This slice of paradise has lush landscapes and relaxing vibes

St. Kitts, Saint Christopher, paradise — whatever you call this island in the West Indies, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable trip. When Britain colonized the island in the 1600s, sugar became the main export of this two-island nation, consisting of St. Kitts and the neighbouring island of Nevis. Tourism is now the main industry, but it’s a relatively new endeavour — and that’s a good thing.

Compared to its heavy-hitting Caribbean neighbours, St. Kitts offers a more authentic and relaxed vacation; visitors can eschew the resorts and tour buses, instead exploring at their leisure. Take your time traversing historical areas like Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, a UNESCO site built by enslaved Africans.

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Eat with the locals at The Strip on South Frigate Bay, a cluster of open-air bars and eateries on the water, home to live music and entertainers. And be prepared for many impromptu photo shoots at lookout points — the lush landscapes of St. Kitts cannot be beaten.

St. Kitts: Where to stay

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Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour

This secluded property, located on the Christophe Harbour, feels like you’ve been transplanted to a remote island — one with top dining options and award-winning amenities, mind you. Laze on a strip of golden sand, paddleboard in the cerulean waters or enjoy a sundowner at the perfectly positioned Fisherman’s Village (where you can catch a boat to adjacent sister island Nevis).

Twitchy sunbathers can book into the pickleball court or enjoy a treatment at the Sugar Mill Spa & Sanctuary. If your budget won’t stretch to a full stay at the Park Hyatt, a day pass, where staff tend to your every need from the comfort of a cabana, is a great second-best.

St. Kitts: What to do

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Belle Mont Sanctuary Resort

If Belle Mont Sanctuary Resort had a soundtrack, it would be a chorus of sighing guests exhaling their troubles away. Cottages and villas are staggered amongst the trees up on Kittian Hill, giving every guest an outstanding view and total privacy. Most accommodations feature their own infinity pool, plus a wraparound veranda with an outdoor bathroom including a soaker tub and shower.

Staff will shuttle you around, past the sociable monkeys and wildlife lurking in the undergrowth, to the pool bar or the beautiful on-site main restaurant, where herbs and fruit are sourced from the property’s farm. Why would you ever leave?

Scenic Railway

Prying yourself away from the beach lounger is no easy task here. However, this three-hour scenic railway tour is worth skipping the sun-worshipping for a unique way to experience St. Kitts. Originally built to deliver sugarcane, the more than 100-year-old railway now takes you on a circuit of the island.

Head to the canopy-covered top deck of the “Last Railway in the West Indies” for some of Mother Nature’s air conditioning, and enjoy as many rum punches or piña coladas as the friendly staff can pour while you take in the lesser-seen vistas.

Blue Water Safari half-day to Nevis

Boat trips can be a hassle, but Blue Water Safari offers a little something for every type of traveller with this half-day cruise around the island. Board your catamaran at Port Zante Marina in the morning and enjoy a day of sailing, snorkelling and — if it’s your vibe — plenty of drinking and dancing with the lively crew.

Live your best mermaid life swimming alongside snappers, damsels, trumpet fish and angelfish in secluded coves and coral reefs. Then, head across the channel to Nevis and Pinney’s Beach for postcard-worthy white sand beaches, turquoise waters and coconut trees swaying in the breeze.

Liamuiga Natural Farms

Climbing into an ex-military truck doesn’t sound like the best start to an adventure, but trust us. Hold onto your hats as you climb 1,500 feet above sea to Liamuiga Natural Farms, a sustainable paradise recently named one of the best cultural hot spots to visit in 2024 by National Geographic.

Experience farm-to-table fare in the truest sense imaginable with a menu grown steps away on prized farmland surrounded by a protected rainforest. Dishes like johnny cakes, ackee and saltfish, and a mind-altering coffee ice cream will occupy your daydreams long after your visit. There’s even an overnight option for those who want to wake up to morning mountain views with their homegrown cup of joe.

St. Kitts: Where to eat

The Kittitian Rummaster Certification Program

It takes years to become a sommelier, but you can gain rum expert status in just a day on the island of St. Kitts. The Kittitian Rummaster Certification Program gives rum lovers a crash course in the Caribbean dark spirit and how sugarcane is converted into delicious rum.

The excursion begins with a visit to Wingfield Estate, a 17th-century sugar plantation and the one of the first working estates on St. Kitts for tobacco, sugar and rum. In addition to tasting, learning and cocktail sampling, you’ll make a signature rum specific to your personal preferences to take home as a souvenir (or nightcap, for carry-on travellers).

Spice Mill

Spice Mill’s enviable beachside location on Cockleshell Bay would probably be enough to illicit a fan following. However, the menu of fusion Caribbean cuisine, with highlights like lobster linguine and slow-roasted jerk pork, is what keeps the diners of St. Kitts coming back with every visit.

In addition to being the owner of this beloved spot, Roger Brisbane is also the founder of Hibiscus Spirits, maker of coconut rums, spiced rums and gin (available onsite). We can’t decide if a daytime visit to Spice Mill with a quick dip would be better, or a twinkly light, romantic dinner at night. You’ll have to experience both to find out.

Orchid Bay Beach House

Orchid Bay Beach House, an Italian restaurant perched above the St. Kitts southeast peninsula, is pure magic. The restaurant is reservation-only, and there’s a toe-curlingly steep valet ride down to this cliffside spot, but the juice is absolutely worth the squeeze. Guests are handed a mojito upon arrival and whisked on a tour of the stunning property.

The family-style menu of wood-fired pizzas and handmade pasta inspired by owner David Di Rienzo’s Italian heritage will keep bellies as full as camera rolls. Olive oil from his grove in Molise, Italy, is infused into all of the St. Kitts’ flavours on the menu. Book in for an early dinner and one of the best twilights you’ll ever see.

To start planning your next vacation, head to visitstkitts.com