61. St Kitts & Nevis

For our mother daughter holiday, we took a four hour flight to fun via JetBlue Airways to St Kitts & Nevis. The dual nation consists of about 47,000 people surrounded by beaches, mountains and sugar plantations. Arriving in Basseterre, the airport staff were attentive and helpful. Note to self, make sure to complete the immigration form and have your QR code ready for quick entrance.

The lush greenery welcomed us as we drove to St Kitts Marriott. It was a short ten minute taxi ride. At the resort, Toya and Ryana checked us in. They were friendly and knowledgable. First we enjoyed a local breakfast at Rituals Coffee to start the day. During the afternoon, we checked out the Frigate Beach Strip. There are numerous restaurants and shops to explore. The evening drinks are best spent with the brilliant bartender and mixologist, Shaquille at the open hotel bar or at the casino bar with the lovely lady nickmamed Cheeks. Gin galore and rum cocktails set the atmosphere.

Then for dinner, Fire + Steakhouse has an amazing atmosphere. We were taken care of by Diana. Massive appreciation. For the meal, I would recommend the avocado salad and seared scallops followed by the lamb with a Caribbean lobster tail to delight your appetite.

For a day trip, it’s ten minute water taxi over to Nevis. It’s a rocky ride to 36 square miles. With a population of 18,000 people, there’s loads to see in terms of agriculture. Anything you plant is likely to grow. Our taxi driver, Georgie took us around. You can take a hike of 3,200 ft to Nevis Peak. It’s in the centre of the island.

Also there are loads of trees filled with banana, breadfruit, gooseberry, guava, mango, soursop as well as several sorrel plants. Then there’s a cute neighbourhood called Nelson’s Spring where water is facilitated for all along with little convenience shops too.

First up, we viewed the St Thomas Anglican Church. It’s the oldest church in the Caribbean dating back to 1643. Next we made a pit stop at the Four Seasons Nevis to view a cool coconut grove. As we continued on the tour through St Paul’s, we arrived at Alexander Hamilton House, Museum of Nevis History. It was great learn and be transported to another time.

The capital of Charlestown has banks, barber, best buy supermarket, churches, courthouse, galleries, library, police station, restaurants, schools and shops. Also there’s a great heritage hot springs. There are nine pools spaced out across the property. The temperature goes up to about 100F. The water runs right off to the ocean.

Then the Montpellier Estate is a lovely setting with lush grounds. Driving through there afterwards, one is able to see landscape of Nevis. Additionally there’s an artisan village with local bits of art, bags, dresses, hats, jewellery, shirts and shorts. I fell in love with a mother daughter store called Juliansdottir. Definitely recommend.

Then Cabanas at Lime has a local menu. Shariq was a wonderful waiter. For lunch, we had the spiny lobster salad or catch of the day. For drinks, the killer bee cocktail is fun from Sunshine’s Grill Bar. And of course look left for the beautiful beach - Pinney’s. In all, I think Nevis captured our hearts. We will be visiting again one day.