Island Time - Nevis

When you get married, many people ask you where you plan on honeymooning.  It was amazing how many blank stares, "Where is that?" and polite, yet clueless, smiles and nods I received when I answered, "St. Kitts and Nevis."  Although not as well known, my husband and I chose St. Kitts and Nevis as our honeymoon destination because we wanted to avoid the cookie cutter, touristy, Caribbean island getaway.  Considering this was our main goal, along with plans for rainforest hiking, experiencing a local culture and a few days at the beach with fruity beverages....I would say St. Kitts and Nevis ended up being a wonderful getaway.  St. Kitts and Nevis is truly a place I would recommend visiting if you want the true feel of the Caribbean (not the five star, all inclusive, not getting up from this beach chair for a week experience).
It is hard to sum up a week of experiences into one post (especially since I waited about 9 months to write this), but below are the high points of the trip to Nevis along with some stories that, with any luck, will get you thinking about your next getaway (or atleast start dreaming). 

The Sights
Nevis Peak

Cloud over Nevis Peak from Cockleshell Bay on St. Kitts

Nevis Peak is the large dormant volcano making up the island of Nevis.  With a stroke of luck you are able to see the top of the peak, but typically there is a large cloud hovering over the peak each day.  We were fortunate enough to see the top as our ferry pulled out of the harbor the last morning we were there. The island actually received its name thanks to the presence of the overbearing cloud.  The name Nevis is derived from the Spanish term Nuestra Senora de las Nieves or "Our Lady of the Snows" because the cloud reminded Columbus of snow.

Using ropes and vines to climb

Topping out at 3,232 feet, the volcano makes for a great 1/2 day hike, but you should hike to the top with a guide and you should prepare to get muddy. Unlike hiking in the Rockie Mountains, islanders don't seem to believe in switchbacks.  Rather, hikes will lead you straight up the side of the mountain, using vines and ropes to pull you up the steep and muddy slope.  Prepare to get a little dirty, but don't be too intimidated by the thought of hiking straight up through the mud.  Islanders make the hike sound worse than it actually is, but I would recommend for people in pretty good shape.  The hike was about 2-2.5 hours up and 1.5-2 hours down.  Hiking down the volcano takes just about as much time as hiking up because the steep trail and slippery mud presents a bit of a challenge at times.

Muddy at the top of Nevis Peak

I enjoy exerting energy to hike 14ers in Colorado because the views at the top are breathtaking.  This hike is worthwhile because it makes you feel like you are a character in LOST, scrambling up vines and trekking through thick rainforest flora.  The only view at the top is the people you are hiking with set against a sea of misty white, so you better hike with good looking people!
All in all this is definitely worth the experience, but make sure you go with a guide.  We arranged our hike through Lynnell Lyburd, he seemed reliable and was a less expensive option compared to other guides we read about.  He actually didn't show up for our hike but thanks to the help of our cab driver, Evan, we found and tagged along with another guy named Devito (who we gathered was maybe Lynnell's son?).  Our guide not showing up still remains a mystery, but there are many sites available for finding other guides on the island as well as information at local hotels.

Hiking Nevis Peak - View from the 1/2 Way Point

Charlestown

Downtown Nevis

Charlestown is the downtown area of Nevis.  If you take the ferry from Bassterre in St. Kitts you will walk straight into Charlestown from the Ferry dock.  The main streets are alive with locals and have various shops and restaurants to explore.  You can get a good feel of Charlestown just by walking around for an hour.  This downtown area is also where you can catch buses heading both directions around the island.  A few places worth noting around the downtown area are Jamakies and Cafe de Arts (two local eateries described below) and the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton (located next to Cafe de Arts).  I have heard the museum at Alexander Hamilton's birthplace isn't worth the admission price, but you can atleast take a look if you grab a cool, refreshing drink at Cafe de Arts.  If you want to buy local crafts, the best store we found was located in the small mall near the ferry terminal.

Hermitage Plantation Inn

Dinner Porch at Hermitage Plantation Inn

If you don't stay here, the Hermitage Plantation Inn is worth a visit even if just for dinner.  The outdoor patio is particularly beautiful at night once the sun sets and they turn on the lights hanging throughout the porch.  The food is also delicious and is well worth the spend, particularly for a special occasion.  The main entry is full of antique photos and plantation decor, and has plenty of books at photographs to look at while you wait for a table or sip on a refreshing cocktail.  It is also fun just to walk around the grounds or take a look at the garden right outside the front of the restaurant.

The view of St. Kitts from Oualie Beach

Oualie Beach
This is a great beach and it is easy to lose track of time just relaxing in the sun.  Less crowded than Pinney's beach, Oualie Beach only has one main restaurant with pretty good food.  The banana smoothie topped with fresh nutmeg was extremely refreshing and food was reasonably priced and delicious! 

Pinneys Beach
One of the more touristy beaches on Nevis, Pinney's runs into the beach at Four Seasons Resort.  The beach directly outside the resort is technically only for hotel guests, but if you pretend like you know what you are doing you can try to grab a seat and hope no one says anything, or hope the seats you sit in haven't already been reserved by another family.  The part of Pinney's beach not associated with the resort is dotted with local restaurants, most of which provide some delicious rum punch.  The killer bee at Sunny's is delicious (and strong!) and lunch at Lime was not only delicious but had a soothing, relaxing atmosphere.

 
The Savory
Below are just a handful of restaurants on Nevis where we ate during the honeymoon:
Bananas Bistro
Easily my favorite dinner on the island with delicious food and a wonderful atmosphere.  Local art lines the walls on an open porch overlooking a lush garden.  The black bean dip with friend plantains was an amazing appetizer and if possible, I would have tried everything on the menu.

Jamakies
A local eatery in Charlestown...not labeled and definitely not touristy.  Prices are low and portions are huge, most meals consist of a beef stew, slaw, rice and beans.  Delicious and perfect if you want to eat like the locals do.  Everyone that came in to pick up their lunch knew the owner, Jamakie, and he was a very nice man.  When I asked about the golden apple juice I had ordered, he brought out the apple he uses to make the juice and let us try it since it was something we couldn't have back home.  A great place to stop for lunch!

Water Department BBQ
Another delightful experience of the local culture is the Water Department BBQ.  The night we went it was pouring, so no wonder there weren't the crowds and music we had heard about from our B&B hosts, guidebooks and other locals.  Food consists of two options grilled chicken or grilled ribs, made by none other than employees of the local water department.  Nevertheless, it was delicious!!  If not for the rain we would have stayed there to eat, but instead we took our delicious food back to the B&B, which in my opinion, was just as fabulous as eating with the locals.

Sunshines

Candy wrapper art at Bananas Bistro

 For New Years, Sunshine's hosts a buffet dinner with unlimited Killer Bee Rum Punch, bonfires, fireworks, and a DJ.  During dinner, music consisted of every single song you could ever think of that incorporated the word sunshine, sunny, sun, etc.  They basically keep the Rum Punch flowing and the music going until the sun comes up the next day.  Note- in island time, 7:30/8:00 really means 9:00.  My husband and I showed up when dinner was supposed to start and found out the staff still hadn't come back from the break to refresh before the night began....luckily they let us help ourselves to the igloo cooler full of rum punch while we waited. Win for us.

Nisbet Plantation Inn
We didn't make it to Nisbet, but apparently the Thursday buffet accompanied by a night of dancing under the stars should not be missed!

Banyan Tree Bed and Breakfast -

I know plantations and resorts are appealing for a getaway, but we were blessed to have found Banyan Tree Bed and Breakfast.  This B&B is on the southern part of the island and is a couple of miles from Charlestown (however, it isn't very walkable because of how steep the road is...unfortunate).  If you want to feel like you are the only people on the island, Banyan Tree is a great place to stay.  Rooms are tucked back on the expansive grounds and make you feel like you are in the middle of the rainforest.  Monkeys roam the grounds and eat from the many fruit trees throughout the property.  Breakfast is fresh and delicious, and the hosts are very gracious.  When I had an allergic reaction to some fire ants they were more than welcome to let me test about every medicine available in their medicine cabinet (most of which was expired) and went to the garden to snip some fresh aloe to rub on the bites to sooth the pain.  We had a great experience at the B&B and despite not being the best location on the island, I would definitely go back again.

Our Cottage at Banyan Tree Bed and Breakfast

Unfortunately we didn't make it to all the sights Nevis has to offer, but if we ever make it back I will definitely add the beaches and attractions below to my hit list:

Lovers Beach (bathing suits optional)
Windward Beach
Nisbet Plantation Inn
Nevis Botanical Gardens
Four Seasons Hotel


Bon Voyage!

Caribbean Cliffside Cottage

Given my wedding is in less than 3 months (Yay!!) I recently spent a solid amount of time researching potential honeymoon destinations.  In the process of honeymoon planning, I found and absolutely fell in love with two dream destinations:  Dominica (which you will soon fall in love with) and Paraty, Brazil (which you will fall in love with in the near future...watch for my upcoming Paraty post)! 

Prepare yourself to dream about your next vacation, and let me tell you about Dominica.  Keep in mind I have never actually been there, but I will do my best to get there someday.

I found a new friend in National Geographic Traveler and find it to be my favorite of all travel magazines.  One day I was reading an article about Caribbean Resorts and came across a blurb about Jungle Bay Resort and Spa.  Jungle Bay Resort and Spa  The photo below is what caught my attention and additional research allowed Dominica and this Resort to grab my heart and never let go.

Photo From Jungle Bay Resort Website

Not only does the room look incredible, but look around the Jungle Bay Resort Website and you will soon discover that you want to transport yourself there as soon as possible.
 These cottages are perched high above the Atlantic and nestled into the rainforest of picturesque Dominica.  Imagine falling asleep at night, surrounded by the unspoiled beauty of "Nature Isle of the Caribbean" and listening to the Atlantic tide crash up against the hillside on which you are sleeping.  Or wake up to the ocean breeze as you relax on the hammock on the private porch connected to your room.  Are you in love yet?

Photo by Justin Foulkes (from NG Website)

 Whether you want to hike three hours one way to the Boiling Lake, seek out the hidden waterfalls that fall into Dominica's 365 rivers, watch whales or hike through the tropical rainforests...outdoor lovers and adventure seekers rejoice!

 I see the mountainous island of Dominica as being a prime vacationing spot for people interested in a getaway that doesn't require the need to be "touristy" but provides bountiful activities beyond laying in the sun and sipping on a cocktail garnished with a colorful umbrella (although I highly suggest that as well)!  Make note though, the rugged landscape of Dominica isn't one to offer an abundance of exceptional white sand beaches...plan on sipping that cocktail on top of a dormant volcano instead!

Boiling Lake (Photo from RumShopRyan.com)

 National Geographic recently named Dominica as one of the 20 Best Trips of 2011 and I wouldn't argue with them for a second.  I truly hope I can visit Dominica sometime in the near or distant future...as long as I figure out a way to get there at some point!

Additional Websites I Enjoyed Reading:

Jungle Bay Resort and Spa

Discover Dominica

A Virtual Dominica

RumShopRyan

Also, check out this interesting Travel + Leisure article on economic growth in Dominica while the locals continue to focus on conserving the environment and remaining an eco-tourism destination.



Oh, and just so you know, Lucas and I won't be going to Dominica on our honeymoon mostly due to a lack of United flights to the Caribbean (but people with American Airlines miles could be in luck)!!  Either way, we found and booked what could be a perfect trip for an ideal Caribbean honeymoon on the small islands of St. Kitts and Nevis, with a detour through St. Thomas on the way home.  I imagine I will have a lot to share about those destinations, so stay tuned!

Bon Voyage!