LEISURE LETTER 99: A SNOWBIRD'S ITINERARY
As Fall fades into the soft days of winter’s early nights, we look to places where the sun still reigns and the air feels thick with the promise of something more. This is for those who wander not just for rest, but for the thrill of discovering somewhere new—where days melt into nights, and leisure comes with a hint of adventure. In this second chapter of our Snowbirding series, we explore Bermuda, the Seychelles, and Mozambique, each a world apart, and each a true escape from the everyday.
Just a short flight from the East Coast, Bermuda is a place that feels suspended between elegance and ease. Known for its blush-colored beaches and turquoise waters, Bermuda is both a familiar getaway and a world of its own. Start your journey in the historic town of St. George’s, a UNESCO World Heritage site where cobbled streets wind past pastel buildings and locals chat in shaded courtyards. From here, it’s only a brief jaunt to the famous Horseshoe Bay Beach, where the sands are pink and the Atlantic stretches endlessly before you. In the evening, head to Hamilton for fresh seafood at a local bistro, where the only sound is the gentle lapping of waves nearby. With its understated charm, Bermuda invites you to slow down, trade your itinerary for a book and your schedule for a sunset.
The Seychelles lie far out in the Indian Ocean, accessible via flights from Europe or the Middle East. Unlike the polished beaches of more popular islands, the Seychelles are a tropical sanctuary largely untouched. Begin on Mahé, the largest island, where dense jungle meets bright white sands. The markets of Victoria offer everything from spices to local art, but it’s the beaches that truly define this place. Take a ferry to Praslin Island’s Anse Lazio, often called one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, where boulders and palms frame clear turquoise waters. Or venture to La Digue for the iconic Anse Source d’Argent, with its surreal pink sands and sculpted granite formations. Here, you don’t need a plan—float between islands, let each wave carry you somewhere new. In Seychelles, leisure is pure and wild, an invitation to lose yourself in nature’s vast canvas.
For a journey that’s equal parts beauty and unrefined allure, Mozambique is calling. Begin in Maputo, a city with a blend of colonial history and African vibrancy, where jazz spills from cafes and the coastline beckons from afar. But the true heart of Mozambique lies further north on Ilha de Moçambique, an island steeped in history and stories. A former Portuguese trading post and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, Ilha de Moçambique is a place of faded grandeur, where ancient forts and centuries-old architecture hint at a rich past. Wander through narrow streets, meet locals who share tales of the island’s colorful history, and enjoy fresh prawns caught that morning, grilled over open flames. The beaches here are quiet, untamed, waiting for the kind of traveler who prefers simplicity over spectacle. For a change of scene, take a dhow—a traditional wooden boat—and explore hidden coves along the coast. This isn’t your typical beach escape; it’s a deeper connection to place and time, a kind of leisure that lingers long after you’ve returned home.
So pack lightly. A single carry-on with the essentials: swim trunks, a few breathable layers, a pair of shoes you can kick off, and something to wear when the sun dips below the horizon. These places are not for the over-planned or the over-packed. Bermuda, Seychelles, and Mozambique are for those who find comfort in the unexpected, who seek the thrill of discovering a slice of the world untouched by the predictable patterns of modern tourism.
And remember: these places have their own rhythms, their own ways. Respect the pace, savor each moment, and leave only footprints behind. Snowbirding isn’t about escaping—it’s about embracing places where leisure and adventure live side by side, waiting for those willing to follow where the sun leads.
