Weekend Getaway: Caribbean Edition
If you’re looking to hold on to one last bit of summer and escape the impending cold weather of November, we have a tip for you. Find a long weekend and indulge in a warm-weather refresh at the Four Seasons Nevis. Nestled beside St. Kitts, just southeast of Anguilla, and northwest of Montserrat, Nevis lays claim to being the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton and the last stop that James Smith made before founding Jamestown, site of the first American Thanksgiving. The Queen of England has even visited – twice.
Once arriving on the 36 square mile island by boat, one may choose any combination of total relaxation and brisk activity. For those opting for the former, request a beach cabana, have the overly-friendly staff set up a lounge chair facing the Caribbean, or just relax by one of the resort’s three pools and enjoy a few of the region’s famous rum punches.
For those who just can’t resign completely to total aquatic relaxation, there are plenty of activities to undertake offshore. Sail boats, waverunners, and standup paddleboards are available just past the beach loungers. Landlubbers may prefer to challenge their traveling companion to a tennis match on one of over a dozen hardcourt or clay tennis courts just outside the spa facilities.
Four Seasons properties are known for their spas and Nevis does not disappoint. Small massage huts line the path to the heated relaxation pool and chilled reflection plunge, both isolated by native plants and shaded by strategically placed palms. A waterfall drops into the heated pool and stone benches have been carved out to allow for a scalp and neck massage courtesy of gravity, hydrogen and oxygen. After the hot and cold pools, indulge in one of the many available massage treatments.
The golf course surrounding the spa and the property is a Robert Trent Jones II course. It’s hilly, but ends with a straight drive right to the water’s edge and an unobstructed view of neighboring St. Kitts’ volcanic peaks. After 18 holes, you’ve undoubtedly built up an appetite for some of the islands fantastic jerk-seasoned meats and fish.
A short walk down the beach is the independently owned Sunshine’s, whose variation on the rum punch is dubbed the Killer Bee. Before you have too many of the aptly named cocktails, enjoy the jerk wings, fresh lobster, or the day’s catch.
On each visit, a night or two off the property is well worth it, even though it’s intoxicatingly easy to take advantage of the many dining options offered by The Four Seasons. Heading upcountry to The Mill at Montpelier Plantation, a Relais & Chateaux property is a great adventure. Partake in their signature five-course tasting menu in the original sugar mill. Surrounded by limestone bricks and seated beneath the original iron mill-wheel, guests are transported to the historic Caribbean.
Returning late to your room, you may find yourself looking for ways to extend your trip a few weeks. For most, four days amidst the rolling clouds, slowly ebbing tides, and softly chattering palms is just enough time smooth out summertime’s nostalgia and to rejuvenate the senses in preparation for year’s end.
