There is a place where the mangos grow wild, the weather is sunny, and the sleepy pace of life causes you to forget about any worries back home. This lush paradise has an extra helping of sandy beaches and two distinct waterfronts – one facing the wild Atlantic and the other with a clear turquoise lagoon.  Nevis is a remarkable sombrero-shaped island and one of the West Indies best kept secrets.

Part of the island nation of St Kitts and Nevis, the two islands are separated by a channel of water, You may have heard of its big sister St Kitts, but it is Nevis where you can appreciate a slower pace of life and pure natural beauty. Nevis is a laid-back volcanic island of 12,000 residents. The capital is Charlestown is where you’ll find numerous 18th and 19^th-century Georgian-style buildings remaining. Resistance to modern architecture has kept much of the city in its original state, and local efforts are underway to preserve her original buildings – and a peculiar rule means none are taller than a palm tree. Nevis Peak, a dormant volcano dominates the island with her slopes carpeted in jungle foilage and stunning waterfalls and natural springs. Lush stretches of sand include the palm-fringed Pinney’s Beach or sheltered Oualie Beach – where you’ll likely land when coming ashore. Surrender yourself to the pace of island life as you soak up Nevis’ charm and the easy-going genuineness of its people. Here guests can get beneath the skin of the ‘real Caribbean’.

Historical home of Alexander Hamilton

The first inhabitants were Carib Indians who travelled from South America. Back then the island was called ‘Oualie’. It wasn’t until the Europeans arrived in the late 1400s that they renamed it Nevis. In the 1600s the British colonised the island. They warred with the French over the lush land but later learned to live in harmony on the island. There are many sugar plantations still on the island which are now luxury hotels. To find out more about the foundations of the nation, travellers will want to visit the Museum of Nevis History housed in a two-storey Georgian-style building that happens to be where Alexander Hamilton was born in 1757. Hamilton who was instrumental in drafting the US Constitution and rose to the position of the first secretary of the Treasury lived on the island until the age of nine. There is also a museum dedicated to Admiral Lord Nelson on the island. Visitors can also see living history at the Nevisian Heritage Village which has replica houses dating from the Carib Indian era and community shops and services including blacksmiths, shoemakers and a rum shop. The gardens have tropical plants and sections for animal rearing and show what life was like for the indigenous peoples during this time. Nevis was also the home of Frances Nisbet, who married Lord Horatio Nelson, and there is a museum dedicated to the admiral on the island.

Living History in Nevis

Nowadays the rich culture and history is recognised in events which celebrate the food, the people and the land. There are cooking festivals and music events. Scattered around the island are picturesque churches such as St Pauls built in 1830, while dating back even earlier are St. John’s Fig Tree Church which hails to the 1680s and is the place where Lord Horatio Nelson and Frances Nisbet wed. This is located about 10 minutes south of Charlestown. Elsewhere, The Botanical Gardens were created on Nevis by Philadelphia couple Joseph and Martha Murphy, who wanted to create somewhere beautiful on the island to preserve flora from throughout the world. They chose a lovely spot in the Montpelier Estate area, with views of Nevis Peak in the distance. The gardens, filled with sculptures, fountains, and a replica of a Great House, has many garden areas to visit filled with roses, vines, cactuses, orchids and fruit trees. And guests will be wowed by the tropical rainforest conservatory, built to emulate the one at Kew Gardens in England. Martha’s Tea House is the perfect choice for afternoon tea.

Celebrity spotting on the island

Over the years, Nevis has provided a secluded haven for celebrities. Princess Diana famously stayed on the island with Princes William and Harry shortly after divorcing from Prince Charles, while Oprah on a visit here in the 90s inspired a local chef to start her own restaurant after indulging in a delicious dinner she prepared for her and Whitney Houston in the early 2000s. In more recent times Angelina Jolie has enjoyed one of the most private luxury villa retreats in Nevis.

Nowadays the island is home to John Cleese and his wife Jennifer Wade while Beyonce and Jay-Z were spotted on the island’s famous Pinney’s Beach enjoying a beachside dinner while listening to reggae music. Scary Spice Mel B is the island’s ambassador. Socialites love this island too, indeed Anne Bass, who moved in New York high society circles, chose to build a home in Nevis and it was still under construction at the time of her passing in 2020, Her estate still employs a handful of local landscapers, housekeepers and tradesmen.  Meanwhile, British socialite Poppy Delevingne spent time here shooting a new movie.

Where to stay

Golden Rock Inn

Golden Rock Inn, is a spectacular boutique hotel sitting on a hundred acres of tropical landscape that stretches up the verdant slopes of Nevis Peak.  The hotel is high up on the hills of Gingerland and looks over the wild Atlantic side offering a rugged beauty that appeals to adventurous travellers with hikes to waterfalls and Nevis peak or down below to the the lush sandy beaches. Since its mighty peak happens to be a dormant volcano, hotel guests can enjoy hiking through geothermal fields to the hot springs where they can soak in healing mineral waters while being surrounded by the gorgeous mountain ranges and stunning natural environment. With so much on offer, it is hard to believe that this island paradise island is just 36 square metres.

Built around an original sugar estate, the hotel dates to the early 1800s and incorporates Golden Rock’s unique history with a bold style, setting it apart from all resorts on the island. It has been restored through the eyes of visionary artist Helen Marden and her husband, renowned American painter Brice Marden. With Helen’s keen eye and artistic touch, the hotel combines minimalist style with artistic flair.

Golden Rock Inn features 11 guestrooms spread throughout the old plantation structure bedecked with minimalist furniture, and vivid colours and patterns on the upholstery, meaning each suite is its own work of art. There is a counting house and a two-storey sugar mill suite, built in the 1800s which is perfect to accommodate a family of four or alternatively, honeymooners who want ample space and privacy to spend their first days as newlyweds cocooned from the outside world. The Sugar Mill is the most unique property on the island, its tower rising majestically out of the lush foliage. Sprawling across 630sqft it has two floors one room with one king-size bed and another with two twin beds making it perfect for families. There’s also a sitting area and a terrace where you can enjoy the views of Windward Beach whilst enjoying a Caribbean rum on ice. Design accents include bright red shutters which strike harmoniously against the antique stone walls.  King-sized beds can be found in the romantic Paradise Cottage, designed in the typical Caribbean style with a large terrace that invites the outside in.

You’ll also find cottages surrounded by tropical greenery, offering the best views of majestic Mount Nevis and Windward Beach below.  The Scarborough and Mount Pleasant duplex cottages have terraces and with a king-sized four-poster bed, while Paradise Cottage is a private and romantic bolthole ideal for honeymooners. Alternatively, there are the Hillside Rooms which have stunning garden views and king-sized beds or twins across four duplex cottages.

The Garden Room which is a stunning West Indies-style cottage with a queen-sized bed and bathroom as well as a porch. You can do a buy-out of the entire property Each of the rooms features spectacular sea views of the Caribbean islands of Redonda, Antigua, and Montserrat. Meandering paths invite guests to stroll through tropical gardens tastefully designed by Miami landscape architect Raymond Jungles, to find Green Vervet monkeys, hummingbirds and the occasional local donkey. The hotel also offers an oversized freshwater swimming pool and a breathtaking new alfresco dining area.

Food and drink

Golden Rock Inn has a remarkable reputation for food and prides itself on its fresh seafood. Fresh fish and lobster come from local fishermen, tropical fruits and vegetables from neighbouring growers. Lively Caribbean cuisine is paired with global flair at The Rocks, one of the best gourmet culinary experiences on the island, helmed by James Eaton. Fresh fish and lobster come from local fishermen, tropical fruits and vegetables from neighbouring growers, with an emphasis on sustainability. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served alfresco on dining decks overlooking the sea or within intimate garden settings. Under stone vaulted ceilings, the bar serves signature cocktails such as the Mount St. Helena and Golden Rock’s renowned Rum Punch.

Guests staying here will know all about the legendary breakfasts which include vegan options like chickpea omelette made with some of the freshest eggs on the island. That’s not to mention the local Caribbean delicacies such as wahoo benedict. Lunchtime specialties include lobster sandwiches with plantain chips and conch chowder or vegetable curry roti. While of an evening the local mahi mahi is something different to try while the pan seared rack of lamb or lobster linguini are equally divine.

The bar serves signature cocktails such as the Mount St. Helena and Golden Rock’s renowned Rum Punch. Guests can enjoy the calm reflection of the spring-fed pools, surrounded by the flora and fauna and the sounds of nature as they enjoy the beauty of the hotel’s wonderful botanical gardens. Elsewhere on the island, you’ll want to check out Sunshine’s Beach Bar & Grill, home of the (in)famous Killer Bee rum punch.

Weddings

The natural beauty of Golden Rock and its gardens set it up to be an ideal venue to celebrate weddings. Couples can rent out the entire property for their special day, so they can make use of the 40 acres and sprawling gardens. Lovebirds can get married in the pavilion designed by Edward Tuttle. This is a serene location with reflective ponds.

The island has everything to create the perfect romantic backdrop to any wedding. There are plenty of activities to spark romance, from horseback riding on the beach to exploring the lush gardens. Nevis has it all from picturesque churches, historic plantations, soft, sandy beaches or lush tropical gardens and the Nevis mountainside creates a dramatic backdrop for your special day, and you can even hike up it for spectacular views.

Four Seasons Nevis

The only hotel chain on the island is the Four Seasons Nevis, which sits on Pinney’s Beach, located on the west coast. It is renowned for its crystal-clear Caribbean Sea coastline. The hotel has a landscaped golf course and 10 tennis courts. There are 189 rooms and suites with pink and white walls, a multicoloured geometric carpet and marble bathrooms and 53 villa residences. The resort’s main restaurant EsQuilina serves up smoked wahoo, curried scrambled eggs and tropical fruits, while On the Dune restaurant serves both Caribbean and American fayre and Mango on the waterfront is a popular spot for a moonlit dinner.

Hamilton Beach Villas & Spa

For those looking for a home from home, look no further than Hamilton Beach Villas & Spa which is comprised entirely of condominiums built in 2011. Choose from one, two and four bedroom apartments with either garden and pool view or ocean view, with the property offering 5 55  rooms in total. The one bedroom deluxe apartments offer 1479 square feet of living space with garden and pool views. The two bedroom apartments offer 1526 square feet of living space and garden and pool views or superior ocean views all housed within a three storey building. Spacious rooms are decked out with modern sofas, flat screen TVs, and a dining table, while the modern bathrooms feature walk-in showers.

Visiting Nevis is a relaxing experience yet offers plenty of opportunities for adventure.  From exploring the dormant volcano to -riding horses on the beach or taking a thrilling journey off-road in a Funky Monkey all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or a hike through the rainforest to reach the summit of Nevis peak which makes it a desirable honeymoon location with a difference.

Getting there

To get to Nevis you can fly into its sister island St. Kitts. There are twice-weekly flights with British Airways from the United Kingdom. There’s also possibilities to fly to Nevis’ Vance W. Amory International Airport. Once you arrive in St. Kitts take a 10-minute boat ride over. Lie back as the waves lap the boat as you’re handed a can of rum ting and soak up the island vibes.