When seeking out destinations to visit as Black travelers, including countries and nations that love and respect us, should be a priority. Bermuda, an island nation just 650-miles east of North Carolina, is a place that should definitely be among our lists.

Note: The island has strict COVID-19 testing requirements in place. Please read up on them before you visit.

Much like the United States and other heavily Black populated countries, most of Bermuda’s Black descendants were brought over on ships during the period of enslavement. Fast forward to present day, and 80-90% of the island’s residents are Black.

What makes this even more significant is that young Black Bermudians are leading a movement of reclaiming places and spaces that their ancestors fought hard to get.

“It’s almost as if Bermuda is going through its own renaissance,” Jill Dill, PR projects manager for Bermuda Tourism Authority told Travel Noire.

From the outside looking in, some may think that Bermuda is a place that wealthy white people visit for vacation. But once you are on the island, you quickly find that is not true at all.

The city of Hamilton is filled with Black-owned businesses on nearly every street. From Urban Cottage owner Nicole Golden setting up her successful clothing and home goods boutique on the city’s Front Street, to Delight Morris opening upscale consignment shop, Orange Bay Company.

We haven’t even began to touch on the restaurants, tour operators, and photographer and videographers leading the way, too.

If you are plant-based and love a great burger or smoothie, you’ll want to check out owner Preston Ephraim’s Om Juicery. Want to try an authentic Bermuda fish sandwich on raisin toast or Bermuda lobster? Take a trip to restaurant Lost In The Triangle, who’s owner is a Black fisherman that catches the dishes he serves himself. For a fun and inexpensive happy hour, add in Blue Waters Angler’s Club, the island’s oldest historically Black fishing club that has its own hangout spot, too.

To learn about the island’s rich history, which we should note is primarily Black history, book a tour with Rashida Godwin of Titan Express or award-winning tour curator and business owner Kristin White.

Looking for someone document your visit? Lara D. Smith is an amazing Black-woman videographer, who shoots some of the island’s biggest events.

Water lovers, we’ve got you covered. What’s a trip to an island without some fun on the water or underwater adventure. If you want a laid back boat charter, hit up Pure Play Charters, Andrea Christine Charters, or True Blue Charters. For the divers and snorkelers, book a private session with certified free and SCUBA diver, Weldon Wade. For the adrenaline seekers, H2O Watersports and Kinezumi Water Sports has your jet ski, kayak and sail boat rental needs.

As you can see, the island is filled with Black entrepreneurs, no matter the industry. So as you plan your 2021 travels and beyond, consider giving Bermuda a try.

Related: How Bermuda Has Kept COVID Low, Even After Reopening

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