Celebrate the rich mystique, heritage, and culture that make up island life
in Bermuda with AFAR. Out there, we’ll explore beyond the iconic pink sand beaches and tap into Bermuda’s multicultural roots, unique architecture, and thriving arts scene
in ways you’ve never experienced before.
Join us for 2 Nights/2 Days of enriching conversations with influential locals
and private access to remarkable spaces, plus food, cocktails, music, and some well-deserved beach time.
Morning
Reception with the Governor
A special, personal welcome to Bermuda, in true ceremonial style, sets the stage for our two days ahead with a morning tea reception with Governor John Rankin at his official residence, Government House.
Speaker Session: Bermuda, the Artist’s Muse
Bermuda has been a muse to artists around the world for centuries. Museum founder, Tom Butterfield, will share the story behind the creation of this museum that pays homage to both local and globally renowned artists, and their beautiful works inspired by the island.
Meet the Premier
Prior to lunch we’ll visit Camden House, a Georgian mansion from the early 1700s within the grounds of the lush Botanical Gardens, for an official welcome by the Premier of Bermuda, the Honorable Michael Dunkley.
Midday
Lunch and Pop Up Shop
Enjoy a delicious lunch of local cuisine and live music performances while browsing the gorgeous, detailed work of local Bermudian designers and artisans, specially curated for AFAR by stylist and boutique owner, Nicole Golden. You will most certainly want to take home at least one of these beautiful objects.
Afternoon
Free time
Take a couple of hours on your own to stroll the charming streets of Hamilton, lounge by the pool, or just rest up for the night ahead.
Evening
Travel back in time at Verdmont House
This beautiful heritage home from the early 18th century is the perfect backdrop for a celebratory and perhaps ghostly evening of sunset cocktails, a festive performance by Gombey dancers, storytelling by the lovable raconteur John Cox, wonderful Bermudian cuisine, and the smooth sounds of island reggae. A magical night that may haunt you forever…
Morning
Speaker Session: The Story of Bermuda
Bermuda’s real history dates back more than 400 years, and since that time the island has played a significant role in many historic events. Revered historian Dr. Edward Harris will give insight into this rich history and how Bermuda has come to be the thriving maritime community that it is today.
Midday
Lunch at the Beach
A visit to this island paradise wouldn’t be complete without a chance to walk barefoot on its sandy shores or take a dip in its turquoise waters. Relax under the breezy palms over a casual lunch while sipping on icy cocktails as you listen to the sounds of the steel pan…this just might be heaven on Earth.
Afternoon
Breakout Sessions, various locations
Small group breakouts allow Experiences guests to have more intimate, behind the scenes encounters with fascinating and influential locals. You might choose to get out on the water in a chaser RIB to see the training sessions of an America’s Cup team; boat to a private island to learn about the incredible conservation efforts that are saving a rare seabird from extinction; go on an architectural walk or bike the streets of St. George’s, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for a closer look at the island’s visually stunning East End; or learn the fantastical story of the Mary Celeste shipwreck from a marine archaeologist and expert perfumer…
These are just a few of the exclusive activities we’re putting together. A final list of breakout session options will be shared with attendees two weeks prior to the event date.
Late Afternoon
Sunset Cocktail Cruise
Departing from the Hamilton Princess dock, we’ll cruise into the sunset on a luxury catamaran as we take in the pretty views of Bermuda’s islands and secret coves. As Bermuda will play host to the America’s Cup in May and June, we’ve invited onboard Mike Winfield, CEO of the America’s Cup local organizing committee, to tell us more about on what it takes to produce an event of such magnitude on a remote island.
Evening
Final Night Party
Bermudians are natural hosts and love to entertain, which is why we’ve chosen to celebrate our final night together with a house party at one of the island’s most charming homes. Meet and mingle with our gracious hosts and an array of local friends, including some of our beloved speakers and hosts, for an evening of great food, wonderful conversations, and a dance party to end all dance parties!
Philippe Rouja is a Bermudian cultural and medical anthropologist with an expertise in the challenges faced by small coastal communities. He has worked extensively with local experts in Northern Australia, French Polynesia, the Caribbean and Bermuda. Today, he actively participates in marine heritage and the conservation of shipwrecks in Bermuda and is currently the Principal Scientist in the Department of Conservation Services, reminding communities to incorporate environmental and conservation awareness into their daily lives.
Edward Harris is director of the National Museum of Bermuda, which exhibits 500 years of local history and culture. An archaeologist and historian, Edward has advanced the exploration of maritime history through underwater archaeological projects. Well known for inventing the Harris Matrix methodology, used worldwide to investigate archaeological sites, Edward is also an author, a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London and was appointed MBE by her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2000.
Tom Butterfield is longtime supporter of Bermudian art and artists, which inspired him to found the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art, a non-profit organization that allows patrons to experience Bermuda through the eyes of artists like Winslow Homer, Georgia O’Keeffe, Charles Demuth, and many others. In 2012, Princess Anne appointed Tom MBE at Buckingham Palace for his service to the arts, and today, he continues to nurture, educate and support aspiring Bermudian artists.
Isabelle Ramsay-Brackstone has been the Perfumer at the nearly century-old Bermuda Perfumery for two decades, handcrafting Lili Bermuda fragrances. A Canadian transplant, she quickly made a name for herself in the global perfume industry, and in 2014, successfully recreated the ancient Piesse and Lubin London fragrance found in the wreckage of the Mary Celestia, a Civil War-era ship that sank 150 years ago. Proceeds from the sale fund the preservation and promotion of Bermuda’s unique shipwreck heritage.
John Cox is the descendant of some of Bermuda's earliest settlers, and the local author still lives in the house built in 1802 by his seafaring forebear, Captain William Cox. John’s books on Bermuda history and folklore, particularly those related to ghosts and island hauntings, have been a favorite with locals and visitors alike since he began publishing in the early ‘90s. His newest book, “The Best of Old Bermuda“ will be released in spring of 2017.
Kristin White has dedicated her career to community, youth, and economic development in Bermuda, eventually focusing her efforts on the Town of St. George, where she lives. In addition to coordinating and fundraising for various town projects, she has also taken on the role of Cultural Tourism Manager with the Bermuda Tourism Authority. In her spare time, Kristin can be found running a small bookstore and a successful ghost tour, Haunted History, also in St. George’s.
Gary Phillips is widely recognized in Bermuda for his involvement in community affairs, particularly the arts. Her Majesty, The Queen, appointed Gary an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2010 for his work as co-historian, researcher, advocate, and promoter of Bermuda’s folkloric dance, The Gombeys. Previously, Gary has served Bermuda as a teacher, postmaster general, tourism director, and acting secretary to the cabinet, among other titles.
Mike Winfield, CEO of America’s Cup Bermuda (ACBDA), helped secure Bermuda as the host venue for the preeminent international sailing competition: the 35th America’s Cup. (It’s no surprise his mantra is “how to get to yes”). Prior to his time with ACBDA, Mike served as a minister and senator with the Bermuda government, acted on numerous government boards, and enjoyed a long career in the hospitality industry.
Steve Hollis is a lifelong sailor, sailmaker/rigger and proprietor of Ocean Sails, favored by sailors around the world for its sail design, engineering and craftsmanship. While Steve has grown up on boats on the waters of Bermuda, when given the chance he also loves to go exploring in the jungle - the backyard of his youth which he knows intimately and continues to enjoy today.
