SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS

St. Kitts and Nevis, like no other islands in the Caribbean, seem to embody a kind of lush tropical paradise usually associated with the South Pacific.  The atmosphere here is palpably luxuriant, an intoxicating blend of sunlight, sea air and fantastically abundant vegetation.  At the center of St. Kitts stands the spectacular, cloud-fringed peak of Mount Liamuiga (pronounced Lee-a-mweega), a dormant volcano covered by dense tropical forest, and on Nevis, too, the ground rises upward into a cloud forest filled with elusive green vervet monkeys and brilliant tropical flowers.  For ecotourists, or simply anyone who enjoys stunning natural beauty, St. Kitts and Nevis cannot fail to exceed expectations.

The islands of St Kitts and Nevis, which together comprise the smallest nation in the western hemisphere, are unique in the Eastern Caribbean for their remarkable preservation of West Indian culture and attitudes.  Nowhere else in the region will you find such pristine examples of colonial architecture, gorgeous plantation inns, ramshackle sugar mills and genuine hospitality.

While there are ample opportunities for excellent diving and snorkelling, hiking and horse riding, kicking-back is the order of the day on both islands, their low-key ambience stemming, in large part, from the lack of massive resorts common elsewhere in the region.  St Kitts' popular Frigate Bay area is currently undergoing expansion, however, which may herald a new era.

Best of St. Kitts and Nevis

Pete's BBQ, St Kitts
Follow the locals to this popular shack for delicious grilled lobster.

Brimstone Hill, St Kitts
The most impressive British garrison this side of the pond.

Monkeys, St Kitts
The chances of spotting green vervet monkeys are excellent at Turtle Beach.

Plantation inns, St Kitts
Idle the day away with a good book at one of St Kitts' magnificent inns.

Sunshine's, Nevis
Nevis' best bar, known for its powerful rum-laced Killer Bee.

Nisbet Beach, Nevis
Arrive early to grab a hammock at the nicest of Nevis' beaches.

Charlestown, Nevis
You'll find impeccably preserved West Indian architecture in Nevis' tiny capital.

Map of St. Kitts and Nevis