Caribbean Queen: Nevis Reigns Supreme

Add to the spotlight the more recent popularity of the Broadway hit ‘Hamilton.’ Though not mentioned by name in Lin Manuel Miranda’s genius script, Nevis is the birthplace and early childhood home of the blockbuster’s protagonist, leading the show’s fans to pilgrimage to what is now called Hamilton House, a two-story building overlooking Nevis’ Charlestown Harbour.

Though no doubt a valid reason to visit, Hamilton’s legacy is but a portion of Nevis’ appeal. Those who know their Caribbean islands define Nevis as authentic and soulful with an “old school” vibe, well represented by world famous Sunshine’s Beach Bar & Grill, a nearly 30-year-old island hangout whose popular proprietor is beloved by all, and whose delicious Killer Bee rum punch is notoriously powerful.

Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Nevis

Also celebrating three decades on the island is Four Seasons Resort Nevis, fronting a three-mile stretch of silver volcanic sand framing the tranquil Caribbean sea. Offering a wealth of programming that allows visitors to experience all that Nevis offers, the resort is an ideal home base for island exploration. If Hamilton is indeed your Nevis lure, the resort indulges with historical tours and a stay within a sumptuous suite inspired by and named after Nevis’ most famous native son.

If it’s the island’s flora and fauna that inspire, a botanical tour, led by the resort’s director of guest experiences Mac Kee France, reveals the medicinal magic of the ‘bush.’ A Nevisian native, France learned the therapeutic powers of the island’s plants and trees at the heels of his 97-year-old grandmother. 

“I don’t think my very healthy grandmother has ever seen a traditional doctor,” said France, who starts each day by picking varied leaves for a bespoke tea. “She has a natural cure for nearly any ailment, utilizing the botanical bounty of the island.” 

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Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Nevis

In his see, touch, smell and taste tour, guests traverse the resort property’s hilly terrain via golf cart, stopping amongst and within the abundance of plants, fruit trees and herbs that yield so much more than mere beauty. (The tour is also a great way to catch glimpses of the playful green vervet monkeys that freely roam the island.)

Nevis is sea turtle territory—three species nest here: the hawksbill, the leatherback and the green turtle. From June to October, the beaches come alive as the charmers come ashore to nest. For more than a decade, Four Seasons Resort Nevis has partnered with the Sea Turtle Conservancy  to support cutting edge research and education that contributes to the long-term protection and recovery of this endangered species. Each summer, families and nature lovers are invited to the resort’s Sea Turtle Summer Camp where guests can embrace and learn about the natural world via turtle themed exploration and activities.  

Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Nevis

If you are a fan of rum, the Caribbean is the place to indulge. Learn about this traditional island spirit via a rum tasting class, at which Four Seasons Resort Nevis master mixologist Kendie Williams serves as instructor. Williams, for whom the resort’s popular “Kendie’s Kick” rum punch cocktail is named, leads her students through a tasting and history of six different rums, one of which is the resort’s bespoke Crowned Monkey Rum created two years ago in honor of the Resort’s 29th Anniversary. 

“This rum is a true taste of the Caribbean and the perfect representation of the legacy that is Four Seasons Resort Nevis,” said Williams, once named one of the “Most Interesting People in Rum,” by the Caribbean Journal. “You don’t need to do much to it; it’s a smooth sipping rum.”

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Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Nevis

Williams isn’t the only island luminary at Four Seasons Resort Nevis. Resort Chef Llewellyn Clarke’s name graces bottles of Nevis’ (and the Caribbean’s) most popular hot sauce, Llewellyn’s Hot Pepper Sauce. He offers classes on how to make the sweet/spicy potion that is essential to island dishes. Guest’s will learn his secrets, as well as take home a bottle of their own potion of yellow Scotch Bonnet peppers, garlic, ginger and sweet Nevisian mangoes.

Nevis nomads seeking additional activity will find at Four Seasons Resort Nevis various water sports, golf, tennis and sumptuous spa treatments. The resort’s restaurants, EsQuilina, Mango Kastawey, Crowned Monkey Rum Bar and On The Dune serve delicious options from land and sea, often accompanied by live music supplied by the island’s talented artists, such as Greenhouse Band, whose mix of Caribbean flavors with favorite Top 40 hits defy guests to sit still. 

Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Nevis

While each component of Four Seasons Resort Nevis is alone swoon-worthy, it’s the personable service, fuelled by a warm and gracious staff standing ready to fulfill every vacation wish, that makes this ICONIC Caribbean retreat greater than the sum of its parts. 

Many employees have been with the resort since its 1991 opening; several are sons and daughters, and even grandchildren of opening day staff, creating a family-like atmosphere in which guests are welcomed with open arms.