The Bermuda Islands are composed of limestone from shells and coral, built atop what are possibly volcanic peaks rising to about 200 feet below the surface of the ocean. the British Empire

Pink beaches and a temperate climate are the first attractions. However, the Bermuda archipelago - a string of over one hundred small coral islands - offers much more: an underwater world of corals and tropical fish, nature reserves and trails, bird watching, historic buildings and pastel-colored homes famous for their unusual architecture.

Think Bermuda and images of tidy pastel cottages, professional gents in ties and shorts, pink-sand beaches, and quintessential British traditions like cricket matches and afternoon tea spring to mind. For once the stereotype matches the reality.