Nevis: a “naturally” scenic Caribbean enclave
May 26, 2017
By: Melanie Reffes
Source: The Suburban
If you want to hit the beach but skip the hordes you can head to the petite isle across the channel from St. Kitts. With 12,000 residents, not a single traffic light and ‘Nevis Naturally’ as its tagline, the scenic Caribbean enclave is anchored by a volcanic mountain and surrounded by the sea.
“Travellers will always be drawn to the Caribbean because of the diversity, exceptional weather, easy access and affordable vacation packages,” said Nino Montagnese, managing director, Air Canada Vacations, “However, we have noticed that travellers are branching out from the standard destinations and exploring places that have yet to be discovered by the mass tourist market — places such as Nevis.”
Photo: Melanie Reffes/The Suburban. Nevis is also the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, the US Treasury Secretary whose story is told in the hip-hop musical on Broadway.
The go-to for urban dwellers who like to lie low, see the frisky monkeys munching mangos in the rainforest and the wild donkeys at the side of the road, Nevis is also the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, the US Treasury Secretary whose story is told in the hip-hop musical on Broadway. “The Canadian traveller has always enjoyed a good welcome on the island of Nevis and we are glad to have Air Canada Vacations as a partner to make traveling to Nevis as effortless as possible,” said Greg Phillip, CEO, Nevis Tourism Authority (NTA).
Posh Pedigree
Leading the pack of sunny swank, AAA Five Diamond Four Seasons Resort Nevis is Canadian-owned brand recognition in suites, villas and seaside cabanas. “We have only four of these and they book up fast,” said attendant Roslyn Jeffers. “Couples and families like the privacy and sea views that go on forever.”
Along the west coast fronting Pinney’s Beach, the resort is one of two Four Seasons in the Caribbean (Four Seasons Anguilla opened last year) and does a brisk business with couples who come for a picture-perfect wedding and families craving time away from the fray.
“Friendly locals, stunning geography and active and pampering activities make Nevis appealing to Montrealer’s from whom we’ve seen a recent uptick in business, “said Ed Gannon, general manager. “Air Canada’s packages are certainly important for us with the reach and customer loyalty that Air Canada offers and as the sister island to St. Kitts, we are easily accessible.”
Photo: Four Seasons Resorts Nevis
Sweet suites
Paradise Villas on Paradise Beach is where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau enjoyed a Caribbean chill-out along with his family and security detail. A collection of multi-bedroom villas, each one comes with a private pool, mesmerizing views and a chef who whips up gourmet eats in the open kitchen.
Marrying rustic with romance, Nisbet Plantation Beach Club is the only beachfront plantation-turned-resort in the Caribbean. “The Canadian spirit of genuine openness is shared with our values and what connects Canada with our island, “explained Tim Thuell, general manager.
With lemon-hued cottages that sit on a palm-fringed former sugar and coconut plantation, its own history reads like a love story as the home of Fanny Nisbet who married British Navy Captain Horatio Nelson in 1787 after he visited the plantation.
Photo: Nisbet Plantation
“Nisbet Plantation is part of our exclusive Privileges program which includes preferred room location, early check-in, late check-out; free Wi-Fi; three à la carte dinners and extra Aeroplan Miles, “adds Montagnese of Air Canada Vacations.
Catch a wave
Between the capital city of Charlestown and the Sea Bridge Ferry Dock, Pinney’s is the beach photographed for the travel brochures that sell the island. Coveted by seashell collectors and sand castle builders, the beguiling blue water on the Caribbean side is a sandy stroll from the Four Seasons and Paradise Beach Villas. A favourite of sun worshippers, Lover’s Beach is hidden from the road on the northern shore. “This is a lesser known beach known for its seclusion and tranquility, but a popular beach to watch the sea turtles nesting,” said Phillip of the NTA.
Out and about
Start with a grand entrance at the Yu Lounge at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport in St. Kitts where you are picked up on the tarmac, expedited through Immigration, poured a glass of chilled bubbly and driven to the pier for the short ride to Nevis. The ferry docks in Charlestown, the toy-sized city with narrow streets and a funky Caribbean vibe. Without that pushy cruise ship port feeling, the pier has just a few bars and souvenir vendors. Although closed at night, the 18th century gingerbread stone buildings, shops and craft stands are worth perusing during the day. The more adventurous book hiking tours up Mount Nevis and to the rainforest.
For those who enjoy local lore, Museum of Nevis History is worth a look-see while the only visible reminder of a once thriving Jewish community, the cemetery on Government Road is close to the pier. One of 70 churches on the island, Cottle Church built in 1824 is historically significant as the first church in the Caribbean where blacks and whites were allowed to worship together under one roof. Although the interior no longer remains, the grounds are a coveted spot for a wedding.
Photo: Sunshines Beach Bar, Nevis Tourism Authority
It may be a tad kitschy yet sipping a Killer Bee at Sunshine’s Beach Bar is a Nevis rite of passage. Destroyed by eight hurricanes, the hot spot on the sand is back with live bands, beach bonfires, buttery lobsters and oh yes, those potent Killer Bee cocktails.
No one leaves the Wednesday night Pig Roast hungry at Hermitage Plantation Inn. Arrive early for the West Indian buffet with standouts like spit roasted suckling pig, sweet yams, chickpea stew and cheesy breadfruit.
Save the date
July 6-9: Mango and Food Festival dishes up a fruit basket of fun from cooking demonstrations to the Mango Madness Street Fair. “As we have an abundance of mangoes, we see this as an opportunity to use our sweetest resource to promote the island,” added Greg Phillip of the NTA.
