Why You Should Visit Nevis
Nevis is an island that makes up part of the country Saint Kitts and Nevis. The country has one of the longest written histories in the Caribbean, both islands being among Spain’s and England’s first colonies in the archipelago. Nevis’ pre-Columbian name was “Oualie,” which translates to “land of beautiful waters,” referring to the island’s many freshwater springs and hot volcanic springs.
The island is not like your average Caribbean tourist location. You won’t find fast food restaurants, casinos, large clubs full of drunken college students, and they want to keep it that way. This little island has been a vacation spot for royalty such as Princess Diana, and celebrities and politicians such as Oprah Winfrey and more. What you will find on the island is amazing Nevisians who might be the nicest people that you will ever meet in your life, great food, wonderful beaches, awesome sporting activities and dynamite rum punches (seriously the best I’ve ever had).
It doesn’t take long to fall completely in love with the island, making it so hard to leave when your vacation is up. The island has coined the term “Liming”, meaning relaxing. By the end of your vacation, liming will be a part of your life.
Below is our guide to Nevis, the luxe way!
Stay
The Four Seasons Nevis is an oasis amongst an oasis. This 5-star luxury resort boasts over 190 guest rooms and suites, 40 residence rentals and 2 storey cottages. The property is immaculate with manicured gardens, plush greenery and a perfect beach-scape. There is something for everyone with the almost endless amenities and dining/bar options such as: golf, swimming, water sports, fitness center, spa, tennis, diving and over four different dining options. The Four Season Nevis is perfect for a solo trip, a romantic getaway or a group trip. You truly will feel like a king while staying at the Four Seasons Nevis. The staff is extremely courteous and war; and the customer service is top notch. Perfect for: Solo Trip, Couples, Group Trip
The Nisbet Plantation Beach Club has a unique old world charm. Once a sugar plantation, this property is the only historic plantation inn located directly on a beach. The lush 30-acre tropical grounds makes for the perfect scene for a romantic getaway. The rooms are located in cottages throughout the grounds that range in size depending on the type of room. The suites are rather large and includes a living room, bedroom, bathroom, walk-in closet and a balcony or porch. What makes Nisbet so great is the secluded feel. Once on the grounds, you feel like you are the only one there, until you go to the restaurants or the beach. There are three distinct styled restaurants on the property: Coconuts (poolside restaurant), Sea Breeze (beach bar) and Great House (main restaurant). For the active person, there is a tennis court, fitness center and a swimming pool. Perfect for: Couples
Eat
Eat al fresco and watch the “green flash”. Mango is a restaurant that sits on the Four Seasons property that offers Caribbean rim cuisine and a 101 rum bar. The casual style restaurant is the perfect location for a relaxing night with the sounds of the Caribbean sea. For the rum lovers, there is a the 101 Rum Bar; which got its name from the 101 rums that are served at the bar. Yes, 101 rums! The mother load of rum. The bartender is a mixing genius. She creates all of the specialty drinks at the bar; many with spices and fruits that are commonly used on the island. Make sure to try the “Spicy Turtle”. It will change your life! Perfect for: Eating al fresco, Experiencing the “Green Flash” on the water, Drinking great rum
The Rocks is located at the historic Golden Rock Inn, once a plantation. The restaurant is known for serving local fish, lobster, fruits and vegetables in beautifully crafted dishes. Try the very flavorful conch coup and the lobster sandwich; thank me later! Perfect for: Date Night
Bananas is perfect for lunch or dinner. Go to Bananas for lunch and sit on the roof deck. You will experience one of the most breathtaking views of Nevis Peak and the island. At night, sit on the porch with a candle light dinner. Take in the sounds of the outdoors while enjoying an amazing dinner. The staff at Bananas go out of their way to make sure that your experience is the best. The waitresses memorize the menu and tastes everything to make sure they can give an accurate assessment of taste. Talk about customer service! The presentation of the daily special was phenomenal. I literally wanted everything after the presentation. Make sure you try the “Hot as Haiti” drink. Perfect for: Great views and Excellent customer service
The Great House at Nisbet Plantation Beach Club
The beautifully restored Great House dates back to 1778. Although the dress code doesn’t call for it, the Great House is the perfect restaurant on the island to dress up and have a great dinner with your significant other. Dine indoors in one of the only air-conditioned restaurants on Nevis or al fresco under candlelight on the verandah. Perfect for: Date night and Afternoon tea
Chrishi Beach Club is a modern style beach bar that serves up delicious Caribbean fare. Go here for a slight twist on the traditional Caribbean beach bar. You will find reggae mixed with house and pop music, bottle service on the beach and beautiful waitresses dressed in all white. Chrishi Beach Club reminds me of bars in Mykonos and Ibizia. Very trendy, but unpretentious. Try the “Late Night Burger”, it’s divine! Perfect for: Fancy beach scene, House and trance music, Beach
Sunshine’s Beach Bar and Grill
Pinney’s Beach
This place has it all, delicious food, a killer drink, a great view and good company. Get the true island dining experience here with their menu filled with dishes straight from the grill, such as the grilled marinated shrimp with rice and peas and island salad (pictured above). If you are on a liquid diet, go for their legendary drink, the “Killer Bee”, which has been voted the best rum punch in the Caribbean. But don’t take my word on it, ask the hundreds of celebrities who have visited Sunshine’s throughout its 20 years of being open. Plastered on the walls are photos of all the past celebrity guests including Beyonce, Jay-Z, Kevin Bacon, Oprah, and many more. In addition to the photos, the bar is decorated in old license plates, college flags and professional teams flags. Perfect for: Traditional food, Amazing rum punch, Beach
Be prepared to have a mouth watering 4-course meal! The restaurant is located right outside of the hotel lobby, overlooking the pool. If you prefer to have a quite dinner, with no fuss and no crowds, this is your spot. I recommend Mount Nevis Restaurant for a date night. It’s quiet enough to where you can actually enjoy a good conversation and the food is superb. One nice surprise was the intermezzo dish that was homemade mango sorbet. Be sure to try the Nevis spiny lobster with homemade pasta, Mount Nevis cherry tomatoes and aglio e olio peprico style (pictured above). Perfect for: Date night, Phenomenal lobster
Play
Pinney’s Beach
If you are looking for a good time and a chance to party with the locals, take a trip to Lime Beach Bar. The bar has been built to have different sections that can satisfy anyone’s interest. There is the front area with comfortable seating, the bar area, the dance hall area, back patio and rooftop. With live music, a DJ and dancing all night, you can’t go wrong. To amplify your experience, I recommend trying their signature cocktail, the “Green Flash”. Trust me, two of these will have the shyest person dancing to the eclectic mix of music.
Sunshine’s Beach Bar and Grill
Happy Endings Nightclub
If you are into clubbing, Happy Endings is for you! Turn down for what? Go to Happy Endings if you want to dance to the top hits and classic reggae. If you want to be a “bawse” while in Nevis, get a bottle and hang out in the elevated VIP area. The drinks were reasonably priced and very strong. The newly built club features a large dance floor with seating around the perimeter. Try the “Ting and a Sting” drink.
Looking for a new experience or a chance to brush up on your golf skills, then sign up for a scramble tournament at the Four Seasons golf course. The beautifully 18-hole golf course that was designed by Robert Trent Jones II opened in 1991. The course was designed to not only be challenging, but to be an opportunity to see breath-taking views of the resort and the island. As you progress in the game, you may not notice, but you will be inclining up the mountain. A word for the wise, the wind is not your friend on this course. This is what makes the course so challenging, but also quite fun.
Leeward Islands Sail & Snorkeling Tour
What’s more better than catamaraning around a Caribbean island? This tour starts with a one hour sail across “the Narrows” to the Southern tip of St. Kitts. After making it to the tip, you are free to swim or snorkel (all the snorkeling equipment is provided). If snorkeling or swimming is not for you, just relax on the open decks of the catamaran and enjoy the open bar. The sail back to Nevis turns into a full out boozy dance party! Everyone was dancing, young, old and in-between. I highly recommend taking this tour. It’s worth it!
Attractions
Thermal Springs
Cottle Church
John Cottle, once the president of Nevis and a planter, built this tiny church in 1824 as a place for his family and his slaves to worship together.
St. Thomas’ Lowland Church
The first Anglican Church in the Caribbean, and the oldest church on Nevis, St. Thomas’ was built in 1643.
Nevisian Heritage Village
The Nevisian Heritage Village administered by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, largely depicts the evolution of Nevisian social history through housing.
Nevis Peak
Bath Hotel
Built in 1778, the Bath Hotel was once a playground for the rich and famous who came to Nevis to take in the therapeutic, hot spring baths.
Museum of Nevis History
This two-story Georgian style building was the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton in 1757. Hamilton lived on the island until the age of nine.
Next year, Nevis Tourism plans to host their first blues festival. Also, Nevis is striving to be completely sustainable. Go Green! The plan is to use geothermal energy by the help of Nevis Island Administration (NIA) and Nevis Renewable Energy International, Inc. (NREI). Stay tuned for updates.
For more information on Nevis, visit: http://www.nevisisland.com/
Photo Credit: Phaon K. Spurlock
Author
Sounds like Phaon had a fantastic time on Nevis. A great round up of his experience, enough am sure to convince you to visit with us.