St. Kitts and Nevis is a small Caribbean island country in the Caribbean Sea, located between Antigua and St. Maarten. Its lush landscape is dominated in the island's center by Mount Liamuiga, a long-extinct volcano. The shoreline ranges from steep cliffs to fine white sandy Caribbean and curious black volcanic sand, while the lush rainforest is rich in tropical flora and fauna. Old plantation houses, beautiful beaches, lush vegetation, and historic towns like the capital Basseterre make a visit to St. Kitts and Nevis a true delight.
Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park
Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is a complex of fortifications located on Brimstone Hill that includes Fort George Citadel with the Fort George Museum, the Eastern Place of Arms, and the Western Place of Arms.
The national park that has been created to protect the complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. All these wonderfully preserved fortifications and buildings can be accessed by climbing a very steep path with a series of steps and ramps.
The fortress was designed by British military engineers, and is a testimony to their engineering skills. It was built and maintained by African slaves, so it is also a testimony to their endurance and strength.
Central Forest Reserve National Park
St Kitts, world famous for its blue seas and fine sandy beaches, is also well known for its verdant central mountain chain, which rises to almost 4,000 feet and is almost completely covered by thriving rainforest. All land above 1,000 feet was declared a national forest reserve in order to protect most of the island's rainforest. Central Forest Reserve National Park is classified by scientists as an American Oceanic Rainforest, one of the rarest kinds of forests on the planet, and it is expanding instead of shrinking, as it is in most the world.
There are many trails that wind through the lush forests under the canopy of ancient trees, full of flowers and the sounds of the wildlife that thrives in this spectacular world.
Fairview Great House & Botanical Garden
Located at the foot of the lush Olivees Mountain, Fairview Great House & Botanical Garden is a beautifully restored French colonial mansion set on over 2 acres of gorgeous tropical garden. The house was built in 1701 and is open to the visitors in all its glory – with period furniture and décor that include a magnificent 16-seat mahogany dinner table laid with china and silver.
The docents who accompany visitors will explain that the chaises were made wider in order to accommodate petticoats. The veranda off the master bedroom offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea, the southeast peninsula, and the island of Nevis.
Outside the main building, across the courtyard, is the original kitchen, a bathing room, and a fieldstone cellar that is now used as a gift shop. The gardens surrounding the mansion are magnificent, full of lush tropical greenery, flowers, birds, and monkeys.
Boyds Village, 12345, St. Kitts, Phone: +1 869-465-3141
Museum of Nevis History
Museum of Nevis History is a small museum located in a beautiful Georgian-style building in Charleston with a range of historic artifacts, displaying charts and other objects that depict the history of the island. The building, known as Hamilton House, houses the museum on the first floor, while the second floor has the Nevis House of Assembly meeting room. The charming stone building was built in 1680, destroyed in an earthquake in 1840, and restored in 1983. The building is better known as the birthplace of American statesman, soldier, lawyer, first Secretary of the Treasury, and founding father Alexander Hamilton, who was born in 1757. Hamilton lived on St Kitts until the age of nine.
Alexander Hamilton Birthplace, Main Street, Charlestown, St Kitts & Nevis, Phone: +1 869-469-5786
Nevis Botanical Gardens
A short trip from Charlestown and its luxury resorts will take you to the glorious, lushly tropical Nevis Botanical Gardens, located against the looming shadow of Mount Nevis. The gardens' property originally belonged to the Montpelier Estates. The 5-acre gardens include a huge variety of tropical plants from all over the tropical world, a cool cascade, dolphin fountains, and a pool with water lilies. Enjoy spectacular flowering royal poinciana, the national flower of St. Kitts and Nevis. The shaded Orchid Terraces are home to many colorful bromeliads, exotic orchids, and more than 100 species of palms. The Tropical Vine Garden will delight you with the fabric-like flowers of the calico vine and the heady fragrance of the stephanotis. Explore the ruins of a lost temple in the mysterious Rainforest Conservatory.
Church Ground, St Kitts & Nevis, Phone: +1 869-469-3399
Romney Manor
Romney Manor is the former downtown Basseterre residence of the Wingfield Estate sugar plantation owners. Since 1964, the manor has been taken over by the Caribelle Batik store and workshop and is one of the favorite tourist stops in town. The Caribelle staff show the visitors the process of making batik and also sell their beautiful products, from clothes to gifts and accessories. The garden around the former manor is a horticulturists' delight, with a 350-year-old raintree as the centerpiece and a bell tower that was used to monitor working slaves. The view of the entire garden from the viewing gallery is breathtaking.
Old Road, Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis, Phone: +1 869-465-6253
Independence Square
Located in the eastern part of Basseterre near Newtown, Independence Square, or Pall Mall Square as it was previously known, was given its new name on 19th September 1983 to celebrate the birthday of the nation of St. Christopher and Nevis. Only a few of original houses that existed around the square remain, such as the public library and the court house. Originally, the land on which the square sits today was a pasture, then a slave market, where slaves sold their produce and met with each other, then it became a parade ground and a place for the militia to practice its drills. In 1855 the Commissioners for the Supply of Water started the improvements in Pall Mall Square, including building a beautiful fountain surrounded by flowering plants. The square became a popular place to live and many famous people have resided here, including Doris Wall, Sir Maurice Davis, and Professor Bryan King. Today, the square is a popular venue for cultural events and locals and tourists enjoy sitting under the trees.
Basseterre, St Kitts & Nevis, Phone: +1 256-835-3171
Park Hyatt Hotel St. Kitts
Park Hyatt Hotel St. Kitts is a world-class Caribbean resort located along the shores of beautiful Banana Bay, overlooking The Narrows, which separates St. Kitts from its nearby volcanic island neighbor Nevis. The resort, which was opened to the public in November of 2017, offers 126 luxury guest rooms and suites, which blend colonial and contemporary design elements crafted from locally-sourced materials. In-room amenities include walk-in rain showers, deep soaking tubs, and private balconies, with suites with private infinity pools and wellness areas available. Five-star dining experiences include the ocean-to-table restaurant Fisherman's Village, the adults-only Stone Barn, and the colonial-style Great House, which features a rum bar and chef's table. Guests can also utilize the resort's 1,750-square-foot fitness center and state-of-the-art luxury spa, which offers panoramic views of Mount Nevis.
Banana Bay, South East Peninsula, Parish of St. George, St. Kitts, St. Kitts & Nevis, Phone: +1 869-468-1234
Spooner's Ginnery
Located at the edge of the town of Cayon, Spooner's Estate is in many ways the story of St. Kitts and its industry as it has changed over time. Originally, the property was owned by the French Captain Paul De Brissac who, like everyone else at the time, processed sugar cane. He built a large boiling house, a mill, and a still. John Spooner acquired the property in 1720 and, after many different owners, it was purchased by Wade and Abbott, who in 1901 converted the existing sugar factory into a cotton ginnery, as by that time sugar had stopped returning its usual high profits. Spooner's Ginnery operated until 1975, when it was purchased by the government. Today the estate has the original structure and the only cotton ginnery still standing, and offers beautiful views of the surrounding land.
St. Kitts Eco-Park
St. Kitts Eco-Park is Taiwan-funded greenhouse and garden complex in the town of Sandy Point, which has the goal of teaching young local people about sustainable agriculture and horticulture. All the structures are built with glass fiber-reinforced concrete, which is five times harder and three times lighter than normal concrete. The greenhouse is 24 meters tall and spreads over 14,000 square feet, making it the largest greenhouse in the Caribbean. It contains large number of plants, including local medicinal herbs, butterfly orchids, and roses. There is a large number of tropical fruit trees, and the fruits are sold to the local population. The Eco-Park has an interesting maze made of plants that is shaped like the maps of St. Kitts and Taiwan. No wonder the local call the park "Little Taiwan."
Sir Gillies Estate, Sandy Point, St. Kitts, W.I., St. Kitts & Nevis, Phone: +1 869-465-8755
Oualie Beach Resort
Oualie Beach Resort is a family-owned and run low-key hotel located on Oualie Beach on the Caribbean coast, surrounded by lush tropical garden. It is located at the northwest end of Nevis, overlooking the island of St Kitts, about 2 kilometers from the historic Cottle Church and 13 km from Nevis Botanical Gardens. The charming, airy rooms are set in small private cottages and have tropical decor, lots of light, romantic four-poster beds, and colorful local artwork. All rooms have TVs, minibars, coffeemakers, fridges, and lovely furnished screened-in verandas with spectacular views of the ocean. Studios have kitchens and one-bedroom suites have living areas and free Wi-Fi. Guests enjoy a casual restaurant with bar on the hotel grounds, offering live entertainment and dining on the beach. The hotel also has a full-service spa.
Oualie Beach, Oualie Bay, Nevis, New Castle, St Kitts & Nevis, Phone: 869-469-9735
The Circus
The Circus is a circular road junction located in the heart of Basseterre and was created after the "Great Fire," which destroyed much of town in 1867. In the new layout, Liverpool Row and Fort Street were widened to make sure that the traffic could move faster in case of another fire, and also to prevent the fast spreading of flames. In time, the Circus was decorated with the ornate clock in its center called the Berkeley Memorial, in honor of Thomas Berkeley Hardtman Berkeley, a local legislator and estate owner. Palm trees were planted around the inner square, which was eventually paved, and many of the earlier planted trees were destroyed by numerous hurricanes over time. The Circus was said to have been designed to resemble Piccadilly Circus in London. Four main streets lead from the Circus in the direction of the compass points, and the Circus is a hub of city activity, especially during numerous carnivals and other festivals.
Bay Road Bank Street Fort Street, Basseterre, St. Kitts
The National Museum
The National Museum of St. Kitts and Nevis is located in the former Treasury Building. The building used to be located on the Basseterre Bay front, on what is now the land between Basseterre and Port Zante, which has been reclaimed and is now the new gateway into Basseterre, where cruise ships dock today. This venerable old building made from hand-hewn volcanic limestone was built in 1894 and is a great place to learn more about St. Kitts' history, culture, and colonial past. There are three galleries with exhibits that tell the story of the country's heritage, its indigenous inhabitants, sugar plantations, slavery, the rum trade, carnival customs, rebellion and, finally, independence. There are some very colorful traditional costumes on display.
Bay Rd, Basseterre, St Kitts & Nevis, Phone: +1 869-465-5584
Warner Park
Warner Park Sporting Complex is the St. Kitts' main athletic facility. Located in Basseterre, the complex includes the Warner Park Stadium, famous for hosting the 2007 Cricket World Cup, including a cricket pitch, pavilion, modern media center, and seating for 4,000 fans, with temporary stands that can accommodate up to 10,000 people for major events. The western part of the large complex has a football stadium that can seat up to 3,500 spectators. The northern section has three tennis courts, three volleyball courts, the Len Harris Cricket Academy, and Carnival City, a small open field used mostly for various carnival events.
Basseterre, St Kitts & Nevis, Phone: +1 917-693-8138
Dolphin Discovery St. Kitts
One of many pleasures you can enjoy during your stay in St. Kitts is swimming with dolphins. Dolphin Discovery St. Kitts offers you an opportunity to immerse yourself in the clear tropical waters and have a closer look at dolphins in their natural environment, not in a pool or aquarium. You will be able to interact with these intelligent mammals, let them snuggle with you, and watch them show off with awesome acrobatics. They will also push you across the water, in what is popularly called "the bootie push." An added attraction is the Swim Adventure, in which you hold on to a dolphin's fin while it swims across the water, far faster than you could by yourself. While you are interacting with dolphins, the Swim Adventure experts will tell you more about the life and biology of these fascinating animals.
Bird Rock Beach Hotel, Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis, Phone: +1 866-393-5158
Cottle Church
Cottle Church is a small Anglican church north of Charlestown, built in 1824 by John Cottle, then a plantation owner and the President of Nevis. He wanted the church to serve as a place of worship for whites and slaves together. Unfortunately, it was illegal at the time for slaves to worship, so the church was never consecrated and was abandoned after John Cottle died. The ruins of the church, hidden in the forest, are today a tourist destination and a popular venue for weddings, although there is no much left but the outside walls, which do, however, provide an interesting glimpse into the history of the island.
Rawlins, St Kitts & Nevis
St. Kitts Scenic Railway
If you don't have much time and want to see as much of St. Kitts as possible in total comfort, you should board the St. Kitts Scenic Railway. This unique railway line will take you on a 3-hour trip along the coast of St Kitts on a narrow gauge track of 762 mm. This unique and beautiful trip makes a 30-mile-long circle around the island, hugging the northeastern coastline, offering spectacular vistas of the Caribbean as well as beaches, surf, steep cliffs, and lush vegetation. The train slowly runs along tall steel bridges across deep canyons, through small villages and farms, and through lush, mysterious green rainforests bordered by miles of sugar cane, with the looming shadow of the Mount Liamuiga volcanic cone.
Basseterre, St Kitts & Nevis, Phone: +1 869-465-7263
Four Seasons Resort Nevis, West Indies
Four Seasons Resort Nevis, West Indies, is a luxury resort overlooking magnificent Pinney's Beach in Charleston, about 4 km from Nevis Peak and 9 km from Vance W. Amory International Airport. The rooms are opulent and spacious, with typical Caribbean colorful details. They are all air conditioned, have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, balconies or patios, soaking tubs, and separate sitting areas. Upgraded rooms have a view of the ocean. Suites, villas, and guesthouses can have up to six bedrooms and some have private pools. Guests of the resort enjoy four diverse restaurants, three infinity pools, a spa, golf facilities, tennis courts, a gym, a kids’ club, and a business center with eight meeting rooms.
Pinney's Beach, Charlestown, St. Kitts & Nevis, Phone: 869-469-1111
The Mount Nevis Hotel
The Mount Nevis Hotel is a family-owned elegant resort surrounded by 7 hectares of lush tropical gardens. The rooms and suites are located in colorful two and three-story pavilions that provide beautiful views of the mountains or the ocean. The resort is located only about 2 km from the airport and 3 km from the two most popular beaches – Oualie Beach and Nisbet Beach. The resort offers a free shuttle for guests going to the beach. The rooms are spacious and bright, with West Indies decor, ceiling fans, and lovely furnished balconies. They have all modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and luxury bathrooms. Suites and private villas also have fully equipped kitchens, living rooms, and patios or screened verandas. Guests enjoy a wonderful open-air restaurant, a bar, an outdoor pool with a sundeck, a conference center, and trails through the beautiful, large garden. The resort can make arrangements for numerous activities such as scuba diving, horseback riding, tennis, golf, hiking, and deep-sea fishing.
Shaws Road, New Castle, St. Kitts & Nevis, Phone: 869-469-9373
