15 Things You Must Do On Nevis Island
Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the United States, has vaulted into the stratosphere of American pop culture thanks to the award-winning Broadway musical Hamilton. While he's one of the most important figures in American history, his own tale began on the island of Nevis in the Caribbean.
This lush island, which partners with St. Kitts to form one country, is a haven of tranquility in the Caribbean Sea. There's incredible dining, adventure and — of course — the resplendent turquoise waters that are so mesmerizing. Whether you're looking to discover a small piece of American heritage or simply to unwind in the serenity, here are 15 things to do on Nevis.
Snorkeling
The waters around Nevis are crystal-clear, which makes it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Hop on the Caona catamaran at the Four Seasons Resort Nevis, which takes you out for an easygoing afternoon adventure. You'll leisurely cruise out to Shitten Bay where you're able to dive and see some cool sea life. You'll mostly see schools of colorful fish, although I was able to see a small octopus hanging out nearby.
Drinks are served on the boat, and snorkeling gear is provided, so all you need to do is show up. Both are included in the price.
Dive and Dine
Those looking for a more in-depth adventure in the ocean should go for the Dive and Dine at the Four Seasons Resort Nevis. It's a unique experience for certified divers and foodies.
You'll start your morning early with executive chef Samuel Faggetti, who leads guests on a one-of-a-kind diving experience. You'll search the waters of the Caribbean Sea for a spiny lobster — just like the locals do — while using a handmade lasso to secure your dinner. After you've made a catch, chef takes you back on land to teach you how to prepare the lobster using a Caribbean-style recipe. They'll set up a grill on the beach where you'll cook and eat lunch, so it can be quite the romantic adventure.
The one-of-a-kind experience costs $1950 for two people. All participants must be certified scuba divers with significant experience to join, and 72-hours' notice is required if you want to sign up.
Coconut Grove
There's no question that rum is the drink of choice on Nevis Island but those looking for a glass of wine will be drawn to the Coconut Grove. They have the biggest wine cellar on the island. That's not a surprise given that owner Gary Colt is a master sommelier.
Not much needs to be said about the food as they accurately receive high praise on TripAdvisor and pretty much anywhere else they've been reviewed. What you may not know is that the chef, Stephen Smith, is not only a Culinary Institute of America graduate, he's also a registered dietitian. That means he likes to cook gourmet but also has a health-conscious mindset. The Coconut Grove is able to cater to anyone with any type of dietary concerns. And if you're not counting calories for the evening, you'll be treated to a wonderful dining experience.
Funky Monkey ATV Tour
Strap in for the Funky Monkey Tour to get you moving. After all, you can't sit on the beach all day... can you? Don't worry, it's not fast and furious; it's a relaxed ride around Nevis Island. The general perception with ATV tours is that they're a little rough-and-tumble, and you might expect you'll be hanging on for dear life. Think of this more as a leisurely tour around the island as you work your way to the remote parts, stopping at several scenic points. Bring a camera and a GoPro to capture the memories.
Four Seasons Golf
It might be tough to keep your eye on the ball at the Four Seasons golf course. Look one way and you'll be distracted by the magnificent Nevis Peak. Look the other way and you'll have elevated views of the water. But you'd better keep your eye on the ball, as there are monkeys that like to hang out at some of the holes. They're friendly, though, and have more interest in nearby fruits than they do in your golf score. Bring a banana for some extra entertainment.
The Walk (Hunkins Drive)
There's a lovely walk that pairs well with the museum. After you've had a look inside, cross the street to stroll along the little boardwalk with all of the foreign flags. The story goes that if a foreigner visits and brings her or his country's flag (and it's not already up), they'll raise it. To do so you'll have to bring your country's colors to Ken Pemberton, who is the Charlestown Port Manager. His office is located in the Cotton Ginnery Complex, which is right on the waterfront. Aside from the flags, it's a great spot to
watch the sailboats glide by the turquoise waters.
The Nisbet Plantation Beach Club
The Nisbet Plantation has a rich history dating back to 1778. It's a great place to stay, but even if you've opted for other accommodations, make sure you swing through. Go all the way down to the Sea Breeze Beach Bar for some incredibly scenic views or unwind in the Great House with fabulous drinks and dining. There is live music each night except for Thursdays — there's a wonderful seafood buffet dinner on the beach on Thursdays instead — and Fridays.
If you're going for a drink, speak to longstanding bartender Dan, who serves up an authentic Nevis rum punch. And if you're staying for dinner, get a seat on the veranda and make sure to say hello to general manager Tim Thuell, who is a man of many entertaining stories.
Four Seasons Resort Nevis
The Four Seasons Resort Nevis is the perfect harmony of tranquility and luxury. The accommodations are a blend of rooms, suites, and villa rentals. The service is first-rate, with a staff that's so welcoming that it'll make it hard to say goodbye.
The resort is located right on Pinney's Beach, so you'll have unobstructed views, the type that postcards are made of. Make sure to Skype with some friends back home to make them slightly jealous.
Feel free to plant yourself on the beach for hours on end, but those seeking adventure will find plenty of activities on the resort from sailing to cycling to spas and much more.
Rum Tasting at 101 Rums Bar
Rum has a rich history in the Caribbean — the first distillations took place on the sugarcane plantations in the area — so it's something you have to experience while you visit Nevis.
101 Rums Bar at Four Seasons Resort Nevis hosts a weekly rum tasting on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. It's led by Mark Theron, who is a veritable fount of rum knowledge. Don't worry, it's all tame — even if the teaching gets you a little tipsy. You'll soak up how rum is made and learn about tasting notes and the differences between brands. 101 Rums Bar has more than 120 fine, aged rums from the Caribbean, so your lesson will run the gamut and allow you to contrast the styles.
Come for a drink but stay for the food. 101 Rums Bar is housed at Mango, which is the resort's open-air, waterfront restaurant. It's a really fun menu to eat your way through.
Golden Rock Inn
The Golden Rock Inn is an oasis nestled on the slopes of Nevis Peak. There are just 11 rooms on the resort, so there are no crowds. You'll only be surrounded by lush greenery, incredible views and utter peace. The consistent breeze brushing by makes afternoon naps heavenly.
They have an incredible garden — it's worth seeing even if you don't stay there — and as you walk to your room, you'll feel like you're weaving your way through a tropical jungle. If you have the opportunity, stay in the Sugar Mill Cottage, which is one of the most unique accommodations you'll ever visit. The two-story space dates back to the nineteenth century and was formerly — you guessed it — a sugar mill.
Turtle Time
While most people will opt for Sunshine's on Pinney's Beach, my personal recommendation would be to check out Turtle Time. The menu might look a bit eclectic, but what you'll want to focus on are the Asian dishes. The curries are made from scratch in-house and are quite successful. You wouldn't assume that to be the case for a beachside shack in the middle of the Caribbean — but that is the case.
Bananas
Located up in the Hamilton Estate, Bananas is one of the must-eats on the island. There's plenty of comfort food with numerous healthy options like homemade soups, salads, and sandwiches.
The open-air setting heightens the experience as you feel like you're in an expansive treehouse planted in a tropical jungle. It's hard to find unless you know where you're going, so you might want to opt for lunch over dinner.
Alexander Hamilton Museum
Since you're visiting the home of Hamilton, you'll want to check out the museum that collects the memories of one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. The Museum of Nevis History is a cozy little two-story, Georgian style building, which is situated roughly in the spot where Hamilton was born in 1757. It's a short visit — he only lived on Nevis Island until the age of nine — but you'll discover memorabilia, details on his upbringing and schooling, and how his journey to the United States continued after Nevis.
The Gin Trap Bar And Restaurant
Located on Jones Bay, The Gin Trap is worth a stop for the view and the cuisine. It's casual but elegant with a lot of seafood highlights. And everything is made with a lot of love, like the pastas and breads, which are made in-house daily. The sauces are also made from scratch too.
As the name suggests, it's an optimal spot for a gin drink as they have over 101 different types to offer.
Charlestown Walk
Charlestown is the capital of Nevis Island and it's worth a little stroll. It's a small town with just a handful of shops and a small farmers market. Memorial Square is often a gathering point for locals and a good photo op for tourists. It commemorates the Nevisian soldiers who died in World Wars I and II.
