A little known jewel in the crown of the Caribbean, this stunning island is the perfect place to take a break from the modern world.
Sure it's got that famous Caribbean weather, with hot sun, cooling breezes and a warm sea, but that's not the only reason discerning holidaymakers travel to this destination.
A relatively undeveloped tourist spot, the island of St. Kitts, has an old-world charm that's impossible to resist.
As you drive along coast roads, you'll spot former plantation homes, colonial towns and sugar mills that look as they haven’t changed in hundreds of years.
The islanders have been careful not to destroy the natural and historic wonders of their landscape, as their local industries (think tourism, rather than growing sugar) have modernised. And the result is a time capsule of elegant architecture and contemporary hotels, set against a backdrop of tropical rainforest.
The best way to get a sense of the island, and its residents, is to head out and hail a taxi.
Forget London cabbies, the taxi drivers in St. Kitts are enthusiastic and eager to tell visitors all there is to know about their home. Not only that, but each taxicab is uniquely decorated and themed to express the driver’s personality.
So if you want to find out where to go for great local food, or spot some of St. Kitts’ many playful and amusing Green Vervet monkeys, or even visit the Old Road Town (the site of the first English settlement in the entire Caribbean), then flag one down!
Get excited about visiting St. Kitts at www.BA.com.
Why everyone is talking about... St. Kitts
Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park(01 of13)
Open Image ModalThe only man-made UNESCO World Heritage site in the Eastern Caribbean, this fantastic natural park makes history come alive. You can stand behind the 17th century cannons that once guarded this fortress (and island) against invaders.
St. Kitts Scenic Railway(02 of13)
Open Image ModalSt. Kitts Scenic Railway, better known as the ‘Sugar Train’, which whisks passengers on an unrivalled scenic tour of the island on deluxe double-decker cars. The tour takes approximately 2 ½ hours to circle the island along the coastline and offers a unique perspective on the island’s culture, people, views and history. Among the majestic scenes that unfold along the way are Brimstone Hill, abandoned windmills and chimneys from old sugar estates, bridges and a canopy of rainforest vegetation along the slopes of Mt. Liamuiga, the dormant volcano that is the island’s central peak. A dedicated choir in traditional dress serenades train passengers with folkloric tunes and sugar cakes and beverages are also served on board. (credit:M Timothy O'Keefe via Getty Images)
Fairview Great House & Botanical Gardens(03 of13)
Open Image ModalThe 18th Century Fairview Great House & Botanical Gardens has recently been lovingly restored to its former glory.Visitors to this fascinating house can step back in time as they wander through its various rooms, the stone cellar or in the Historical Room that chronicles the fascinating past of Fairview. Then find time to visit the tropical Botanical Gardens and later indulge in authentic Caribbean cuisine at the adjacent Nirvana restaurant.
Sunset off St. Kitts in the Caribbean(04 of13)
Open Image ModalYou would expect your fair share of sunsets on any sand, sea and sunshine holiday, but the sunsets you are likely to witness on St. Kitts are among the world's most spectacular. (credit:Diane Miller via Getty Images)
Beach at Sandy Bank bay(05 of13)
Open Image ModalSandy Bank bay resort fulfils the essence of a picture-perfect beach view. Impeccable powdery white sands and top-class amenities makes for a flawless Caribbean vibe. Distinctively well-protected and private, the area is home to Christophe Harbour, a luxury real estate development which is developing harbourside villas, residential houses, a championship 18-hole golf course designed by course architect Tom Fazio and fabulous superyacht marina and village which is due to welcome its first vessels in early 2015.
Kayaking off Reggae Beach(06 of13)
Open Image ModalFor the ultimate beach day out, Reggae Beach offers uninterrupted bathing, watersports and beach sport activities on a small stretch of sand.The coral reef and crystal clear waters surrounding the bay presents an incredible display of marine life. Take the opportunity to go on a cruise or snorkel adventure with the chance to spot a dolphin or whale especially during the winter months. Grab a bite to eat in one of the smaller cafés, offering refreshing chilled beers and local food favourites such as mahi mahi and other tasty sea-food delights. By night, make sure to head down to an extraordinarily entertaining full moon beach party, at The Beach House at Turtle Beach once a month with music, dance and party atmosphere fun. Advance booking required.
Scuba diving in the clear waters of St. Kitts(07 of13)
Open Image ModalThe crystal clear waters, pristine coral reefs and healthy marine life of St. Kitts offer exceptional conditions to keen divers.Whether you prefer shipwrecks, canyons and caves, or shoals of fish, there are depths of of 40 to nearly 200 feet to be explored.Recent expeditions have even begun to reveal wrecks of galleons, frigates and freighters dating back to the 17th century!
Hiking through the rainforest(08 of13)
Open Image ModalSt. Kitts is an adventurer's paradise. With nearly one quarter of the island covered by rainforest, there are many fantastic trails. Experts say that St. Kitts is one of the only places in the world where the rainforest is expanding rather than shrinking!One of the most popular hikes will take you to the summit caldera of Mt. Liamuiga, the island's highest peak rising 3,792 feet above sea level, where you can see the stunning Crater Lake.
Traditional batik making at Caribelle Batik, Romney Manor(09 of13)
Open Image ModalAnother must-see on the St. Kitts activity agenda, this local artisan’s factory produces intricate hand-made batik fabrics from fine, locally-grown cotton using traditional methods and techniques. Watch the artisans work and learn how batik is created, then shop for souvenirs in the factory store or stroll the romantic property gardens. Located at Romney Manor, one of the island’s old estate great houses on land originally owned by William Jefferson, great-great-grandfather of U.S. President Thomas Jefferson, the nine-acre property has lush gardens and stately ruins to enjoy.
View from Ottley's Plantation Inn(10 of13)
Open Image ModalFor visitors looking for an exclusive place to chill out, Ottley’s is a sure bet.Situated on 35 unspoiled acres bursting with tropical flora and fauna, this 17th century sugar plantation has been transformed into an intimate family owned and operated inn of colonial grandeur where guests are made to feel at home.And for those who chose to stay somewhere else, you can still experience the old-world of the plantation via the resort's restaurant.Set in the stone walls of the plantation’s old sugar factory, it's an incredibly atmospheric way to experience a slice of the island's history.
Kids playing ball on St. Kitts beach(11 of13)
Open Image ModalWe've mentioned the sunsets but we had to share another picture just to show you the wonderful variety of colour, especially with the contrast of the ocean. And, if you are an early riser, perhaps you could head to the beach to take in a sunrise too!
Basseterre(12 of13)
Open Image ModalBasseterre’s many historic buildings reflect a mixture of French and British architectural influences, a result of the settlement of the island by these two former colonial superpowers. In a nod to the island’s British heritage the centre of the town, called the 'Circus', is modelled after the British Piccadilly Circus in London and its centrepiece is the Berkeley Memorial Clock.Also located close by is Independence Square, a garden type memorial and a historic site of a former colonial slave market.
Carnival time on St Kitts.(13 of13)
Open Image ModalPerhaps the most exciting and captivating display of St. Kitts’ heritage is the unique folklore and pageantry of the annual National Carnival celebration, a time when local residents and visitors alike gather to celebrate the island’s unique sights, sounds and traditions. Carnival spans from Boxing Day to New Year’s and events take place at various sites across the island. This colourful display of island culture includes lively parades, elegant balls, j’ouvert, street parties, music from Calypso to Soul and more. It is a distinctive experience, combining Carnival with the religious observance of Christmas on the streets through song, dance, drama and poetry.
Once you’re orientated, you’ll want to make the most of the island’s stunning sights.
There’s no better place to start than the Circus, the capital city's central taxi stand. Situated at the heart of Basseterre, tourists and locals alike congregate to observe the hustle and bustle of the first French capital in the Western Hemisphere.
In a nod to the island’s British heritage, the Circus is modeled after the British Piccadilly Circus in London and its centrepiece is the Berkeley Memorial Clock.
Another must-see on the St. Kitts activity agenda, is the local artisan factory that produces intricate hand-made batik fabrics from fine, locally-grown cotton using traditional methods and techniques.
The factory is located at Romney Manor, one of the island’s old estate great houses on land originally owned by William Jefferson, great-great-grandfather of U.S. President Thomas Jefferson!
And once you’ve enjoyed the history, it’s time to kick back and let nature do its work.
St. Kitts has many small secluded, white sandy beaches where you can get away from the crowds and relax. Or you can head out into the rainforest to enjoy tropical plants and flowers, sparkling streams and waterfalls all under a seemingly endless canopy of forest.
If you're feeling adventurous, you could even take a tour of Mt. Liamuiga, St. Kitts' dormant volcano standing at 3,792 feet...
For more information about St. Kitts, visit the website at www.stkittstourism.kn or follow St. Kitts on Facebook.
:: St. Kitts is currently served twice-weekly on a Saturday and Tuesday from London Gatwick by British Airways, the first scheduled carrier to provide regular airlift to the island. For winter 2014/2015 effective October 26, the two weekly flights to St. Kitts will be on Wednesday and Saturday.