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Published on August 2nd, 2017 | by Guest Contributor

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Highlights of the magical island of Nevis

Guest Article By Rachel Ritfeld

Rachel Ritfeld

Nevis and its neighboring island of St Kitts officially constitute as one country. Due to its small size of a mere 36 square miles, it would be easy to consider Nevis to be in the shadow of its larger sister island, but after my recent visit there I’ve been very much looking forward to sharing some of the magic of this hidden gem in the Caribbean with you courtesy of the St. Kitts Tourism Board for whom I also covered the 21st Annual St. Kitts Music Festival, my visit to the island of Nevis was a collateral side trip of that festival coverage.

After a short 10 min water taxi journey from St Kitts, we arrived on the calm and picturesque Oualie beach. The first thing I noticed was how relaxed and authentic it felt. For an island that has so much luxury to offer it is completely unpretentious, largely unspoiled and very private.

The Bath Hotel Hot Springs

The Bath Hotel Hot Springs

No wonder this immaculate island is loved by many of the rich and famous.

I was lucky enough to stay in once Princess Diana‘s hotel of choice: Montpelier Plantation and Beach (www.montpeliernevis.com). This Relais and Chateaux luxury boutique hotel blew me away with its contemporary-meets-authentic decor and lay out. Situated in the foothills of Nevis Peak, Montpelier Plantation, and Beach (with its private beach 6 miles away); constructed around one of the island’s many original 18th-century sugar plantations. With its original sugar mill kept in immaculate condition surrounded by lush tropical gardens, it is the perfect setting for a truly unique fine-dining experience.

If you fancy a hotel that provides the magic of wandering along cobbled stone paths while bird-watching amongst gorgeous foliage and spotting the occasional green vervet monkey, and the exclusivity of only 11 different and secluded guest rooms then, the Golden Rock Inn (www.goldenrocknevis.com) is one to be considered.

As an added highlight, they have also creatively converted their on-site sugar mill into the perfect family hideaway, sleeping a family of 4.

Dining, while overlooking the sea, at “the Rocks” is a must to indulge in the tasty and creative cuisine of local produce and fresh local caught fish and lobster.

I highly recommend a visit to the Nevisian Heritage Village, where Miss Patricia will give you a tour and history lesson on the evolution of Nevisian social history that you will never forget. Walking through the replicas of houses, furnished with antiques and relics, miss Patricia tells us heartfelt and uplifting stories of slave-families and how they lived in the Carib Indian era. It was the most emotional yet inspiring tour I have ever experienced. If for no other reason, I will certainly return to Nevis with my little daughter as soon as possible so she can experience this tour.

The grounds of the Nevisian Heritage Village

For a relaxed day by the beach, Sunshine’s lounge and grill is the place to be where the barbecue platter is arguably the best you will ever have, and Mr. Sunshine himself will serve his world famous secret rum punch concoction: the Killer Bee!

Sunshine’ bar

Mr. Sunshine Himself

As much as Nevis is a glorious, relaxing, kick-back island, it is also the sports lover’s dream. Why not try the Nevis to St Kitts annual cross channel swim or the Nevis Marathon or Triathlon? Perhaps you fancy watching horse racing or drag racing with a backdrop of turquoise sea and majestic mountains? Nevis is versatile enough to cater to a wide range of interests. For the full sporting events calendar, please visit the Nevis Tourist Authority website www.nevisisland.com

Sugar Mill at Montpelier

Nevis also hosts a range of annual festivals such as Nevis Blues Festival, Culturama and Mango and Food festival which I hope to explore in future.

Montpelier Plantation and Beach

Nevis might be best known for its variety of beaches ranging from soft white to black volcanic sand, but this hidden gem has much more to offer: from award winning hotels to world class dining experiences, cultural and historical journeys to unspoiled nature.

Hope you fall in love with it, as much as I did.

View from the pool at Montpelier

Sugar Mill at the Golden Rock Inn

Oualie Beach

Follow me on Instagram @rritfeld or Twitter @rachelritfeld for more of my travels around the world.

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