Sensational St Kitts

Fancy living the Caribbean dream? This may be the island for you

Why go?

With glorious golden beaches and luscious green landscapes, St Kitts is the perfect escape for year-round sunshine. With the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other, this tiny island is packed with plenty to see and do. Get there by boarding a ten-hour flight from London, which will take you straight to a world of rum cocktails, fantastic food and spectacular views.

Explore The Island

From flourishing rainforests to historical sights, there’s plenty to see and do on this idyllic island. Nature lovers can visit the Wingfield Estate to take part in a hike through St Kitts’ growing rainforest, where you will be introduced to countless plants and trees. Experienced hikers can take part in a four-hour tour, whilst anyone wishing to keep things relaxed can opt for an easier one-hour trail.

The Wingfield Estate is also home to the oldest rum distillery in the Caribbean and is the starting point to the island’s Rum Master tour, which is held between the Old Road Rum distillery and the relaxed beach bar Spice Mill. This unique experience is led by two of the island’s most prestigious rum experts and covers everything from the history of the infamous tipple to cocktail mixing along with making your very own spiced rum.

If you’re into stunning views with a backstory, then take a trip up to Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park (Brimstonehill fortress.org). Once home to the British Army, you’ll be able to find out about the island’s past whilst soaking up the one-of-a-kind views of St Kitts.

And of course, a trip to the Caribbean wouldn’t be complete without a day out on the ocean. Hop on to a boat tour with Paradise Sun, who will host a day of basking in the turquoise Caribbean Sea. For an absolutely unforgettable experience, pop on some snorkelling gear during your dip and get ready to spot plenty of colourful fish.

Culinary Delights

Not only does this island offer plenty to see and do, but it’s also heaven for foodies. If you ask any local Kittitians where their favourite place to eat is, they’re almost guaranteed to say Arthur’s. The beachside restaurant’s Dieppe Bay Fisherman’s Pasta was a firm favourite and is packed with plenty of fresh seafood. We recommend getting there in the early evening so you can enjoy the stunning sunset views, including the exact point where the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean visibly meet!

Another popular spot is Marshall’s, which has been open for almost thirty years. This long-running, premier establishment offers a delicious menu featuring grilled seafood and meats along with a seriously extensive cocktail (and mocktail) menu. If you’re lucky, you’ll even catch Marshall himself working in the kitchen.

Anyone who finds themselves in the island’s capital, Basseterre, should pop into Serendipity – a hidden gem where the Prime Minister of St Kitts likes to dine.

For those visiting Frigate Bay, take a trip to the ‘strip’ where you will find a row of fun restaurants and bars, including Boozies, where you’ll be able to tuck into an exquisite grilled lobster. And start the day off right with breakfast in Coconut Grove, a laid-back brunch spot that offers almost any brekkie you could wish for.

Where to stay

We spent the first couple days of our trip at the St Kitts Marriott Resort, which is situated in the heart of Frigate Bay. With 393 rooms, this larger-than-life hotel offers a plethora of amenities including seven restaurants, a newly-refurbished spa, a pool bar and a casino, so you know you won’t be bored during your stay. Plus, the island’s strip is just a short walk away, making it perfect for anyone who wants to explore without leaving the local area.

For the rest of our visit, we checked into the luxurious Park Hyatt, which spans Banana Bay, an exquisite beach on the island’s south coast. Boasting an award-winning fine dining restaurant, along with a weekly rota of activities including stargazing, paddleboarding and yoga in a magical sugar mill, there’s plenty to do in this five-star resort. However, the entertainment doesn’t stop there. A gaming room, weekly bonfire nights and a fun-packed kids club will make keeping younger travellers occupied a breeze too. Fancy exploring further? Head to the resort’s private port, where you can hop on a boat to neighbouring island Nevis within just eight minutes.

Both hotels are situated on the coast and therefore have their own private beaches, so you won’t have to go far to relax on the sandy shores.

Need to know

Words: Cigdem Tanrioglu