Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
St. Kitts and Nevis, its partner in this two-island nation, boast
one of the Caribbean's largest concentrations of plantation
homes. The islands were once dotted with sugar plantations
and greathouses, but today these stately manses have been
transformed into elegant bed-and-breakfast inns especially
popular with European vacationers and Americans looking to
experience a slice of the Caribbean “the way it used to be.” Don't
look for reggae lessons, limbo contests or mixology classes at
these properties; instead, expect a sophisticated atmosphere
similar to a fine country inn, where the emphasis lies in point-
ing the way for independent travelers to make their own discov-
eries.
Just two miles away from St. Kitts lies the tiny island of
Nevis
(pronounced NEE-vis). Columbus first named this island be-
cause of the ever-present cloud that circles Mount Nevis, giving
it almost a snow-capped look. Today the cloud still lingers over
the mountain peak. Home to only 9,000 residents, this country
cousin has a charming atmosphere all its own, plus a good
share of plantation houses where guests can enjoy a look back
at Caribbean history.
St. Kitts and Nevis are both mountainous by Caribbean stan-
dards and rich with undeveloped regions. Both islands are
home to small rain forests, although visitors will find plenty of
tropical foliage wherever they venture.
Geography
Shaped like a guitar, St. Kitts is the more developed of the two.
Most of its 35,000 residents live in the town of
Basseterre
(pro-
nounced bos-tear) on the south shore (just where the guitar
handle meets the body).
South of Basseterre, the island slims, the land becomes drier,
and the population scattered. This is the
South Peninsula,
an
area that until a few years ago was only accessible by boat. To-
day a modern highway makes this region available to motor-
ists. Here, you'll find some of the island's most beautiful remote
beaches and roadside overlooks, with views of both sides of the
island and the Caribbean Sea to the south and the Atlantic
Ocean to the north. Several hotel chains have purchased prop-
erty in this area, but it remains, at least for today, remote and
isolated.
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