Natural beauties
Still unspoiled by mass-market tourism, the twin islands of St Kitts and Nevis pride themselves on being the ‘real Caribbean’. Though they may have all the attributes associated with the region – glorious beaches, great water sports and guaranteed sunshine – it’s their natural beauty that sets them apart from other islands.
Dramatic volcanic peaks – Mount Liamluiga and Nevis Peak – covered in lush green rainforest dominate the landscape, attracting nature lovers. Tiny Nevis is a prime birdwatching spot too – there are 126 species, from the cheeky bananaquits to impressive hawks.
The islands’ rich history adds another dimension to any visit. Christopher Columbus first spotted St Kitts in 1493 and was so enamoured he named it after himself and his patron saint – St Christopher.
Strategically located in the north-eastern Caribbean this was a base for settling other neighbouring islands, and the French and English battled for supremacy until the British finally triumphed, reigning for 200 years before independence in 1983.
There are over 200 heritage sites on St Kitts alone, and the sleepy capitals of Charlestown on Nevis and Basseterre on St Kitts have some of the best remaining examples of Georgian style architecture. Remnants of the sugar trade which flourished from the 18th century can be seen in plantation house ruins and a handful have been converted into idyllic intimate hotels and. Staying here gives an insight into eras long past and there’s an ambience of genteel informality and old-world elegance – the atmosphere of an English country house with a dash of West Indian ease.
The relaxed vibe continues across the islands. Overall, development has remained low-key, but St Kitts is the busier, more cosmopolitan of the two, with Nevis its sleepy, laid-back side-kick only a 20-minute ferry ride away (from US$4 one way). Visitors often choose twin-centres, enjoying the best of both.
Naturally the sea is another major draw. Silver-grey volcanic beaches are predominant in the north of St Kitts, turning the water a luminous green, and there are plenty of swathes of golden powdery sand to choose from. There’s diving to suit all levels, with dozens of wrecks to explore. Black Coral Rock is a key site off St Kitts, dropping to 100ft, while on Nevis great sites often lie just metres off the shore.
Another British tradition – cricket – is alive and well on the islands. At Grove Park in Charlestone locals – both men and women – play on a Thursday night. Horseracing – with a Caribbean carnival-like atmosphere – takes place each month at The Indian Castle Race Track on Nevis. There are two world-class golf courses too, choose from the Royal St Kitts Golf Course at Frigate Bay and the Robert Trent Jones course at the Four Seasons Resort in Nevis.
The island loves to party too – Carnival kicks in over Christmas and New Year while the St Kitts Music Festival held in June is fast gaining a reputation as one of the best in the Caribbean with four nights of reggae, R&B, gospel and rap keeping the island dancing.
Sightseeing
The island’s complex history means there’s plenty to tempt holidaymakers away from the beach – and the views are fantastic wherever you go. Hiring a car’s a good way to explore, driving’s on the left, or take a taxi – drivers tend to double up as guides. For something a little different join a sugar train tour around the island with St Kitts Scenic Railway.
No trip to St Kitts’ would be complete without a visit to Brimstone Hill fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built over 100 years from 1690 by African slaves. The scale of the building with its five bastions and citadel is daunting and the views from the top spectacular – visitors of all nationalities pose for photos on the disused cannons.
Venture into the interior of either island and you’ll find thick rainforest holding charms of its own, with dense foliage filled with bird-song, monkeys screeching from tree-tops and exotic plants of all kinds. For the energetic St Kitt’s towering Mt Liamuiga can be climbed on a day hike, but more leisurely rainforest walks, or jeep and horseback safaris might suit the less energetic
