Nevis is a tranquil island in the eastern Caribbean where wild donkeys roam and monkeys hop from palm tree to palm tree. The sister island of the larger St. Kitts, no cruise ships stop at Nevis, keeping its old-world Caribbean vibe very much in tact. Rich with history and fantastic cuisine, Nevis is a safe and beautiful vacation destination. Here’s my Nevis travel guide.
- Nevis is a playground for history lovers. Full of ruins and true Caribbean history, it’s home to the oldest wood house in the Caribbean, the oldest rum punch recipe in the Caribbean, the first non-segregated church in the Caribbean, and more.
- Nevis is quite safe and has a low crime rate.
- The locals speak English.
- The currency is eastern Caribbean and the exchange rate is in your favor, but most places also accept US dollars.
- You can see both the Caribbean and the Atlantic Sea from Nevis.
- Mount Nevis, if you’re up for hiking it, is said to have jaw-dropping views.
- The food scene is amazing.
- Nevis is not commercial at all and is a real Caribbean experience.
I stayed at Montpelier Plantation and Beach, a Relais and Chateaux resort located at the base of Mount Nevis. While not on the beach, Montpelier offers complimentary shuttle transfers to their private beach, which has kayaks, snorkel gear, and shady cabanas for you to relax in. They’ll even pack you a picnic lunch! Montpelier’s garden spa and Mill Privée experience are not to be missed.
Tour Montpelier Plantation and Beach:
Read my review of Montpelier Plantation and Beach here.
The food scene on Nevis is unexpected and top-notch. I admittedly ate mostly at Montpelier, which boasts an AAA Four Diamond award. The poached lobster cappuccino with parmesan foam at Restaurant 750 is one of the most unique, delicious dishes I’ve ever seen. The Mill Privee is an experience not to be missed. It’s a fixed menu but everything that hits your fork will wow you. Happy hour at The Gin Trap is a must to watch the sunset over St. Kitts – we even saw the famous Caribbean green flash! Be sure and visit the nearby Hermitage Nevis to try the oldest rum punch in the Caribbean.
Transportation
Driving on Nevis looks beyond intimidating. The roads are not well marked, they’re very narrow, and often filled with wild donkeys. I highly recommend getting a driver or a taxi rather than renting a car. I asked our Funky Monkey Tours guide, Waz, how tourists drive on the island and he said, “They really don’t.” While we’re at it, Funky Monkey Tours is a fantastic, stress-free way to see a ton of historical sites in one afternoon.
History
If you need one reason to visit Nevis, go for the history. It’s rich with ruins and antiques.
Resorts on Nevis offer many water sports available to guests at no additional charge, such as kayaking and snorkeling. Your hotel can also arrange guided hikes and tours around the island. Whether you want to hang out on a beach all day or explore more of the jungle-y island, Nevis is a great destination for those wanting to relax or go on an adventure. I highly suggest a massage at Montpelier’s garden spa, exploring the island with Funky Monkey tours, and a visit to the Botanical Gardens of Nevis.
You can actually walk to the Botanical Gardens of Nevis from Montpelier! Allow an hour to explore the gardens. Be sure and pop into the shop when you’re done. They have a great selection of souvenirs, particularly jewelry.
What is Nevis like? It’s quiet, luxurious, remote, and jungle-y. If you like monkeys with your morning coffee, you’ll love this island.
- Book a room at Montpelier Plantation & Beach
- Dine at Restaurant 750, Indigo, The Gin Trap, and The Hermitage
- Spend all day lounging at Montpelier’s beach club on the south side of the island
- See Hamilton Estate, Cottle Church, St. Thomas Anglican Church, Lover’s Beach, New River Plantation, Nisbet Plantation, and more with Funky Monkey Tours
- Get a massage in Montpelier’s garden
- Visit the Botanical Gardens of Nevis
- Eat inside Montpelier’s sugar mill
- Enjoy a rum tasting!
Watch a video about Nevis:
Happy traveling,
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Disclaimer: This article is intended to be a general resource. Any recommendations are based on personal opinion. A portion of this trip may have been compensated but opinions are my own, always. I’m not a fan of negativity so if I don’t like something, I don’t write about it.
Poached Lobster sounds delicious!