The stunning tropical getaway you’ll want to keep to yourself…
By Karen Kwan
From the first glimpses of the lush rainforests and mountainous terrain of St. Kitts when you set foot on the island, it’ll feel like you’ve discovered a hidden gem. And as you meet the friendly locals, eat the fantastic cuisine (from the freshest seafood to cozy home-cooked style meals), explore the beaches (where the sand might be white, grey or black) and learn about its rich, fertile land and cultural history (Alexander Hamilton–yes, that Hamilton–was, in fact, born in Nevis, the smaller island of this dual-island nation), you’ll soon realize this is a very special slice of paradise that somehow flies under the radar.
How does St. Kitts manage to seem like one of the best kept travel secrets? The island historically focused on its agricultural production and only pivoted to flexing its muscles as a travel destination in the 1980s. Its’ off-the-beaten path vibe is a welcome change to the super-developed Caribbean destinations that are lined with all-inclusive after all-inclusive–although its quieter, laid-back approach may make it more suitable for a getaway focused on R&R versus The Hangover type of debauchery.
This travel guide will help you discover the most captivating and delicious experiences this 18-mile-long haven in the West Indies has to offer for your first visit–chances are high you’ll be returning for more.
Where To Stay
If the decision making of choose-your-own-adventure is stressing you out, get the best of both vacation worlds by staying at multiple properties in St. Kitts. For something extra private, start with a couple of nights at Belle Mont Sanctuary Resort at Kittitian Hill in your own villa surrounded by rainforest where the vibe is “over-the-top properties you see on reality shows.” Enjoy a view of the ocean from your villa’s private pool as you cool off with a cocktail while taking in the epic sunset views. Be sure to set aside time for a soothing soak in the clawfoot bathtub in the villa’s open-air bathroom, too. From Belle Mont, change things up and move onto the Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christopher Harbour for all of the comforts that come with a luxury beachfront resort stay: self-care with some treatments at the hotel’s freshly renovated spa, movement at any of the properties activities (N.B. they’ve got a pickleball court!), and stellar food and drinks at restaurants just a short walk from your room.
TIP: Foodies, a reservation for the tasting menu at the Stone Barn is a must–it’s a captivating gourmet adventure inspired by the earth’s elements.
Where To Work Out
Sure, there’s a great gym at the Park Hyatt decked out with modern equipment and, of course, you have the beachfront here if you’re looking to run or walk along with pools and the sea for swimming, but a must-not-miss workout that’ll earn you bragging rights is climbing Mount Liamuiga. This challenging hike is about 6.5 kilometres out and back and will take you through the rainforest, navigating over some muddy terrain (watch out for those tree roots!), but the views of the surrounding islands that you’re rewarded with from the ridge of the volcano are more than worth the sweat. Go with renowned guide O’Neil Mulraine from O’Neil Rainforest Tours so you can get the full download about the island’s history and flora and fauna along the way.
Where To Drink
Head to Sunset Reef with your swim attire and order a round of rum punch at the Drop Anchor Grill to sip while relaxing in one of the chaise longues by the pool or head down the stairs to the tiki bar and take your cocktail down to the beach to enjoy the sand between your toes. If that’s whet your appetite for more rum, spirit enthusiasts will need to dive into an immersive experience and become a certified Kittitian RumMaster while on the island: your education begins at the Caribbean’s oldest surviving rum distillery, the striking Wingfield Manor Estate. Tour the estate and see firsthand the historic elements of the distillery including the boiling house and chimney as you learn about the history of rum production along with a wealth of information about St. Kitts flora–with an Old Road Rum cocktail to both start and close off this theoretical portion of your course. Next, move onto the practical portion, which is held at Spice Mill Restaurant, during which Roger Brisbane of Hibiscus Spirits will walk you through how spiced rum is blended and how to create a refreshing cocktail using this local spirit.
Where to Eat
Eat like a local (and score one of the best coffees you enjoy on island) at Coconut Grove. This casual snack bar owned by Aussie Julian “Jules” Armstrong serves up refreshing smoothies, superb coffee and breakfast dishes loaded with fresh ingredients. Try the huevo motuleños–a savoury dish from the city of Motul, Mexico, that has a corn tortilla topped with fried eggs, ham, peas, plantain and both tomato and black bean salsa. For your seafood fix, share the platter at Rock Lobster; the atmosphere here is laidback and the fresh, well prepared dishes will more than satisfy your craving (plus, you can’t help but be won over by the friendly service and by the fact that a lot of locals dine here, too–always a good sign). And, although you’re vacationing in paradise, for a delicious, breathtaking escape, dinner at Orchid Bay Beach House will feel as though you’ve landed on the coast of Italy. Start your evening by piling into the car the restaurant arranges for you to shuttle down the steep, rocky cliff road. When you step out, you’ll be handed a refreshing welcome cocktail and just when you think la dolce vita couldn’t get any sweeter, you’ll be treated to one of the best sunset views on the island before sitting down to a decadent Italian feast of fritto misto, burrata, pizza and pasta.
What To Do
The volcanic terrain of St. Kitts is a stunner and one of the most joyful ways to take it in with the St. Kitts Scenic Railway Tour. This three-hour tour makes a 30-mile loop on the island (most of it on a narrow-gauge train). Built between 1912 and 1926, this historic train was used to transport sugar cane from the plantations to Basseterre. Nowadays, visitors and locals get to enjoy the ride with a guide sharing history about the island, a cold beverage in hand (there’s an open bar on board) and live entertainment–all with the gorgeous terrain and sea views as the main act. Delve further into the island’s beauty with a tour of Liamuiga Natural Farm. An ex-military truck transports you to the 25 fertile acres of the farm 1,500 feet above sea level, where you kick off the tour with a gourmet breakfast served family-style (there’s pickled turmeric, salt fish, fresh cheeses, ratatouille, quesadillas and more). Then tour the property and learn about the farm’s history as a coffee farm, how fire ants help the farmers read the weather forecast and about the different produce grown here (from wax apples and breadfruit to pineapples and papaya). Hopefully, you’ll have worked up an appetite through the tour because a wholesome lunch of carrot, potato and dashi soup–add mahi mahi or chicken as you wish–and a dreamy dessert (the creamiest coffee ice cream) awaits you before you get back onto the truck to make your way down the mountain.
Travel tip:
You’ll thank yourself for treating yourself to the seamless Kayanjet airport service where, upon landing in St. Kitts, you’re whisked off from the tarmac to the private Kayanjet terminal. Provide your passport to Kayanjet and simply relax in the lounge and enjoy a cocktail and tapas–instead of lining up in the airport–before stepping out to your luggage and awaiting transfer to your accommodations.
