Honeymoon travel guide to Nevis

In this series, Katie Goldstein from Travelingpanties and Smartypanties is breaking down the best honeymoon destinations, one at a time, to help you narrow down the dizzying array of options so you can choose the one that reflects your interests, budget and style. Up today? Nevis.

Destination: Nevis

Nevis is located in the Caribbean, and there are several ways to reach this exclusive island; however, none of them is particularly direct. The saying goes, “Nevis may be hard to get to, but it’s even harder to leave!”

Although there are a few direct flights to Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport on Saint Kitts (SKB), those then require a 40-minute boat ride or puddle jumper over to Nevis. Visitors also have the option of flying to Miami or San Juan and taking a small plane to Nevis’ Vance W. Armory International airport (NEV). If you’re looking to start your honeymoon in style, we recommend the new premium scheduled service through Tradewind Aviation. Luxe-loving jetsetters can hop this quick and convenient flight from San Juan on the most modern fleet available in the Caribbean.

Getting around Nevis is easily done by calling a taxi. Taxi drivers are also renowned for their knowledge of the island. They know not only the island’s hot spots but also much of the island’s history! Many drivers are even available for hire for island tours.

About Nevis

Nevis (pronounced Nee-vis) is one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive islands. This sleepy island strikes the perfect balance, offering every modern convenience that honeymooners may desire while remaining relatively undeveloped. Nevis exudes romance not only from its luxurious resorts and stunning beaches, but also from its romantic history — you see, it is on Nevis that the famous British naval captain Horatio Nelson met and married his bride, Fanny Nisbet — love is in the air!

When to go

The weather is most reliable from November through May. The sun shines and these months are virtually risk-free. If you’re looking for a bargain though, plan your visit for early December or June. Prices are lower, crowds are sparse and the risk of bad weather is relatively low.

Where to stay

If you’re looking for the most luxurious hotel on the island, our top pick goes to the Four Seasons Nevis. This AAA Five-Diamond hotel is nestled amid impeccable landscaping, lush palm trees and is just steps away from one of the best beaches on the island, Pinney’s Beach. Spacious guest rooms offer understated yet elegant decor: touches of marble, rich mahogany furniture and large verandas with views of the beach or Mount Nevis, the island’s solitary volcano. The sprawling grounds feature a plethora of amenities to keep guests busy like an 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Jr. golf course, tennis courts, a state-of-the-art spa and complimentary non-motorized water sports. Sun-loving couples should rent a private cabana on the beach, which includes attentive service, a refrigerator, flatscreen TV, iPod dock and board games. Other romantic adventures to experience together at the Four Seasons Nevis include the resort’s Dive and Dine program where you can catch your own lobster with a local dive master and enjoy a private beach BBQ by a Four Seasons’ executive chef. Nature-loving couples will also enjoy moonlit turtle walks and Garden Tours.

Guests looking for a boutique hotel experience can check out Montpelier Plantation & Beach, a Relais & Chateaux hotel offering honeymoon-worthy views and laid-back luxury. This 300-year-old sugar plantation isn’t on the beach, but its botanical gardens are gorgeous. (Fun fact: It once hosted Princess Diana as well as William and Harry.)

What to do

Nevis offers more than just sun-soaked relaxation, rum punches and island spirit — there are so many wonderful opportunities for exploration that go beyond your typical Caribbean beach vacation.

For romance seekers

A trip to the Nevis Botanical Gardens is not to be missed. The sprawling property features a variety of tropical plants, sculptures and fountains from all over the world.

For aqua-philes

Nevis offers scuba addicts the chance to explore its many diving sites where they can explore breathtaking reefs and a variety of sea creatures.

For history buffs

Nevis is dotted with sugar cane mill ruins that are sure to pique any curious traveler’s interest. Many of them have now been turned into hotels. Montpelier Plantation and Beach is a beautiful site to visit for afternoon tea or happy hour as well as to explore its botanical gardens.

Nevis is home to U.S. founding father Alexander Hamilton who was born on the island. You can visit his childhood home. Any history buff will enjoy a visit here to see the Museum of Nevis History and Museum of Alexander Hamilton’s life.

For day trippers

If you want to further explore your surroundings, pack a bag and take a day trip to St. Kitts to explore Nevis’ more developed sister island. If you’re feeling lucky in love, you can visit the St. Kitts Marriott Resort & Royal Beach Casino.

For outdoorsy adventurers

Nevis offers visitors the chance to hike one of its many trails including a few that will lead you to the summit of Nevis’ dormant volcano, Nevis Peak.

Visitors can also explore the interior of the island and take a hike to visit some of Nevis’ stunning waterfalls on Russell’s Rest Nature Hike.

For R&R

Four Seasons Spa offers a plethora of relaxing and indulgent treatments. We recommend a Rum and Tonic body treatment, which incorporates local Caribbean rum to aid in exfoliation. The spa itself is heavenly and offers some of the most incredible views of Nevis Peak available on the island.

Where to eat

• Mango at the Four Seasons Nevis is situated right on the water. Tropical breezes and moonlight make this an ideal stop for honeymooners. Stop in for a cocktail before your meal; the bar showcases 101 different rums for you to choose from. Be sure to call ahead for reservations in advance.
• For the quintessential beach eat where you may just rub elbows with celebrity clientele like Ellen, Kelly Ripa and Britney Spears, Sunshine’s Beach Bar & Grill is a must. Try his famous Killer Bee cocktail, but don’t have more than two of these or the sting will hit you later! The grilled seafood here is also delish!
• To experience authentic Caribbean cuisine, visit Paradise Drive Thru. The food here is some of the best on the island. From the chicken and mashed green bananas to their homemade juices, everything on the menu is delectable so you really can’t go wrong!
• Dine in style at Coral Restaurant at the Four Seasons Nevis. The restaurant offers outdoor seating with beautiful views of the sea as well as a romantic formal dining room. The restaurant serves excellent cuts of beef and freshly-caught seafood. Remember to order a soufflé ahead of time — they’re worth the wait!
• Bananas is a fun stop for dinner. Surrounded by lush gardens and filled with whimsical art, this unique restaurant serves up great Caribbean comfort food.
• The Oasis Bar and Restaurant offers amazing Thai cuisine with magnificent views of the Nevis Botanical Gardens. Stop in for the weekly karaoke parties (call for details) and be sure to try the Purple Rain cocktail, featuring leaves from the gorgeous Butterfly Pea flower, which is grown right on the property.
• The Rocks at Golden Rock Inn serves Caribbean cuisine and al fresco dining overlooking the sea.
• Enjoy a candlelit dinner at Mill Privée at Montpelier Plantation & Beach, which is located in a 300-year-old sugar mill that has been converted into a spectacular restaurant. This is definitely one of the most romantic spots on the island!

More honeymoon advice

Honeymoon guide to Antigua
Honeymoon guide to Buenos Aires
Honeymoon guide to St. Barth

Photo credits: Katie Goldstein