Nevis Travel Guide

Nevis, an almost circular 36 square mile island, is the epicentre of the Leewards crowned by a 3300 foot high extinct volcano with tropical rain forests and white and golden sand beaches.

Nevis is the birth place of America's Alexander Hamilton (1757) and was host to England's famous Admiral Horatio Nelson. Largely ignored by the English, the island joined a Federation with its sister island, St. Kitts in 1983. Nevis is currently undergoing a new political chapter as it democratically explores the people's wish for complete autonomy to create what what would become the world's second smallest independent nation.

Nevisians are a warm friendly people who are very proud of their country. The capitol, Charlestown is still a sleepy mid-Victorian Caribbean town, a far cry from the bustling capital centers of other Caribbean islands.

Boasting of several beaches that stretch for miles relatively undisturbed, the longest, Pinney's Beach is the site of the biggest star in the Nevisian crown, the Four Season's Resort. Even this rather large low rise resort barely intrudes. The windward side has a magnificent and usually deserted beach where you can body surf the breakers. Oualie Beach is the centre for windsurfing, diving and snorkeling with trips to the nearby coral reefs and exotic dive sites.

Activity is limited but worthy on Nevis. Visit the Botanical Garden with cascading pools and examples of tropical plants from all over the world, play tennis (several courts available at the various resorts) or golf at the Four Seasons beautiful 18-hole Robert Trent Jones palm shaded course. Take the kids to Caribbean Cove, a theme park with miniature golf complete with pirate ships, real smoke and jungle waterfalls. Or try the Bumper boats. Equestrians and would-be equestrians alike, will be enjoy horseback riding. A race track schedules horse races on major holidays.

Dining is a mixed bag with the local delicacies of steamed breadfruit, goat water, grilled lobster and fresh fish vying with international interpretations at the Plantation Inns. Local musicians with steel pans and string bands alternate with jazz groups and a traveling discotheque to provide entertaining diversions on Nevis. That's about it for nightlife and visitors here wouldn't have it any other way.

Nevis attracts hikers, divers and other watersport enthusiasts, however the main attractions are lounging on the beach, reading a good book and relaxing. The luxury hotels and plantation inns here attract many a discriminating traveler. At least for now, Nevis is a destination of quiet, laid back charm and natural beauty greatly undisturbed by development.