By Deirdre Frost
Along the West End of Bermuda, it is not just the beauty of the rugged coastline with its extraordinary rock formations on the Atlantic that captures the hearts of nature lovers, but also it is the lure of a wild, tropical setting that draws out islanders and visitors alike.
Lifestyle
Bermuda is known for its relaxing lifestyle allowing for an easy exchange among islanders who enjoy conversations about local interests. Attending an island fundraiser, turned into a grand affair
when the former Premier, Sir John Swan, graciously invited Bermudians to his home to support Masterworks Museum of Bermuda’s initiatives to “Go Green.”
Art
Thanks to the museum founder, Tom Butterfield, members of the Bermudian society were invited to the garden party to support the museum’s goals to install climate control. The evening was a great success with a large turnout including many expatriates joining Bermudians in efforts to keep the museum collection secure. Entertainment was provided by young dancers in beautiful costumes performing ballet in the garden.
Eldon Raynor
Some of the most enjoyable “social” experiences in Bermuda are through sports, such as cricket and golf. Plus many Bermudians take pride in community service through sports Including the locally-renowned, former Southampton Rangers and St. George’s Cup Match cricketer, Eldon Raynor.
As a former St George’s player who lives behind Southampton Rangers, has also sponsored several young cricketers over the years, providing them with sports equipment and gear.
Coming from a family of thirteen brothers, Eldon learned early in life to share what he had with others. When he hosted an amateur golf tournament at his home at Sound View Cottage several years ago, he felt that he was giving back to the community by helping others. Eldon shows his commitment when he said: “I really enjoy doing this because I’ve worked hard all of my life and now I am just trying to put something back.”
I had the great pleasure to visit Sound View Cottage where Eldon and his wife, Barbara, made me feel quite at home. They have three spacious apartments for rent that overlook the outdoor pool with its panoramic views of the ocean and bay. On a lofty hill with this magnificent view, there is a lovely garden full of papaya, sugar apples, bananas, and other tropical fruits and vegetables.
The miniature golf course is the focal point, which Eldon designed for his guests to practice before heading out to one of the golf resorts on the island.
Nearby their home is the Southampton Rangers Community Center where visitors can watch a cricket or soccer match with an entry fee of only $2.
Sound View Cottage has excellent TripAdvisor reviews and is located within walking distance of a grocery store and some restaurants as well as diving facilities at Horseshoe Bay.
Horseshoe Bay Beach
Within close proximity, the top attraction in Southampton is Horseshoe Bay Beach that is famous as one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. The lovely crescent-shaped beach and pristine, pink-colored sand are geological wonders with large, volcanic rock formations jutting out of the water. . Lush vegetation and wildlife provide an extraordinary setting with the restless sea.
Off the beach trail, hikers can explore the far end of Horseshoe Bay Beach to Warwick Long Bay Beach with expansive views. In some secluded spots, it is possible to find a variety of wildlife, including eagles, hawks, doves, chickadees, along with wild roosters, hens, and other animals. In one instance, the rock is shaped like a tall, breaking ocean wave that seems informidable.
Wandering
Wandering off-trail can lead to some of the most memorable sights and unusual natural formations that particularly appeal to anyone looking for the natural beauty of nature.