I KNEW I WAS IN FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL well before I hit the ground in St. Kitts’s capital of Basseterre. As we begin to descend through perfect, pillowy clouds, an otherworldly vision of paradise takes shape – one of electric blue waters, wildly verdant landscapes and miles of volcanic sand beaches. How fitting the tune playing in my ears as we land is WHAM!’s Club Tropicana. I consider this the moment when I officially fell for St. Kitts.
As we begin to descend through perfect, pillowy clouds, an otherworldly vision of paradise takes shape – one of electric blue waters, wildly verdant landscapes and miles of volcanic sand beaches.
Courtesy of St. Kitts Tourism
Located between the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, forming part of the West Indies in the northeastern Caribbean, the history of St. Kitts dates back 3,000 years; the island has one of the longest written histories in the Caribbean. St. Kitts and sister island Nevis are among Spain and England’s first colonies in the archipelago (they were a united nation in 1882). Though the island may be tiny, with an area of just 174 square kilometres, there are so many ways to enjoy it. It all depends on your travel goals.
Whether your heart seeks romance, your body craves restoration, or your palate longs for exquisite flavours, St. Kitts offers three unforgettable ways to engage with the island — each revealing a different facet of its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and tranquil charm.
TRAVEL GOAL: A Romantic Interlude
If your goal is to feel like it’s just the two of you in paradise, there are two incredibly private hotel hideaways on the island. The first is Belle Mont Sanctuary Resort located on Kittitian Hill in the north-west part of St. Kitts. This 400-acre property formerly housed a sugar plantation and has been transformed into a luxury, eco-resort with 33 cottages and seven villas dotted around the jungle landscape. Here, you an experience the wilderness of St. Kitts in its purest state, soaking it in from your cottage’s infinity pool, outdoor bathtub or shower.
Courtesy of St. Kitts Tourism
For the most part, the cottages are also completely open air (there are screens built into shutters and doors), allowing one to fall asleep to a symphony of rainforest sounds. Another secluded boutique retreat is Sunset Reef. This geothermally powered hotel is perched on Palmettto Point overlooking the Caribbean Sea, which means the views here of water and mountains are beyond breathtaking. There are just 11 guest rooms and seven suites, and the modern, airy aesthetic is pure barefoot luxury. Here, you can enjoy your own private beach, the most incredible infinity pool, one of the best restaurants on the island at Drop Anchor Grill and dreamy sunset views.
TRAVEL GOAL: A Restorative Retreat
If being on water calms you, a sunset catamaran cruise is a must – the experience is pure magic. If spa time puts you in sync, the Sugar Mill Spa & Sanctuary at the Park Hyatt St. Kitts at Christophe Harbour (another stunning resort to check in to) is one of the world’s best where you can indulge in healing treatments with local ingredients.
Courtesy of St. Kitts Tourism
For innovative alternative wellness therapies, Belle Mont Sanctuary Resort is the place to experience things like sound healing, which uses vibrations and sounds in a therapeutic ritual to calm your core. Being one with nature is another way to restore balance; exploring the rainforest in St. Kitts is the best place to do it.
Incredibly, this rainforest is increasing in size, not shrinking. This speaks directly to the island’s commitment to sustainability and preservation. I suggest taking in its beauty one of two ways, depending on your thrill meter: from ground level with a guided trek, or high above the tree canopy via zipline.
TRAVEL GOAL: Culinary Indulgence
Park Hyatt St. Kitts – Fisherman’s Village
One of the must-eat spots is Carambola Beach Club located in South Friar’s Bay. Classic Kittitian and Caribbean dishes with a twist are a main character of the menu – grilled spiny lobster, a take on a traditional French coquille and wild caught local fish of the day are just a few highlights. For inspired bites and inspiring views, Spice Mill Restaurant on Cockelshell Beach can’t be beat. Here, I dined beachfront, under a galaxy of stars with a million-dollar view of Nevis. My table ordered a sampling of the best tastes on the Caribbean fusion menu, including fresh caught wahoo ceviche, salmon dumplings, slow roasted jerk pork and a perfectly spiced sweet vegan curry bowl.
St. Kitts is home to the oldest surviving run distillery in the Caribbean. No matter where you eat in St. Kitts, you will find Rum punch, the island’s signature libation on the menu, and local mix masters love to get creative with this classic. Or try to mix one up yourself: sign up to become a certified Kittitian Rum Master. You’ll spend the day learning about the history of Old Rum Road, experimenting with flavour profiles and production, before ultimately bottling and label your custom rum blend to take home. visitstkitts.com
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