Sometimes the best family holiday doesn't require a passport. It simply requires pressing pause.

As more Bermuda families look for ways to spend quality time together without the expense and logistics of overseas travel, staycations have become an increasingly popular way to reconnect. A weekend at a local resort offers something many families crave during the summer months: time. Time to swim together, linger over breakfast, explore somewhere new and enjoy the island from a different perspective.

Whether it's spending the afternoon on a private beach, swimming through crystal-clear caves or simply watching the sunset after dinner, Bermuda's hotels are proving that memorable family holidays can happen just a short drive from home.

For Keisha Webb, public relations and reputation manager, Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, that's exactly the appeal.

“Our property is the ultimate Bermuda staycation for local families because we provide a true 'getaway' feel without the hassle of travel. We combine pink-sand beaches, on-site aquatic adventures and spacious family-sized suites — all right in your backyard, making it the perfect stress-free escape.”

She says one of the biggest draws for families is the variety of experiences available without ever needing to leave the property.

Children can spend time at the seasonal Prince & Princess Club, where supervised activities include crafts, painting, board games, movies and giant Connect 4, while parents take advantage of the hotel's spa, relax by the infinity pool or enjoy a quiet lunch overlooking Hamilton Harbour.

Families looking for adventure can head to the marina where KS Watersports offers everything from paddleboards and kayaks to jet ski rentals, fishing charters and boat excursions around the island.

For Ms Webb, however, the experience isn't complete without a visit to Princess Beach Club.

“I would recommend that guests take our complimentary Hotel Jitney to Princess Beach Club. While island residents are familiar with the landscape from the main hotel to the beach club at Sinky Bay, the jitney is a wonderful opportunity to be driven by a local on a mini tour as you pass through Front Street along the South Shore, taking in views that can be breathtaking for locals and visitors alike.”

Once there, she says families often discover a side of Bermuda they may have overlooked.

“Princess Beach Club is a hidden gem in Bermuda.”

The beach club offers three private beaches, paddleboards, kayaks, snorkelling equipment, walking trails, rock pools, tennis and pickleball courts, children's play areas complete with beach toys and life vests, as well as private cabanas and in-water hammocks.

Families can easily spend the entire day there, enjoying lunch from the Beach Club Kitchen without ever leaving their lounge chairs.

“The kitchen and bar offers everything from favourite Bermuda cocktails like our Princess Rum Swizzle or Swizzle Colada to juicy burgers and even our house-made ice cream sandwiches, offered only at our Princess Beach Club.”

Even families not staying overnight can experience part of the resort during the summer through the popular Friday and Saturday Beach BBQs, while hotel guests can also explore one of Bermuda's finest art collections through guided Saturday tours or a self-guided walk around the property.

If relaxing is the goal, Ms Webb recommends keeping things simple.

“If the family truly want a relaxing time, take advantage of the hotel's infinity pool. Enjoy family time by swimming, lounging or taking in the harbour views, order snacks delivered to your lounger at the pool or have lunch at our seasonal Latin-inspired restaurant, 1609.”

She believes the best staycations aren't necessarily the busiest ones.

“The perfect family staycation at our property is all about effortless quality time together. Imagine spacious, comfortable accommodations, days spent enjoying family-friendly activities, relaxing by the pool or beach, delicious dining options everyone will love and special moments that create lasting memories. It's a chance for families to disconnect from the everyday, reconnect with each other and enjoy a stress-free getaway where everything they need is right at their fingertips.”

Across the island, Grotto Bay Beach Resort offers families a completely different, but equally memorable, summer escape.

“Grotto Bay is an excellent choice for residents looking to 'getaway' during the summer,” says Daniela D'Amato, sales and marketing manager.

“Our 21-acre resort features premium amenities, unique experiences, friendly and professional service that create memories to last a lifetime.”

For many families, the biggest attraction is the sheer number of activities available.

Among the highlights are the resort's inflatable water park, cave swimming, fish feeding, a 24-hour swimming pool and jacuzzi, calm private beach, kayak and snorkel rentals, and a variety of restaurants offering themed buffets and seasonal menus throughout the summer.

If she were planning the perfect one-night stay, Ms D'Amato has one piece of advice.

“Arrive early!”

Even before check-in, she encourages families to leave their luggage with the bell team and make the most of the resort.

“Slap on the sunscreen, grab your sunshades and hat for an afternoon lounging. Head over to Cathedral Cave for a brief, yet mesmerising swim surrounded by million-year-old cave formations.”

Once rooms are ready, the afternoon continues with homemade biscuits and cakes during afternoon tea overlooking the bay before families freshen up for dinner.

Depending on the evening, guests can choose from themed barbecue nights at Bayside Bar & Grill, casual dining in Palm Court Restaurant or a more formal meal at Hibiscus Restaurant before ending the night with local entertainment in the Great House.

After a restful night's sleep, breakfast includes a full buffet complete with made-to-order eggs and waffles.

Like Ms Webb, Ms D'Amato believes the greatest luxury isn't necessarily found in the amenities themselves.

“Creating the space for families to find time to reset, refocus and rejuvenate is a core objective. Reset in an ocean-view guest room overlooking the azure waters, refocus by spending quality time with who matters most, and rejuvenate with delicious dining, salty ocean swims, a spa treatment in the cave, plus more.”

She adds that families often put pressure on themselves to fill every minute of a holiday, when sometimes the best memories come from doing very little at all.

“Finding time to slow down for meals, planning out an itinerary with everyone in mind, or even doing nothing at all to lounge on the beach — but most importantly, doing it together.”

Both resorts also offer Bermuda resident rates throughout the summer, making local escapes more accessible for island families. Hamilton Princess complements its overnight stays with seasonal favourites including Marina Nights, Margarita Mondays, Princess Beach Club and its popular Friday and Saturday Beach BBQs, while Grotto Bay offers residents discounted accommodation alongside an all-inclusive option that includes meals, beverages and non-motorised watersports.

• Rates at Hamilton Princess start at $299 + tax/fees for a Fairmont room for the year-round Bermuda Residents promotion, while local rates at Grotto Bay start at $465 in an ocean view room.