of planes landing once again became commonplace. We settled into a glossary of new terms like “pre-departure test,” “mobile quarantine” and “travel authorization form.” Digital nomads were invited to set up their laptops in Airbnbs for up to a year after applying for the newly-minted Work from Bermuda program.

Bermuda's Horseshoe Bay, where gorgeous stretches of sand really do shimmer pinkly under the sun.

New businesses and experiences blossomed as innovators across the island figured out how to engage with travelers and residents in this new paradigm. Event planners, chefs and creatives reimagined historic spaces to accommodate intimate gatherings. The Collective hosted brunch at the Bermuda Transport Museum and Just Dreams held a White Party at Fort St. Catherine.

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The Bermuda Society of Arts and National Museum of Bermuda tapped into the desire for cultural activities and began offering virtual lectures and exhibit tours. Some of our most beloved cultural events — Bermuda Day, Carnival and Cup Match — went online and began planning for vibrant returns in 2021.

And we continue to carve out moments of joy, of gratitude, of downright glee that we are living out this pandemic in paradise, stuck on an island that, though forged from rock, is truly not a hard place.

While I’m walking along the cliffs that border my home, I often think about a conversation I had while hosting a tour for a well-known movie writer and director who was looking to film on the island. His latest script needed a location that didn’t appear quite real — viewers needed to be unsure if the main character was awake or dreaming — and he thought Bermuda fit that description perfectly.

"We continue to carve out moments of joy, of gratitude, of downright glee that we are living out this pandemic in paradise, stuck on an island that, though forged from rock, is truly not a hard place," writes Kristin White.

As my small island home navigates this new landscape with resilience, creating space for visitors to join us here in finding solace and peace, I can’t help but think how right he is.

Considering working from Bermuda?

Here are a few socially distanced — yet culturally connected activities — that fit within many of the COVID-19 guidelines on the island

Where to relax

There is beauty in the act of gathering around a fire on the beach. Bermuda Bonfires will plan a crackling evening you’ll not soon forget; guitar singalongs optional.

Bermuda Bonfires will plan a crackling evening you’ll not soon forget; guitar singalongs optional, writes Kristin White.

Where to stay

Expected to open in spring 2021, the 30 brand-new beachfront residences at the St. Regis Bermuda offer access to the hotel’s luxury amenities (including the hotelier’s renowned personalized butler service) while giving you a plush and modern home to get work done (or not).

Where to explore

There are many places to hike, horseback ride and cycle across the island, but none more popular than the Railway Trail, a former train route that operated in the 1930s and ’40s and is now closed to vehicles. Look out for wild cherries and loquats along the way.

Where to shop

Buy incredible locally made and inspired products to keep for yourself or send to friends and family in order to inspire jealousy that you are staying along the shores of paradise. Bermuda Born bags, Umami Bermuda spices and Salt Spray Soap Co. skincare products are always on my list.



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LIFESTYLE

Marina Bay Sands Celebrates its 13th Anniversary with a Series of Dazzling Programs

Published

7 months ago

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11 May 2023 | 9:56

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Marina Bay Sands Celebrates its 13th Anniversary with a Series of Dazzling Programs

Telegraf – Marina Bay Sands celebrates its 13th anniversary by launching various programs and a new collection of rooms with unique designs that have been renovated, as well as new partnerships for businesses in the Marina Bay area.

Marina Bay Sands’ latest investment program worth US$1 billion has reached a historic milestone with the completion of the construction of more than 850 hotel rooms, marking a new era of luxury hospitality. This investment program is the largest ever undertaken by Marina Bay Sands to date.

The rooms located in Towers 1 and 2 of this iconic hotel are the first series of luxury accommodations that have been designed specially and inspired by Singapore’s multicultural environment.

Rich marble clad walls greets guests when they step out of the lifts (Credit to Marina Bay Sands)

The new collection of rooms and suites presents a harmony between spaciousness and comfort, offering a glimpse of Marina Bay Sands’ transformation over the past few years that began in late 2021, where the integrated resort began to redefine the future of luxury hospitality and travel.

Paul Town, Chief Operating Officer of Marina Bay Sands, said, “This massive design transformation at this iconic hotel is our commitment to set a new benchmark for ourselves and the industry. The launch of the latest room collection is the beginning of other transformations in the future. Over the next few years, guests will witness luxury in every corner of our property.

From the Lobby atmosphere to several new Sands SkyPark concepts, every corner that guests visit will be significantly reviewed and updated during our 13 years of operation. We are very excited about everything that will happen in the future as we continue to transform to meet the evolving expectations of our guests.”

Taupe as a base colour for various design elements in the bathroom (Credit to Marina Bay Sands)

Currently, over 850 rooms have been renovated, which is almost two-thirds of the total 1,282 rooms that will be produced from the renovation in Towers 1 and 2. Furthermore, the renovation will focus on ultra-luxe suites. To meet the increasing demand for luxury travel, this hotel renovation will increase the number of suites at Marina Bay Sands in Towers 1 and 2 – from 137 rooms to approximately 422 rooms.

After the renovation in Towers 1 and 2, which is estimated to be completed by the end of 2023, Tower 3, Hotel Lobby, and Sands SkyPark will be next. The range of world-class experiences offered by this integrated resort will also include the Executive Club lounge that has been updated, premium luxury dining options, as well as health and wellness offerings.

This new range of experiences will be a new achievement that ensures that this resort will remain a leading destination that is synonymous with the typical Asian hospitality emblem.

The bathroom is an urban retreat with his and hers vanities (Credit to Marina Bay Sands)

This renovation is supported by strong revenue in the first quarter of 2023. In the last period, which was March 31, 2023, Marina Bay Sands’ net revenue more than doubled to US$848 million, with hotel revenue reaching US$97 million – an increase of around 155% compared to the same period in 2022. The hotel occupancy rate also reached 97.6% with an Average Daily Rate (ADR) of US$594.

The casino also reached a record, contributing property revenue of US$549 million, surpassing last year’s revenue of US$275 million. In addition, The Shoppes also recorded revenue of US$53 million.

New Partnerships for Businesses in the Marina Bay Area The integrated resort is also making progress with the launch of the Bay Precinct Strategy, positioning Marina Bay Sands and businesses around the Marina Bay area as centers for international business events.

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LIFESTYLE

Villa Svarga in Sanur, Bali: Luxurious Living at Its Finest

Published

7 months ago

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4 May 2023 | 3:47

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Villa Svarga in Sanur, Bali: Luxurious Living at Its Finest

Telegraf – Sanur, Bali – Villa Svarga, managed by a locally-based select villa management company in Bali, Nakula, is a luxurious home located in the heart of Sanur. With ultra-modern architecture, this contemporary house features five luxurious bedrooms, two living rooms, two dining areas, and an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by lush green gardens.

With strong character in interior design, unique antique pieces, and exotic artwork, Villa Svarga promises an unparalleled modern luxury villa living experience on the island. The property layout features three circular staircases that connect the upper and lower floors at opposite ends of the villa.

Each of the five bedrooms has a luxurious ensuite bathroom, with three main bedrooms featuring king-sized beds, balconies, and freestanding bathtubs. One of the bedrooms connects to a unique loft room, making it perfect for relaxation.

Two bedrooms on the lower floor have direct access to the beautiful garden pool area.

The outdoor swimming pool is the focal point of Villa Svarga, sheltered by lush foliage that provides extra privacy and protection from the hot Balinese sun.

Guests can sunbathe on the reclining chairs or relax on beanbags with a good book, just a few steps away from the pool. The tranquil vibes around the pool are further enhanced by the presence of greenery and the size that encircles the outer limits of the villa, providing a soothing natural touch from every viewpoint within the villa.

 

Villa Svarga is equipped with housekeeping staff and a personal guest assistant, making you feel like you are in a home away from home. Additional services, such as a driver, massage therapist, or chef, are available upon request.

This villa is only a five-minute walk from Sanur Beach, where guests can find renowned restaurants and shops in Sanur. Nearby restaurants such as Soul on the Beach or Naughty Nuri’s offer a dining experience by the sea.

About Nakula Villa Management & Rental

Nakula Villa Management & Rental is a professional Villa Management established since 2012. Along with the tagline #WelcomeHome, Nakula has a mission and vision to provide an unforgettable vacation experience as if you are at home. Spread across several best destinations in Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Seminyak, Kerobokan, Canggu, Berawa, Sanur, Ubud, and Tabanan, Nakula manages 35 villa properties and 2 resorts. Having a market share from domestic and international.

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LIFESTYLE

The Universe of Squeeze90: The First Deadstock Bazaar in Indonesia

Published

9 months ago

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14 March 2023 | 4:58

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The Universe of Squeeze90: The First Deadstock Bazaar in Indonesia

TELEGRAF – Squeeze 90 introduces a new era for sustainable consumption in Indonesia, initiated by 4 entrepreneurs and trademark owners. As brand owners, each originator of Squeeze 90 realizes that ‘deadstock’ or overstocked products is a constant problem in the fashion, beauty and consumer goods industries.

A brand of consumable goods must produce tens of thousands of products to meet the minimum manufacturing needs, but what often happens is that a company cannot sell all of its goods, so that many stocks of goods become expired and fashion products are quickly deemed not to follow fashion trends anymore.

Through a series of conceptual pop-up bazaars, Squeeze 90 wants to give a fresh breath to the world of lifestyle and sustainable art through clearance bazaars and big sales.

Conversation Topic

In May 2023, 30,000 people will gather at Pondok Indah Mall 3, City Hall, Jakarta to attend the Squeeze 90 event for the second time. With more than 160 brands participating in the beauty and fashion categories, live music entertainment and well-known influencers will also be attending, this marks the second win for Squeeze 90 Group. Several brands, such as Monomolly, Avgal, Spring Summer Style, Barekurve, and Byeol, also participated in this lively event.

Squeeze90’s first bazaar was held at Pantai Indah Kapuk in October 2022 which was attended by 10,000 people, making Squeeze 90 one of the most successful bazaars ever held at a mall.

Inspired by Lemonade

The name is inspired by the phrase ‘when life gives you lemon, make lemonade’. Squeeze 90 is an opportunity for fashion brands to turn their deadstock into revenue in an entertaining way, rather than destroying, throwing away, or leaving products in storage. The term deadstock is not the same as ‘B Stock’ or ‘Outlet Stock’, because there is no damage in the product itself.

Inspired by the universe

The aim of this sale concept is to bring customers and shoppers where shopping for branded items with up to 90% off on select items from Squeeze 90 will be a truly luxurious experience.

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LIFESTYLE

Fivelements Retreat Bali Launches Special Retreat Program with a Focus on Women’s Health

Published

9 months ago

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8 March 2023 | 6:19

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Fivelements Retreat Bali Launches Special Retreat Program with a Focus on Women’s Health

Telegraf, Fivelements Retreat Bali, a leading, award-winning eco-conscious wellness retreat located 20-minutes south of Ubud, is set to host a bespoke lifestyle retreat program entitled “Pause for the Week – A Woman’s Retreat”. Aimed at women in their advancing years looking to remain balanced while adapting to changes in their lives and bodies, the program will take place from May 26 to May 31, 2023.

“We specifically designed this program to assist women in coping with the physical and emotional changes that come with age,” explains General Manager Hotels & Hospitality John T G Nielsen. “For the duration of the program, we will offer an array of tools and activities to help participants better navigate this often-overlooked challenge and embrace aging and longevity, such as mindful walking, meditation, Monovrata, and informal yoga. In addition, there will also be group workshops, coaching, and private reflection.”

Healing _ Wellness Weekend

During their time at the retreat, participants are also invited to bask in the splendor of The Organic Garden at Fivelements Retreat Bali, a new, serene, and rejuvenating oasis that embodies the retreat’s philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, which translates to “three causes of well-being” and harbors the spirit of balancing the relationships between humans and the environment, humans and God as well as humans and other humans.

The organic garden stands on a 3,800 square meters plot of land and embodies the retreat’s commitment to sustainability, wellness, and community development by providing food and jobs to the local community. Not only a visual feast for the eyes, the garden’s unique collection of flowers, herbs, and vegetables also offers beauty and diversity that support the garden-to-table concept at the Sakti Dining Room™, where a delectable range of plant-based cuisines will be served and composted afterward.

“Via the garden tours and harvesting program, guests have the opportunity to learn about the culinary arts and explore the garden’s abundant variety of herbs, flowers, vegetables, fruits, and trees,” adds Senior Sous Chef Made Tantra. “Rest assured, our chefs use the freshest ingredients from the garden to create nutritious and delicious meals for guests in the spirit of showcasing the true essence of farm-to-table dining.”

The New Garden - 3 (27 Dec 2022)

In addition, Fivelements Retreat Bali also incorporates the garden-to-beauty concept into its healing and wellness sanctuary by using the freshest ingredients from the garden to create rejuvenating spa treatments. Aside from their rarity, beauty, and nutritional benefits, the ingredients are also carefully selected, harvested, and processed in the retreat’s healing and wellness laboratory to provide guests with the ultimate healing and wellness experience.

Prior to the women-only retreat, the retreat will also organize a healing and wellness weekend on March 12, a full-day experience that caters to the mind and the body. The holistic journey, entitled “The Art of a Balanced Lifestyle,” will host a series of wellness and rejuvenation activities, including power yoga, yin yoga, a mindfulness & sound healing session, and tarot reading, culminating in the Agni Hotra Fire Blessing Ritual, a traditional Balinese practice that offers a transformative and enlightening experience via purification in the fire. Additional activities such as crafting Canang sari (daily offerings by Balinese Hindus), cooking traditional Balinese cuisine, and making Jamu (traditional herbal drinks) are also available.

Later in mid-September, Fivelements Retreat is part of the global movement, the World Wellness Weekend, https://world-wellness-weekend.org/ a United Nations-supported celebration, via a series of activities that adhere to the Five Pillars of Wellness, namely Purpose and Solidarity, Mindfulness and Serenity, Movement and Vitality, Nutrition and Immunity as well as Sleep and Creativity.

Woman Pause

Taking place from September 15 to September 17, the activities include sound therapy, yoga and fitness classes, organic cooking, and many others. “Through this series of activities, we hope to demonstrate that wellness activities are easy to do and encourage people from all walks of life to also take part in the global celebration,” notes John T G Nielsen, who also is the Indonesian Ambassador for the World Wellness Weekend.

“At Fivelements Retreat Bali, we believe in the power of balance and are committed to providing our guests with the ultimate journey of mind, body, and spirit,” concludes our wellness liaison, Pak Surya Suparma.

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LIFESTYLE

Woman’s ‘traumatising experience’ due to ‘cruel’ Covid rule

Published

2 years ago

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23 July 2021 | 7:22

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Woman’s ‘traumatising experience’ due to ‘cruel’ Covid rule

A Sydney woman who miscarried twins is among a growing cohort of women who say their treatment in a NSW hospital was cruel and that their experience was traumatic.

Hospitals have implemented a variety of new rules during Sydney’s coronavirus outbreak that mean women who are giving birth, experiencing complications with pregnancy or having a miscarriage need to do it alone — their partners and support people are not allowed in.

The measures are in place to protect healthcare workers from the risk of being infected with Covid-19 but even Health Minister Brad Hazzard questions whether they are a step too far.

“I must say from a human point of view, I would like to see mums who are about to give birth and post birth have their support person with them as long as possible,” he told reporters last week.

So bad is the situation that some women are “afraid to fall pregnant … due to the restrictions hospitals are placing on labouring women”.

Katherine*, a 31-year-old woman from Sydney’s south, told news.com.au she would never forget her horrific experience last week.

It started when she went in to see her obstetrician for an eight-week scan and was told she could only attend alone.

“I had my hubby on FaceTime during the entire appointment where my scan revealed an unviable twin pregnancy,” said Katherine, whose name has been changed to protect her identity.

“I was in absolute and utter shock. In that moment all I needed was my husband’s hand to hold. But there I was, clutching my mobile phone as I fought back the tears. My OB recommended a (procedure to remove tissue from inside the uterus) and I had to process it all on my own.”

Things got worse for Katherine from there when, a day later, she received a notification from NSW Health that she was considered a “close contact” of an infected case because she visited an Ikea store. She was told to isolate for 14 days.

“I immediately contacted the hospital and was honest and transparent about my situation,” she said.

“They explained that I could not come for the procedure and that essentially I should only go to emergency if I were to start miscarrying on my own. This was an absolutely terrifying prospect for me.

“I reached out to NSW Health to seek an exemption on compassionate grounds, and, to their credit, they worked tirelessly to get me off that close contact list. I only attended Ikea for four minutes using their Click and Collect service. How could I be a ‘close contact’?

“Within a few days I finally received word that after reviewing my case, which included three negative Covid tests and receipts from Ikea showing time stamps of a person working in Click and Collect, NSW Health no longer considered me to be a close contact. Relief.”

Katherine booked in for the procedure the following day but was again not allowed to have her husband by her side.

“I had to go in alone. It was absolutely the most traumatising experience of my life. I was first put in a room in the maternity ward where I had to take a pill to start the miscarrying process and wait for theatre to be ready.

“I was there for close to three hours. Alone. Cramping. Unable to cry in my husband’s chest. Listening to the beautiful sound of crying babies around me. It was an extremely difficult experience.

“Opening my eyes for the first time after my procedure, I looked around and remembered I was alone. I was alone, in pain and in tears. I couldn’t stop crying and all I needed in that moment was my husband. But he wasn’t allowed in.”

Katherine says the hospital “should have granted me special exemption” for a support person.

“I believe we need to put an end to not only birth restrictions, but restrictions on support people attending when women experience miscarriage,” she said.

Other women are sharing their stories via a petition at change.org that has been signed more than 32,000 times.

Petition author Sarah Fowler wants the hashtag #endbirthrestrictions to gain traction and for the situation to be corrected immediately.

“The restrictions that are currently in place are inconsistent across hospitals throughout Sydney and are damaging women,” she wrote.

“Women are stressed, anxious, worried and fearful about what may happen if they have to go in to birth their babies with no support people. It is no secret that our hospital system is failing women already, the system is hard to navigate under normal circumstances, now it is nearly impossible.”

The Health Minister said last week that he was in discussion with health officials but they were holding firm to their decision.

“It is a difficult issue because at the moment Covid is in the community more broadly,” he said.

“I must say from the human point of view, I would like to see mums who are about to give birth and post birth have their support person with them as long as possible.

“I have discussed that with the senior health officials and the instructions they’ve given out are reflective that on the ground health authorities just have to make some really challenging decisions.”

He said issues had arisen in recent weeks at both hospitals on Sydney’s north shore and in Fairfield where hundreds of staff had to be furloughed because they came in contact with known Covid cases.

“Everybody in the health system innately wants people to have support in a whole variety of circumstances but at the end of the day it has to be a health decision in not only keeping that mum and that dad and that baby safe,” he said.

“It is a highly difficult and challenging circumstance. My heart goes out to those people. Compassion and care and concern has to be the overriding factor, but that compassion and care and concern can also mean you have to look at what risks there are around Covid.

“This one in 100 year pandemic is not easy when it comes to those issues.”

 

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LIFESTYLE

Sydney worker keeps getting dobbed in

Published

2 years ago

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23 July 2021 | 4:31

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Sydney worker keeps getting dobbed in

A popular Sydney personal trainer has taken aim at a community of naysayers who continue to dob him in for working throughout lockdown.

Rory Stephen, who owns Roar PT, has been abused and heckled since the Greater Sydney lockdown begun and is fed up with members of the public trying to shame him.

“I’ve been in eight different spots now, because at every one there’s been someone who has complained or had something negative to say,” Mr Stephen, who works in the inner city area of Potts Point, told news.com.au.

“The people I’ve come across have been pretty rude.”

In one instance, a random man yelled out to complain about the noise from Mr Stephen’s speaker.

“He was really rude about it as well,” he said, detailing how the man threatened to call the police if he didn’t move.

Another woman blasted him for having loud music outside while she was working from home.

“She was just so rude about it, and telling me how she would appreciate it if I left. She just had no respect for me,” Mr Stephen said.

“I’m always a people pleaser and don’t want to upset anyone, but I’ve had enough.”

He said he had been told to move at least eight times by disgruntled members of the public.

People were constantly pointing and taking photos of his set up too, which he suspected may not have been solely due to his impressive collection of equipment.

“I’m just trying to service my clients as best as possible. Because everyone’s in a tough place, working from home and going crazy, so the highlight of their day is working out,” he said.

“It’s hard when I’m trying to keep my clients happy and the community happy as well. It’s frustrating.”

Police have stopped in three times, likely after receiving calls from the public, and “they have been fine with it”, Mr Stephen said.

“They have not said one negative thing to me and council has been really good too, it’s just the community.”

Government health advice stipulates that exercise can be undertaken outdoors with “a friend, family member, or trainer”, so long as there are no more than two people at all times.

Exercise is one of four reasons Greater Sydney residents are allowed to leave their home.

 

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