My highlights of the magical island of Nevis

Nevis and its neighbouring island of St Kitts officially constitute as one country. Due to its small size of a mere 36 square miles it would be easy to consider Nevis to be in the shadow of its larger sister island, but after my recent visit there I’ve been very much looking forward to sharing some of the magic of this hidden gem in the Caribbean with you.

After a short 10 min water taxi journey from Cockleshell beach, St Kitts, we arrived on the calm and picturesque Oualie beach. The first thing I noticed was how relaxed and authentic it felt. For an island that has so much luxury to offer it is completely unpretentious, largely unspoilt and very private.

Oualie beach

No wonder this immaculate island is loved by many of the rich and famous.
I was lucky enough to stay in once Princess Diana’s hotel of choice: Montpelier Plantation and Beach . This Relais and Chateaux luxury boutique hotel blew me away with its contemporary-meets-authentic decor and lay out. Situated in the foothills of Nevis Peak, Montpelier Plantation and Beach (with its private beach 6 miles away) is built around one of the island’s many original 18th century sugar plantations. With its original sugar mill kept in immaculate condition surrounded by lush tropical gardens, it is the perfect setting for a truly unique fine-dining experience.

Montpelier Plantation and Beach – Sugar Mill

Montpelier Plantation and Beach

If you fancy a hotel that provides the magic of wandering along cobbled stone paths while bird-watching amongst rich foliage and spotting the occasional green vervet monkey, to discover only 11 diverse and secluded guest rooms then the Golden Rock Inn is one to be considered.
They have also creatively converted their on-site sugar mill into the perfect family hideaway, sleeping a family of 4 (I gotta start thinking about adding 2 to our clan perhaps?)
Dining, while overlooking the sea, at “the Rocks” is a must to indulge in the tasty and creative cuisine of local produce and fresh local caught fish and lobster.

Golden Rock Inn

I highly recommend a visit to the Nevisian Heritage Village, where miss Patricia will give you a tour and history lesson on the evolution of Nevisian social history that you will never forget. Walking through the replicas of houses, furnished with antiques and relics, miss Patricia tells us heartfelt and uplifting stories of slave-families and how they lived in the Carib Indian era. It was the most emotional yet inspiring tour I have ever been on. If for no other reason, I will certainly return to Nevis with my little daughter as soon as possible so she can experience this tour.

Nevisian Heritage Village

Inside a replicate slave house in the Nevisian Heritage Village

Miss Patricia and I at the Nevisian Heritage village

Nevisian heritage village

For a relaxed day by the beach, Sunshine’s Lounge and grill is the place to be where the barbecue platter is arguably the best you will ever have and Mr. Sunshine himself will serve his world famous secret rum punch concoction: the Killer Bee! (I could only handle half of my Killer Bee… light-weight drinker!)

Mister Sunshine

Dipping my toe in the natural hot springs at the Bath Hotel and Spring House

Nevis is also hosts a range of annual festivals such as Nevis Blues Festival, Culturama and Mango and Food festival which I hope to explore in future.

Nevis might be best known for its variety of beaches ranging from soft white to volcanic black sand but this hidden gem has much more to offer: from award winning hotels to world class dining experiences, cultural and historical journeys to unspoilt nature.
Hope you fall in love with it, as much as I did.