South Frigate Bay beach, Saint Kitts
The Caribbean is known for its pristine beaches and turquoise waters, but it’s the people, history, and culture of St. Kitts and Nevis that make this island paradise unforgettable.
The sister islands of St. Kitts and Nevis form one country—the Federation of St. Christopher and Nevis—and is the smallest sovereign state in the western hemisphere.
Named by Christopher Columbus after the patron saint of travellers, St. Christopher, the island’s name was shortened to the familiar St. Kitts.
Whether you spend a day, a week or longer, you’ll fall in love with this beautiful place whose people are warm and friendly.
The larger of the two islands, St. Kitts boasts historic sites, stunning beaches , and unique experiences that everyone can enjoy.
Brush up on golf skills at the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club just outside of the capital Basseterre or take a guided ATV adventure tour and see fantastic views from volcanic peaks. Relish a refreshing catamaran tour around the island and snorkel in the warm, clear waters of Turtle Bay.
Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis town skyline at the port
The formidable Brimstone Hill Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage site and known as the ‘Gibraltar of the West Indies’ as it was the home to many battles in the colonial era. Now also a national park, Brimstone Hill is a monument to top-notch British military engineering and to the skill and endurance of the African slaves who built the well-preserved fortress.
A truly unique experience on St. Kitts is revealed in a ride on the ‘last railway of the West Indies.’ The St. Kitts Scenic Railway is a former sugar transport train that now guides tourists on a three-hour tour of the island. Guests will pass over narrow bridges, view lush rainforests at the base of Mt. Liamuiga, see countless sugar mills, and enjoy views of black sand beaches and the stunning ocean.
Another memorable sight on these islands are the African green ‘vervet’ monkeys . Brought to the islands as pets approximately around late 17th century, these small, chattering primates live in the wild and can often be seen on hotel grounds or golf courses.
From familiar hotel chains like Marriott and Hyatt to luxury boutique properties, St. Kitts and Nevis have lovely places to stay after a day of sightseeing. The ultra-plush Four Seasons Resort on Nevis provides elegant rooms and top-notch service, while the organic Belle Mont Farm on St. Kitts offers lavish eco-suites and farm-to-table dining options.
Known as a romantic getaway, Montpelier plantation on Nevis once hosted the 1787 wedding of British Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson to Frances (Fanny) Nisbet and now offers fine dining in its 300-year-old sugar mill. Whether you prefer a quiet stay with beautiful beach views or more colourful accommodation with local flavour, it’s very easy to find the perfect place to relax .
The small island of Nevis is just three kilometres away from St. Kitts across a narrow channel called ‘The Narrows.’ It is the birthplace of America’s first Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, whose life story has become infamous through the popular musical, Hamilton. The former slave ship captain turned preacher, John Newton, is said to have been inspired by the beauty of St. Kitts and penned Amazing Grace years after visiting the islands.
St. Thomas’s lowland church was built on Nevis in 1643 and was the first Anglican church in the Caribbean.
The historical significance of these islands is hard to ignore, and the beautiful scenery make it even harder to leave. St. Kitts and Nevis may be small in size, but the impression left on visitors is massive.
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