A small island in the Western Caribbean, Saint Kitts is part of the island nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. It is made up of mountains and beaches, which create a stunning site when visiting. Three mountain ranges create the nation are Mount Misery Range, the Verchilds Range, and the Olivees Range. These are still active volcanoes, continuing to grow and change. The last time there was an eruption was over 1600 years ago. It was first colonized in 1620 and was part of the British West Indies until 1983. This influence has impacted modern-day living, as the primary language spoken is English, and cricket is one of the leading sports played here. There are many things to do on the island to keep you busy, but these are my favorite spots.
Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park
This national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the largest fortress ever built in the Western Caribbean, it holds historical, cultural, and architectural significance. The fort was constructed intermittently between the 1690s and 1790s to become a strong military base for the British and French. The hill rises to 800 ft which is lined all the way to the top with stairs. The fortress walls were built from hard volcanic rock to ensure the safety of those within the walls. The walls were so strong that the fortress was considered The Gibraltar of the Caribbean. The fort was abandoned after the Napoleonic Wars in 1853. Today the fort can be toured and even host an event or wedding. The views of the bay are not to be missed when visiting the fortress.
Fairview Great House & Botanical Gardens
Nestled at the bottom of the Olivees, surrounded by natural trails and flora, this beautiful home and garden dates all the way back to the French Occupation in 1701. It has changed owners several times over the years, but each one has added to the unique flavor and style of the gardens. Today you can hike the mountains, exchange vows, and learn more about the bee-keeping process used on the island to pollinate the gardens and share their delicious honey.
Beaches
The Southeast area of the island is an excellent destination for those beach-goers to explore, relax, and enjoy their day. My favorite place to sit and enjoy is Cockleshell Bay. It is a beautiful white sand beach that has fantastic views of Nevis. There is plenty of dining options for the end of a long day on the beach. One of the world-famous beach bars is the Reggae Beach Bar, located on the west side of the beach to cap off dinner. If you are more into the snorkeling experience, I recommend heading to White House Bay. There is a sunken tugboat that offers refuge and a home to a beautiful variety of colored fish, and it makes for an incredible experience. On top of the great snorkeling experience, the sunsets here are unlike any other on the island. This beach allows you to reconnect with nature and yourself.
As we wrap up the blog on St. Kitts, I hope this leaves you ready to head out on your Caribbean adventure. If you are into history, nature, or beaches, plan your perfect trip to St. Kitts. Schedule a consultation to ensure you aren't missing out on any great opportunities.
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