Ahead of the 35th America’s Cup in 2017, we round up the best places on the islands to stay, swim, sunbathe, and (most importantly) sip on sundowners .

“Unto an isle so long unknown, / And yet far kinder than our own?” So wrote metaphysical poet Mr Andrew Marvell around 1654, in tribute to the then-recently discovered country of Bermuda. During the more than 300 years since, we’ve had a lot more time than Mr Marvell to get familiar with the place (it was first colonized by the British in the early 1600s), but it still seems rather appealing in comparison to the United Kingdom. And most other locations, really. A series of peaceful islands, surrounded by the crystal-clear blue waters of the North Atlantic and peppered with beautiful pink beaches, Bermuda is known for its colourful colonial architecture and unspoilt way of life, making it an excellent destination for de-stressing as well as a variety of water- and lounger-based activities. In 2017, of course, it will also become home to the 35th America’s Cup – the sailing trophy being defended by Oracle Team USA, who are currently based in Bermuda. This seemed as good a reason as any for MR PORTER to pop on over and catch a few rays with the team – you can read the resulting feature in this week’s Journal. If you’re thinking of planning a trip there yourself as the final stretch of the America’s Cup looms ever closer (we certainly enjoyed ourselves, by the way), scroll down now: what follows is a brief guide to what to do (and wear) when you get there.

There are plenty of hotels and resorts to choose from in Bermuda. Some offer fine dining and beachside accommodation. Some have enormous spas where you can go and get kneaded and thumped to your heart’s delight. But in our opinion, the most stylish residences are the ones that retain a bit of a flavour of the late 19th/early 20th century – a time when the perennially misquoted Mr Mark Twain was still regularly known to visit. Back then, he stayed at the Princess Hotel, which has been refurbished by the Fairmont group and renamed Hamilton Princess & Beach Club. Now, however, though the Princess is spectacular, we feel you’ll get a little more old-fashioned style at the Rosedon Hotel (above) – a boutique affair housed in a 1906 estate. Book yourself in here, sit in one of the nostalgically decorated rooms and, like Mr Twain, think up lots of clever things to say that people will later tap mindlessly into brainyquote.com.

What to wear

Ominous-sounding, delicious-tasting and often fast-acting, the Dark ’n Stormy is Bermuda’s signature cocktail, given that it was invented on the island. In fact, it’s only really here that you’ll be able to drink the drink in its platonic state, that being a concoction of Gosling’s Black Seal Rum and Barritt’s Bermuda Stone Ginger Beer (which have been favourites in Bermuda since 1806 and 1874 respectively), with a dash of bitters and a lime wedge. Obviously, to become a connoisseur of this particular beverage, you have to try a few, so plan to visit as many bars as possible to compare and contrast. You are likely to find, however, that the very best is served at the Waterlot Inn’s Dock bar at the Fairmont Southampton Hotel.

What to wear

The awe-inspiring course at Port Royal Golf is considered one of the finest in the world, not just because of the challenge of its holes but because of the incredible views of endless, unspoilt ocean it offers up as you play. What’s more, unlike some of the other golf clubs in Bermuda, you don’t need to be a member to play here – just call up beforehand and book your tee time.

What to wear

Bermuda is dotted with truly incredible beaches, particularly notable for their sparkling turquoise waters and pale-pink sands. You know what this means: it’s Instagram gold for any wannabe Massimo Vitali’s out there. For epic shots featuring a long stretch of coast (and clusters of other visitors), we recommend Elbow Beach, one of Bermuda’s biggest and deservedly most popular sunbathing spots. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for something a little bit more intimate (and dramatic), Church Bay beach, further south in Southampton Parish, is a small beach that’s great for snorkelling and has unusually rosy sand, while Jobson’s Cove, in Warwick Parish, is completely surrounded by rocks, which keep it both secluded and calm, and are especially photogenic.

What to wear