Sister Islands
The West Indies’ secret islands are filled with hidden wonders.
St. Kitts and Nevis, part of the Leeward Islands, are like no other islands in the Caribbean. Their vibrant, lush vegetation are mixed together with a unique history and culture to provide an eco-tourism adventure along with a relaxed holiday experience. St. Kitts, the more developed of the two, has a diverse selection of large accommodations in contrast to the laid-back vibe of its sister island, Nevis which is easily accessible from St. Kitts via a 30-minute ferry ride. Nevis is great whether you’re looking for complete relaxation or just a romantic getaway. The Four Seasons has undoubtedly put Nevis on the map, however, there are many other resorts just as worthy but not as well known.
Both islands offer exceptional eco-tourism opportunities along with water activities, sailing, hiking, jeep safaris and island tours. On St. Kitts, the Brimstone Hill Fortress, also known as the “Gibraltar of the West Indies” sits almost 800 feet above the sea and offers spectacular views of the Caribbean. As for island and safari tours, Greg Safari Tours (www.gregsafaris.com) is the most popular on the island. Greg is forth generation Kittian and is extremely knowledgeable on the history of St. Kitts. Sugar City Tours (www.sugarcitytours.com) is another option and excellent for island tours. For golfers, the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club is located on Frigate Bay Road and managed by the Marriott. This 18-hole Championship course is one of the most scenic in the Caribbean with two holes on the Caribbean and three on the Atlantic. Attractions and activities on Nevis include a visit to The Alexander Hamilton Museum in Charlestown, Nevis’ capital.
The museum is a wealth of information about the man, his childhood on the island and how it helped shape his ideals later in life. Hiking up Nevis Peak, an ambitious undertaking, is for the physically fit and should only be attempted with a tour guide, however there are other nature trails one can explore on their own. One of the more popular tour companies, Walk Nevis (www.walknevis.com), offers tours for all levels of fitness. There are many churches on the island to visit including one of the oldest in the Caribbean – the St. Thomas Anglican Church built in 1643. For golf lovers, there are currently two golf courses; the Four Season’s Trent Jones 18-hole Championship Course and The Cat Ghaut 12-hole course, a modest course costing only US$10 located just opposite the entrance to the Mt. Nevis Hotel.
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Getting Around:
Taxis are readily available on both islands. There are a number of reliable drivers who will be more than willing to become a personal driver during your stay. On St. Kitts, Franklyn Tyson from Sugar City Tours can be reached at 869-663-2435 and on Nevis, “Champ” at Champ’s Taxi Service is reachable at 869-469-3153 or champstaxiservice@hotmail.com.
For more information, contact the Nevis Tourism Board at www.Nevisnaturally.com and the St. Kitts Tourism Board at www.stkittstourism.kn.
Where to Stay on St. Kitts:
The Marriott Resort and Royal Beach Casino: This is the largest of the resorts located on the island is. The property is set on a pristine stretch of beach 10 minutes from the airport and offers a multitude of activities ranging from water sports, aerobic and yoga classes to nightlife complete with a Vegas-style casino. Located on Frigate Bay, expect phenomenal views from the beach. 858 Frigate Bay Road, 869-466-1200. www.marriott.com/hotels
Golden Lemon Inn and Villas: Perfect for a more tranquil retreat and perfect for honeymooners; located on Dieppe Bay is an old French 17th Century plantation home complimented with romantic villas. 869-465-7260. www.goldenlemon.co
Ottley’s Plantation Inn: Along the same vein is Ottley’s, located in the foothills of the island’s majestic Mt. Liamuiga approximately 20 minutes from the airport. 869-465-7234. www.ottleys.com
The Ocean Terrace Inn: Located up on a hilltop just a ¼ mile from the capital city of Basseterre. 869-465-2754. www.oceanterraceinn.com
Where to stay on Nevis:
The Four Seasons Resort: On Nevis, you won’t find a resort as active as St. Kitts’ Marriott Resort and Casino but you will find a multitude of elegant, casual resorts and plantation inns. The Four Seasons is all you would expect from its name. It’s located on Pinney Beach, one nicest on the island and offers everything from world-class golf to numerous water sports. The resort is currently closed due to damage from Hurricane Omar and is expected to reopen October 31, 2009(please check website for updates). 869-469-1111. www.fourseasons.com/nevis
The Mount Nevis Hotel and Beach Club: This Beach Club is a family-run hotel built in 1989. At one mile above the sea and with St. Kitts within clear sight, this property boasts the most spectacular vistas on the island. It’s perfect if you’re seeking solitude in a more contemporary, elegant setting. They offer a shuttle service down to its nearby beach club. The hotel can also accommodate a business gathering with a conference center equipped to seat up to 80 people. 869-469-9373. www.mountnevishotel.com
The Nisbet Plantation Beach Club: Plantation inns are a great option and abound on the island. This one happens to be the only plantation resort situated directly on the water. Holding this dubious distinction and sitting on 30-acres of an old sugar plantation, the Nisbet Plantation Beach Club caters to a crowd looking for barefoot elegance in an AAA 4-diamond property, perfect for honeymoon couples, families and those interested in hosting a destination wedding. 869-469-9325. www.nisbetplantation.com
The Montpelier Plantation Inn: This is a Relais & Chateaux property located 750 feet above the Caribbean Sea. While its location is not on the water, they do offer a shuttle service down to their beach club. 869-469-3462. www.montpeliernevis.com
The Golden Rock Plantation Inn: This small, charming inn is situated high in the Nevis hills, housing a duplex suite built inside one of the old sugar mills and the only one of its kind on the island. The inn is perfect for a solo retreat. 869-469-3346. www.golden-rock.com
Where to eat on St. Kitts:
From casual beach bars to elegant dining, both islands serve up their fair share of dancing, socializing and fine cuisine.
The Shiggidy Shack: Located right on Frigate Bay Beach Strip, this place is great for a lobster dinner. 869-762-3983. www.mrxshiggidyshack.com.
Rainbow’s: Also on the Frigate Bay Beach Strip, Rainbow’s is perfect for its Friday night dance party. 869-668-5133.
Blu: Located at the hot Marriott Resort and Casino, this tourist hub’s seafood restaurant is surprisingly good. 896-466-1200.The Beach House Restaurant: Check out the newly updated look and menu, offering patrons waterfront views of Nevis while dining. Superbly located on the tip of St. Kitts’ southeast Peninsula. 869-469-5299.
http://www.stkittsbeachhouse.com/home.htm. Where to eat on NevisCoconut Grove: One of the most popular restaurants on the island offering fine French cuisine and an extensive wine list. 869-469-1020. www.coconutgrovenevis.com
Sunshine’s: If you are going to visit one beach bar, is the place to go. Located on Pinney Beach just past the Four Seasons resort, Llewellyn Caines (aka Sunshine) takes great pride in his secret ingredient rum punch known as the “killer bee.” He also serves some of the island’s best lobsters and conch. 869-469-5817. www.sunshinenevis.com.
BBQ at Nisbet Plantation Resort: Go on a Thursday if you can, because the night is complete with live music and dancing. (869) 469-9325. www.nisbetplantation.com/about/activities/
Double Deuce: Located on Pinney Beach; this bar is great for Thursday night Karaoke. 869-469-2222. www.doubledeucebar.com
Oualie Beach Hotel: Great location right on Oualie Beach with live music the Friday and Saturday nights. 869-469-9735. www.oualiebeach.com