Where is it?
In the West-Indies you will find the two-island country of Saint Kitts & Nevis which forms part of the chain of Lesser Antilles. The islands have large central peaks, are of volcanic origin and were amongst the first islands in the Caribbean to be settled by Europeans. They are also only 2 miles apart which makes it easy to hop from one to another. Today it is the smallest sovereign state in the Americas and has Queen Elizabeth ll as the current Head of State. The islands span a total land area of 104 square miles with a population of around 45,000 inhabitants.
Why Go?
Well apart from it being utterly gorgeous, Saint Kitts & Nevis has luxuriant mountain rain forests, uncrowded beaches and historic ruins.
To boot these islands love their festivals and celebrations and have several throughout the year. Amongst the highlights are the simply-titled Carnival which takes place from 18th December to 3rd January on Saint Kitts.
Visit St Kitts in June and you should stay for the last week which sees the St Kitts Music Festival take place. On Nevis you can take in Culturama which starts up in July and runs into early August.
Other festivals include Inner City Fest, Green Valley Festival and La Festival de Capisterre. The festivals usually include parades, street dancing, salsa, jazz and steelpan music.
If you’re looking for a sure-fire warm weather location this could be your ideal choice since there is little season difference in the temperatures. Things don’t get too warm for comfort due to the sea breezes which balance out the tropical climate nicely.
What to see and do?
What marks Saint Kitts & Nevis apart is the abundance of natural wonders that are close to hand and make you feel that you really have entered some kind of paradise. Sure, there are the usual watersports that many islands of this type offer but, there is so much more. There are the rare tropical birds that flutter in the rich and verdant rainforest. There are the mischievous Vervet monkeys that, legend has it, were brought to the island by pirates.
Unlike other islands, the beaches are uncrowded and feel unspoilt. Otherwise, if watersports really are your thing, you can enjoy the multiple dive sites around the islands which offer exploration of the rich sea-life.
Where to Stay?
Four Seasons Resort Nevis
Featuring 3 infinity pools, spa facilities and a Robert Jones designed golf course, this 5* hotel is right on the beach in Charleston. There’s also 4 on-site restaurants offering Caribbean and Mediterranean cuisine and a library bar. BOOK IT or MORE INFO
Montpelier Plantation & Beach
This luxurious Relais & Châteaux resort is set on a 60-acre former sugar plantation at the foot of Nevis Peak. It features a Spa, a tennis court and a private beach. Restaurant 750 offers al fresco dining with views of Charlestown and St Kitts, while The Mill Restaurant is set in a 300 year-old converted sugar mill. There are also 3 bars. BOOK IT or MORE INFO
Belle Mont Farm – Kittitian Hill
Located in Ortons in the Saint Kitts Region, Belle Mont Farm – Kittitian Hill is a luxury Caribbean hotel set within 400 acres of organic farmland on the foothills of Mount Liamuiga. Accommodations which include guesthouses, farmhouses and villas are designed by the award-winning architect, Bill Bensley whose designs regularly feature on the cover of Conde Nast. BOOK IT or MORE INFO
