You’re staying at the "Pink Palace." That’s what locals call the Fairmont Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, a massive, rosy landmark that has basically defined the Hamilton harbor skyline since 1885. But here’s the thing that trips people up: the hotel isn't on a beach. It's a harbor hotel. To get your toes in that famous pink Bermuda sand, you have to head to the south shore. That is where the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Beach Club comes in, and honestly, if you don't understand how the shuttle and the access work, you're going to spend your vacation feeling slightly annoyed at a bus schedule.
Most people assume a resort beach club is just a few chairs on a public strip. This isn't that. It’s a private cove at Sinky Bay. It’s sheltered, it’s quiet, and it feels worlds away from the bustling streets of Hamilton. If you've ever been to Horseshoe Bay—which is stunning but can get packed like a sardine can when cruise ships are in port—you will appreciate the seclusion here. It’s the difference between a public park and a private estate.
Getting There Without the Stress
The shuttle is your lifeline. It leaves from the hotel's front circle. Don’t just wing it. The ride takes about 20 to 25 minutes depending on how many people are trying to navigate the narrow, winding roads of Warwick and Southampton parishes. Bermuda roads aren't like American highways; they are tight, coral-lined corridors where side mirrors live in constant peril.
The jitney is free for guests. It’s air-conditioned. It’s pink. You’ll see the island pass by—the lush hibiscus, the pastel houses with their white stepped roofs designed to catch rainwater, and the occasional glimpse of the turquoise Atlantic.
Pro tip: The last shuttle back usually fills up fast. If you miss it, you’re looking at a pricey taxi ride or a long wait for the next one. Check the seasonal schedule the moment you check in because it changes based on sunset times and guest volume.
What the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Beach Club Actually Offers
When the van drops you off, you walk down a winding path toward a sheltered horseshoe of blue water. Sinky Bay is protected by rock formations. This means the water is usually calm. If the south shore is "angry" (lots of wind and big waves), this cove stays relatively flat, making it great for kids or anyone who just wants to float without getting smacked by a breaker.
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- The Amenities: You’ve got high-end loungers. No plastic folding chairs here.
- The Food: The beach restaurant serves things like fish tacos and rum swizzles. It’s managed by the hotel, so you can just charge it to your room. It is convenient, though certainly not cheap.
- The Toys: Kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear are available. Because the bay is rocky on the edges, there’s actually decent fish life right near the shore.
The cabanas are the big draw for some. They are these little wooden structures with daybeds. Do you need one? Probably not if you’re active. But if you want to spend eight hours reading a book and having someone bring you chilled towels, it’s worth the splurge. Just book them in advance. They sell out during the summer months when the island is at its peak.
The Sand and the Water Reality
Let's talk about the sand. People hear "pink sand" and expect neon. It’s more of a subtle coral fleck. When the water recedes, you see that rosy hue clearly. It’s beautiful.
The water at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Beach Club is that surreal electric blue you see on postcards. It’s shallow for a good distance. You can wade out quite a bit before it gets over your head. This makes it a prime spot for the "hammock in the water" photo op. Yes, they have those. They are tethered to poles in the bay, and honestly, there is nothing quite like lying in a hammock while the tide ripples underneath you. It’s peak vacation vibes.
Comparing the Experience to Other Bermuda Spots
Bermuda has a lot of beaches. Elbow Beach is long and great for walking. Horseshoe Bay is iconic but loud. The Princess Beach Club is the "controlled" experience. You don't have to worry about finding a spot for your towel. You don't have to worry about where the bathroom is. Everything is manicured.
Some travelers find it a bit "too" manicured. If you want the raw, rugged Bermuda—the kind where you climb over limestone cliffs to find a hidden pool—this isn't it. This is luxury relaxation. It’s for the person who wants a pristine towel and a cocktail with a paper umbrella.
The Logistics of Food and Drink
The menu at the beach club focuses on fresh, light Atlantic fare. Think local snapper, salads with citrus vinaigrette, and burgers.
- Pricing: Expect "resort prices." A lunch for two with a couple of drinks will easily hit $100.
- Service: It’s island time. It’s friendly, but it’s not fast. If you’re starving, order before you’re actually hungry.
- The Swizzle: You have to try the Rum Swizzle. It’s Bermuda’s national drink (alongside the Dark 'n Stormy). The Princess version is potent and sweet. One is usually enough to make the shuttle ride back feel much shorter.
Practical Advice for Your Visit
Don’t bring your own snorkel gear if you’re short on luggage space. The stuff they provide is high-quality and well-maintained.
Bring sunblock that is reef-safe. Bermuda’s coral reefs are the northernmost in the Atlantic and they are fragile. The sun here is deceptive because of the breeze; you will burn in 20 minutes if you aren't careful, even if it doesn't feel that hot.
If you are a fan of HIIT or yoga, check the morning schedule. Sometimes they do fitness classes right on the sand before the main crowd arrives. There is something very grounding about doing a downward dog while listening to the actual ocean instead of a Spotify "ocean sounds" playlist.
Managing the Shuttle Timing
The transit is the only real "work" involved in visiting the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Beach Club. The first shuttle usually leaves around 9:00 or 10:00 AM. If you want a front-row lounger near the water, be on that first bus.
By 1:00 PM, the place is at its liveliest. If you prefer quiet, go early and plan to head back to the hotel by 3:00 PM to enjoy the infinity pool overlooking the harbor. That pool is heated and saltwater, and it offers a totally different vibe—more chic, urban, and sophisticated compared to the tropical beach club.
Understanding the "Princess" Legacy
The Fairmont Hamilton Princess isn't just a hotel; it’s a piece of history. It was named after Princess Louise, the daughter of Queen Victoria. When you visit the beach club, you’re participating in a tradition of high-end hospitality that has hosted everyone from Mark Twain to world leaders.
The beach club addition was a relatively recent move in the hotel's long history to compete with the south shore resorts like The Reefs or the now-defunct Elbow Beach Hotel. It succeeded because it gave guests the best of both worlds: the ability to walk to dinner in downtown Hamilton and the ability to escape to a private beach sanctuary during the day.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that the beach club is open to the public. It’s not. It’s strictly for hotel guests and members. This keeps the density low. Even on a busy day, you aren't fighting for space.
Another error is thinking you can walk there from the hotel. You cannot. It’s on the opposite side of the island. Do not try to walk it. You will be walking on roads with no sidewalks, dodging mopeds, and it will take you hours. Take the shuttle or take a taxi.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
- Check the Jitney Times Immediately: The moment you walk through the lobby, find the concierge desk or the bell stand and snap a photo of the current Beach Club shuttle schedule. It is rarely the same as the one you might find on an old travel blog.
- Pack a Dedicated Beach Bag: The hotel provides towels at the club, so you don't need to lug those from your room. Just bring your essentials: high-SPF sunscreen, a hat with a chin strap (the wind is real), and a waterproof phone pouch if you plan on taking the kayaks out.
- Make a Dining Reservation: If you’re going during a holiday weekend or peak July/August, have the concierge book a table for lunch at the beach restaurant. It saves you from waiting for a table in your wet swimsuit.
- Explore the Rocks: Don’t just stay on the sand. Walk to the edges of the cove. There are small tidal pools and interesting rock formations that give you a better sense of Bermuda’s volcanic origins.
- Charge Your Device: Between the harbor views at the hotel and the cove at the beach club, you will take more photos than you realize. Bermuda’s colors—that specific combo of pink, green, and turquoise—are incredibly photogenic.
The Fairmont Hamilton Princess Beach Club provides that essential Bermuda beach experience without the logistical headaches of public transport or the crowds of the more famous spots. It turns a harbor-side stay into a full-blown island retreat. Just remember to watch the clock for that last shuttle back, or you'll be watching the sunset while waiting for a taxi on South Road. Enjoy the swizzle. You’ve earned it.