Experience a sense of wonder and discovery in St. Kitts, a small Caribbean jewel with a big heart. Join Emily Williams as she ventures deeper to explore its romantic hotels, historical landmarks and thrilling treetop adventures.
Even in the tiniest corners of the globe, love can flourish and bloom. One such destination is the dual island paradise of St. Kitts and Nevis, comprising the smallest nation in the Western Hemisphere. Despite their miniature size, these twin gems sparkle with a radiant allure, beckoning lovers and adventurers to lose themselves in a symphony of romance and exploration. Divided by a slim body of water called ‘The Narrows’, the islands are treasured for their tapestry of white sand beaches, tropical rainforests, volcanic peaks and historical monuments. As I come to land in St. Kitts, I gasp at the sheer beauty of their bird’s eye perspective. Viewed from above, the islands’ captivating natural formation resembles an exclamation mark suspended over the Caribbean Sea; a breathtaking sight that still remains vivid in my memory to this day.
Arrive In Style
The serene ambience of St. Kitts provides an idyllic setting for a memorable destination wedding or honeymoon, characterized by seamless hospitality that begins long before you set foot in the Caribbean. British Airways provides a smooth and pleasant flight from London Gatwick to Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport, lasting approximately 10 hours with a brief interlude in Antigua, all without needing to leave the plane.
The KayanJet Lounge VIP experience is the epitome of luxury as you begin your Kittitian adventure. As the warm caress of Caribbean sunshine illuminates your face upon disembarking the plane, you’ll spy a Porsche Cayenne on the tarmac waiting to whisk you away to a private terminal. Here at the KayanJet boutique lounge, guests are refreshed after the flight with a cooling glass of bubbles and a delicious platter of gourmet snacks, while the concierge sails you through fast-track immigration and takes care of your luggage for your onward journey.
KayanJet’s exclusive lounge experience for visitors arriving into and departing St. Kitts starts from US$180 per person, each way. www.kayanjet.com
To experience the full breadth of what St. Kitts has to offer, from its cloud-brushing peaks to its crystalline shores, I recommended staying at a combination of resorts on both sides of the island…
Beachside Bliss
Nestled at the far end of the island’s scenic southeastern peninsula, past Timothy Hill’s viewpoint of verdant mounds that gracefully cascade toward the ocean, the 5-star Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour reigns as the crown jewel on Banana Bay. With its immaculate lawns and refined beachfront event spaces, couples are spoilt for choice when it comes to crafting their dream wedding celebration or cherishing alone time during their honeymoon.
This luxury property promises an enriching stay, with superb amenities such as its tranquil Sugar Mill Spa & Sanctuary, two inviting outdoor pools with majestic views of Nevis Peak, 77 sophisticated rooms and 47 suites with sleek ocean-facing balconies. At the three diverse signature restaurants, you can also relish a true taste of St. Kitts through their mix of island-inspired menus and international fare. Or for something more intimate, you can opt for a destination dining experience, either in a private cabana by the Rampart Waterfall, in the comfort of your suite, or on the beach under a blanket of stars. The freedom to roam and feel at home comes naturally here at Park Hyatt St. Kitts.
Rooms at Park Hyatt St. Kitts start from $375 (plus taxes) per room per night, on a room-only basis. To book, call 001 869 468 1234 or visit www.hyatt.com
Rainforest Retreat
The beauty of St. Kitts lies in its unspoilt landscapes, largely preserved due to the fact that tourism only emerged as its primary industry after the production of sugar ended here in 2005. Today, a quarter of the island is cloaked in an abundance of flora and fauna that continue to thrive in their natural habitat. The rainforest is the beating heart of St. Kitts, and spending time under the lush canopy will replenish your connection to one another and the world around you.
Nestled on the slopes of Mount Liamuiga, Belle Mont Sanctuary Resort at Kittitian Hill features breathtaking villas designed by world-renowned architect, Bill Bensley. Each quaint West Indies-style cottage has a nostalgic twist, featuring wraparound verandahs, open-air bathrooms with rolltop tubs, blinds that double up as screens fo romantic movie nights and private infinity pools with jaw-dropping views of St. Eustatius in the distance. The elevated culinary experiences at The Kitchen and family-style dining at The Farmhouse are other unmissable highlights during your stay…Belle Mont Sanctuary Resort is honeymoon heaven on earth.
Rooms at Belle Mont Sanctuary Resort start from $879 per room, per night, including breakfast. To book call 001 869 465 7388 or go to www.bellemontsanctuaryresort.com
Peak Moments
For couples who share a sense of adventure, the Sky Safari Zipline at Wingfield Estate is a must-do! Rumble along the rainforest tracks in a jeep with your fellow flyers and set off on a series of ziplines. The fun, upbeat instructors will show you how to soar over the treetops and feel the adrenaline rush of zooming 250ft above the valley floor. With your feet firmly back on the ground, you can drop into the Old Road Rum company, where you can try and buy these proudly local spirits.
A 2-hour Sky Safari Zipline Experience with Sky Safaris starts from $99 per person (adult price) skysafaristkitts.com
Historical Havens
There’s a lot more history to St. Kitts than you might realise, as those who look beyond the surface will uncover the remarkable story of the land. Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is a monument has UNESCO World Heritage status, reflecting the cultural and architectural legacy of the British military. As you scale along the impressive battlements, pass the colossal canons and explore the empty barracks, it’s extraordinary to imagine the strength and endurance that it took to build this hilltop civilisation at the end of the 17th century. The monument also provides a stunning setting for weddings, allowing you to exchange vows amid timeless fortifications where the mountain meets the sea. Entry to Brimstone Hill costs $15, visit brimstonehillfortress.org
The Fairview Great House and Botanical Gardens provide another picturesque landmark venue for destination weddings, while drawing you back to a bygone era. The 300-year-old manor house has been restored to its former glory with beautifully manicured gardens destined for outdoor ceremonies, and event spaces immersed in old-world charm. If you’re visiting for the day, embark on a history and rum tour of the property to discover more about the former Estate Owners and master the art of limin’ while sipping on several flavours spanning sweet to spicy.
Bookings for the “Fairview Rum Shots” tour at Fairview Great House & Botanical Garden cost $51.50 per person. www.kantours.com
Find Your Forever
St. Kitts is tailor-made for celebrations of love, offering a year-round warm climate for sunlit ceremonies and an array of spellbinding reception venues with countless photo-worthy backdrops. Whether you imagine an intimate religious service in one of the beautiful colonial churches, or a grand wedding banquet in a resort garden, the dedicated local wedding planners can help you orchestrate the day you’ve been dreaming of. What’s more, there is no residency requirement to get married, making the process totally seamless and stress-free. Romance is a subtle force in St. Kitts, and this innate feeling of connection stretches into the island’s farthest corners. In the same way that St. Kitts and Nevis are forever linked, nothing beats adventuring to this precious part of the world than side by side, with the one you love.
St. Kitts can be easily reached from the UK via twice-weekly flights from London Gatwick with British Airways (www.ba.com). Return flights in World Traveller (economy) start from £504 per person. For more information on St. Kitts, go to www.visitstkitts.com.
Photo Credits: Courtesy of St. Kitts Tourism Authority
