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Even some diehard fans compare Bermuda to certain beauty queens -- beautiful but dull. We prefer to think of it as "tranquil." If you're looking for exotic local color or sizzling rum- and reggae-filled nights, look farther south to the Caribbean. But if you need to escape the stress and strain of daily life, go to Bermuda.

This quiet island is one of the best places in the world for a honeymoon or a celebration of any romantic occasion. The joint may not be jumping, but it's the most relaxing -- and safest -- of the foreign islands off a relatively hassle-free environment where you can concentrate on your tan, minus the annoyance of aggressive vendors and worries about much crime. If you're into sunning and swimming, it doesn't get much better than Bermuda between May and September. Pink sand and turquoise seas -- it sounds like a corny travel poster, but it's for real. As Mark Twain said, "Sometimes a dose of Bermuda is just what the doctor ordered."

Frankly, Bermuda is predictable, and its regular visitors wouldn't have it any other way. The tiny island chain has attracted vacationers for decades, and there aren't many secrets left to uncover. But those sandy pink beaches remain just as inviting as ever, no matter how many times you return.

Even to friends of Bermuda who make an annual pilgrimage to the island, the Bermudians can be a bit smug. They know their island is more attractive than Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, or Miami, and they're not above reminding you. Bit of an imperial attitude, isn't it? Exactly.

Some critics claim that Bermuda has become Americanized. That's true of islands much farther south, such as The Bahamas, but not of Bermuda. Indeed, the island and its population steadfastly adhere to British customs, even if, at times, that slavish devotion borders on caricature. (The afternoon tea ritual is pleasant enough, but the lawyers' and judges' powdered wigs are a bit much -- those things must get hot in a semitropical climate!) Some visitors find all the British decorum rather silly on a remote island that's closer to Atlanta than to London. But many others find the stalwart commitment to British tradition colorful and quaint, enhancing the unique charm of the lovely, wonderful place that is Bermuda.

If you're looking for some of the best golf in the world, Bermuda is your mecca. It has the scenery, the state-of-the-art courses, and the British tradition of golfing excellence. Even the most demanding player is generally satisfied with the island's offerings.

If you're a sailor, you'll find the waters of Bermuda reason enough for a visit. The farther you go from shore, of course, the greater the visibility. Discovering a hidden cove, away from the cruise-ship crowds, can make your day.

If you hate driving on the left side of the road, that's fine with Bermudians. You can't drive here -- they won't rent you a car. Bike around, or hop on a scooter and zip from one end of the island to the other.

We could go on and on with reasons for you to come to Bermuda, from exploring its natural wonderlands to playing on choice tennis courts with gentle sea breezes and warm sunshine. But we'll end here with a couple of warnings: Demanding foodies will find better dining on other islands, such as Martinique -- although Bermuda has made much culinary progress lately. And if you want nightlife, glittering casinos, and all that jazz, head for San Juan. There is some nightlife in Bermuda, if you enjoy nursing a pint in a pub. It's always wise to bring along some good company (or a good book) to ensure a blissful night here.

Locals will always tell you, "If you want change, go to The Bahamas. We stay the same in Bermuda." Defying local wisdom, we've come up with some developments.

Where to Stay -- Bermuda is bracing for the biggest shakeup in the hotel industry in its history. Change is in the wind, and even the nation of Dubai is invading Bermuda.

Under construction is the luxurious Jumeirah Southlands Resort, set to open in summer 2008 and located a 30-minute drive from the airport. Opening onto 1,700 feet of sandy beachfront, it is set on 37 acres of landscaped grounds on the South Shore. When fully operational, it will offer 200 spacious balcony suites, including 17 two-story accommodations built into beach cliffs.

Another major development, The Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort & Spa, 27 Harbour Rd., Paget Parish (tel. 441/236-5367; www.newsteadbelmonthills.com), is scheduled to open in 2008. This will be a plush, world-class resort with a total of 104 units, some of which will be time shares. The resort also boasts one of Bermuda's best golf courses, the Belmont Hills.

For years the grand old Castle Harbour Hotel, which opened in 1958, was one of the most famous on island. But it's been demolished and is being replaced by Tucker's Point Hotel & Spa, 20 Tucker's Point Club Dr., St. George's Parish (tel. 441/298-6900; www.tuckerspoint.com). Construction will continue into 2008. When finished, the resort will boast 100 rooms and suites, built at an astonishing cost of $800,000 per unit. The focal point of the resort will be the Tucker Point Golf, Beach, and Tennis Club, centering around a championship 18-hole golf course.

Where to Dine -- In Warwick Parish, Blu, 97 Middle Rd. (tel. 441/232-2323), has emerged as one of the most acclaimed restaurants in Bermuda, serving a finely honed American and Southwestern cuisine. It is found in the same building that houses the clubhouse of the Belmont Golf Course, with the bar taking up a lot of its space. Everything is full of flavor, from the bourbon-infused chicken to the macadamia-crusted wild salmon.

In the same parish, the long-established Pawpaw's is now The Swizzle South Shore, 87 South Shore Rd. (tel. 441/236-7459), following its takeover by the owners of the Swizzle Inn. It is already one of the most popular pubs on island, serving not only drinks but also British pub grub and a Bermudian fare, including rum-laced fish chowder, fish and chips, and shepherd's pie.

What to See & Do -- Bermuda's natural wonders have more or less recovered from extensive hurricane damage, and today some 850 acres of trails, parks, and preserves are once again attracting naturalists and birders. Local ecotours are offered, although these are not always conducted on a regular basis. To see what might be featured at the time of your visit, contact the Bermuda Audubon Society in Hamilton at tel. 441/235-5513 (www.audubon.bm).