BERMUDA bliss

There are plenty of fun ways to get your wellness fix on this Atlantic island, with nary a golf club in hand.

- BETH THOMPSON

I THOUGHT THE “NICE PEOPLE” MOMENTS were just a fluke. First, there was the gracious cab driver who picked me up at the airport and made me forget about my long day of travel. Then there was the funny receptionist who checked me in at the hotel and sent me off to my room with a smile on my face.

But at breakfast the next day, the waiter made a point of asking – and using – my name. And the doorman stopped to make real conversation, not the usual “gonna be a hot one today” variety. Then it dawned on me: This wasn’t a fluke; this was a way of life.

Welcome to Bermuda.

In a world that seems to grow more distant and competitive by the day, it’s refreshing to visit a place where folks take a genuine interest in connecting with you. If you’re looking for a model of healthy living, this idea of connection is a pretty good starting point. According to a Stanford University study, our social networks are key to our health, boosting our immune systems, extending our lives and helping us recover more quickly from diseases.

Connectivity wasn’t what I was expecting to write about when I travelled to this tiny North Atlantic island to explore healthy living. Since Bermuda is famous for its pink beaches, turquoise swimming coves and spectacular golf courses, I imagined that my wellness wins would come in the form of being active.

To be sure, there was plenty of activity (see my faves below), but this concept of conscious cordiality flew home with me. Now, in addition to tracking steps and sugar intake, I track sociability. Take it from me, it is the easiest of the three to manage and comes with a side of instant gratification. Turns out, smiles really are contagious.

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