After 20 years working for fashion and design magazines in New York, the last place Texas-born Sarah Bray imagined she would end up living was Bermuda. But it was a chance encounter in London, while on assignment, that connected her to her now husband, Eric West, a native Bermudian. After several years of commuting between New York - where Eric was pursuing a PhD - and Bermuda, the couple decided to relocate to the idyllic island and Bray has never looked back. “It was an easy transition,” she says of the 700-mile move. “We’re all working on our computers, wherever we are, so I feel just as connected as I did in Manhattan. And it’s quicker to get to Bermuda from JFK than it is to get to Montauk in summer, so it really is an easy, 90-minute hop back and forth.”
After a year of living in Bermuda - most of it during the time of Covid-19 - Bray has launched a lifestyle brand selling island-inspired caftans and straw hats adorned with vintage ribbon and fabric that she sources from all over the island. Here she shares her insights into everything from being a small business owner to the best beaches, and how to enjoy a more relaxed pace of life, just like a local…
Q: What was your experience launching a business here?
A: While the population is small, Bermudians are extremely well travelled and are open to all kinds of new ideas and creative ventures. Sarah Bray Bermuda is a fashion and lifestyle brand - clothing, accessories, and tabletop - and I’ve benefitted greatly from this incredible network of women mentors and collaborators who have offered support, promotion through their social media, and who also sell my things in their local stores.
Q: What do you love about working here?
A: Being surrounded by water and beautiful gardens is very inspiring, and it gives me the space to think a bit more clearly - away from the hustle and bustle of city life. I’m partnering with Bermudian artists to create prints for new scarves and dresses, and the antiquing and thrift store shopping - major sources of ideas for me - is the best anywhere. From Habitat for Humanity in Hamilton for vintage porcelain, to PALS and The Barn for embroidered ribbons and textiles, the materials and craftsmanship you’ll find here are incredible. I know how wasteful fashion can be, so I like to use recycled fabrics as much as possible and there’s an untapped mine here.
Q: What has life in Bermuda been like during Covid?
A: It’s the best place to be. We’re so spoiled as we’re isolated, and it just feels safe and peaceful. The government has really figured out the testing; you are tested before flying, and also multiple times upon re-entry to Bermuda, but it feels very easy. It’s not an inconvenience, because everyone wants to keep on a healthy track. And flights are back to normal - from US cities, as well as from Canada and the UK, and I notice many of our British friends coming to live for extended periods of time. If you can work anywhere, why not here? I work on my laptop on my beautiful front porch, with breezes blowing, excellent mobile and Wi-Fi coverage, and I’m more productive than ever before...
Q: Where would you recommend for a stay, either short or long term?
A: If you want to be central then the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club with its coffee bar and proximity to the ferries is a good bet. The Salt Kettle Inn is a completely charming B&B that feels very authentic, while the Rosewood Bermuda is a gorgeous property with a cocktail terrace overlooking the ocean, not to mention a croquet court. The Ledgelets Cottage Colony in Somerset is boutique chic - Gray Malin photographed the property - and they are now doing extended stays.
Q: What are your favourite foodie finds?
A: In Bermuda, I like to eat by the water whenever possible and 1609, overlooking Hamilton Harbor and the sailboats, is perfection. The fish tacos never disappoint either. For a traditional Bermudian fish sandwich, I like the iconic Art Mel’s - it’s a grab and go spot with humongous fried fish sandwiches on fresh raisin bread. Breezes at Cambridge Beach Resort is another favourite for dinner on the sand at sunset. Snow cone stands abound on the island, and I’ll stop wherever one pops up. My husband likes the Round da World flavour; Bermudians are obsessed with it!
Q: What are your picks for best beaches?
A: I like really remote, off the map spots including Cooper’s Island where you’ll have the whole place to yourself. Science nerds will like this one, too, because it’s on a NASA base and you’ll see the people going about their business. The Blue Hole requires a walk through a jungle to get there, while either Elbow Beach or the Coral Beach Club (members only) is a nice place to spend an afternoon swimming and playing tennis.
Q: What do you hope stays the same/what do you hope changes for Bermuda?
A: I hope the welcoming, unhurried atmosphere stays the same; it feels very unspoiled. I hope that Bermuda does attract new thought leaders and people from all over the world - diversity of ideas and fresh perspectives are always a good idea.
Bermuda has long been an alluring island to work and live. Now you can experience it for yourself. Ready for a change?
