Moving to Bermuda • kolv.in

Introduction

Moving from the UK to Bermuda was a big shift for us. My wife, Rebecca, took on an exciting new role as a Mammographer on the island, and with my experience working remotely in tech, the transition felt manageable.

This blog is about our journey—navigating the move, adjusting to a new culture, and finding a balance between island life and staying connected to my professional roots back in the UK.

The Countdown Begins

Our journey officially started on August 31, 2022, when Rebecca got her job offer. We had until late December 2023 to make the move, so planning kicked into gear. At the time, we were living in Bournemouth, England, a place we’d called home for two years.

The move wasn’t just about packing bags; it was a total reset. We sold nearly everything we owned and embraced a minimalist mindset. Beyond the physical logistics, it was also about preparing mentally for the change.

We spent our final months in Scotland, reconnecting with family and friends. It was bittersweet—cherishing moments with loved ones while knowing we were about to leave. Christmas with Rebecca’s family was a highlight, and we made the most of it.

There were also simple comforts we indulged in—like fast food favorites Greggs and Domino’s—and I managed to fit in a few last nights out with friends. Those final weeks in Scotland were a mix of nostalgia and anticipation, a countdown to a whole new chapter.

The Journey Begins

Saying goodbye at the airport was tough. Parting with friends and family was emotional, but leaving our dog Milo behind for three months was the hardest part. His absence hit us immediately.

On the flight, the reality of a one-way trip to Bermuda finally sank in. We distracted ourselves with a dry toast to our extra legroom—a small win on an otherwise emotional day.

Arriving in Bermuda

We landed in Bermuda in the evening. The humid air hit us as soon as we stepped off the plane, a stark contrast to the crisp chill we left behind in the UK.

Navigating immigration was a bit nerve-wracking. Even with all the necessary documents, we couldn’t shake the worry that something might go wrong. Luckily, everything went smoothly and we were allowed into the country 😅

A local named Cal picked us up and gave us a warm welcome, chatting as he drove us to our temporary accommodation. Even at night, the island had a magical feel—the lights twinkling as we began to grasp the reality of our new home.

Cultural Adaptation

Living in Bermuda has been an adjustment, especially coming from the more reserved culture of the UK. One thing we quickly learned is how important it is to greet everyone—it’s a big part of the local culture. For someone naturally reserved like me, this has been a learning curve. Some days it feels easy, other days it’s draining, but I’m getting used to it. It’s kinda nice being around happy people.

The tipping culture has also been a change, especially given how expensive things already are here. It’s just one of many aspects of island life we’re learning to navigate as we settle in.

Exploring Our New Home

Rebecca’s employer provided a temporary place to stay near central Hamilton for our first month, which made the transition smoother. To get around, we rented scooters—costing $1,250 for six weeks. It wasn’t cheap, but it gave us some much-needed freedom while we worked on getting our local licenses.

We also joined a gym (@elitefitnessbda) for $75 a month, which has been one of the more affordable options in the city.

Plant-Based Diet

Keeping up with our plant-based diet has been a mixed experience. While we’ve managed to find vegan alternatives like faux meats, cheeses, and plant-based milk—which makes home cooking enjoyable—it does come at a cost, pushing our monthly grocery bill to around $1,000. Thankfully, Rebecca is an amazing cook, and her meals make eating at home an absolute dream.

Eating out, however, has been a real letdown. Most restaurants only offer one vegan option, which feels restrictive and frustrating, especially when you’re paying the same price as all the more popular meat dishes. Given how affluent Bermuda is, it’s disappointing that there isn’t more variety or effort put into catering to different diets.

That said, one place we revisit for a romantic meal is Blu. The food there is great, but we always know what to expect—it’s the same limited choice every time. At least the stunning backdrop helps make up for it.

On the other hand, we’ve had some frustrating experiences, like being served a vegan burger at 1609 Bar & Restaurant without a bun because the brioche wasn’t vegan. Instead, it was awkwardly sandwiched between pieces of iceberg lettuce. Moments like that make us miss the variety and quality we were used to back home.

On the plus side, the lack of fast food has been great for my waistline. I’ve even spotted Irn Bru in a local shop, though at $3.40 a can, it’s a rare treat compared to the £0.49 back home.

Reflections and Insights

Life in Bermuda is a constant mix of excitement and adjustment. There are moments of pure joy—usually helped along by a Rum Swizzle—and times when the challenges of such a big move feel overwhelming.

Financially, living here is a big leap, but the beauty of the island and its welcoming atmosphere make it worth the effort. We miss family and friends, but we’re grateful for this opportunity and determined to make the most of it.

And, of course, credit to us—we worked hard to make this move happen. It’s been a whirlwind, but we’ve tackled it together. Here’s to making the most of this incredible experience.