| Size: |
36 square miles |
| Population: |
9,000 (44,000 in the entire nation) |
| Main City: |
Charlestown (Basseterre on St. Kitts is the national capital) |
| Political Status: |
Independent Nation/Member of British Commonwealth |
| Language: |
English |
| Currency: |
EC dollar is pegged to the US dollar/US$ can be used on the island |
| Climate: |
75-80 degrees winter/80-88 degrees summer, cooling tradewinds |
| Electricity: |
230 volts with most hotels having 110 volts(adaptors a good idea) |
| Time: |
Atlantic Standard Time |
| Telephone: |
Area code is 869 with direct dial capabilities |
Nevis is a magical place. An island world unto itself. This small circular shaped island is packed with the "usual" items found on tropical islands- golden sand beaches, palm trees, pristine reefs, tradewinds, fiery sunsets, forests, hills and a green clad towering volcanic mountain known as Mt. Nevis. The magic of Nevis begins with- "Island Time", that unfamiliar slower pace that says "what's your hurry, your here now" kind of laid back attitude that allows the body to relax, the mind to expand and the soul to re-vitalize.
Nevis is an island who revels in the opportunity to reveal the quieter, romantic, relaxing side of the Caribbean. Delightfully there are no casinos, mass shopping zones or sizzling entertainment districts to distract the "Sol" seeker.
The magic of Nevis is also reflected in her astoundingly diverse and unique hotel accommodations. That range from charming and luxurious cottages, small inns, and restored 18th century plantation estates filled with antiques, four poster beds and incredible gardens such as The Hermitage, Montpelier Plantation Inn, Golden Rock or the Nisbet Plantation. First class accommodations can be found at the Oualie Beach Resort and one of the finest luxury resorts in the entire Caribbean- the Four Seasons Nevis.
But don't let the slowing pace of time lull you. There are plenty of things on this island to keep you active. Mt. Nevis calls out to those who want the adventure of hiking the steep flanks, exploring her natural treasures or challenging the mountain bike trails. Diving opens a world of shallow and clear waters filled with teeming sea life and dotted by wreck sites that number into the hundreds. Windsurfing, fishing and sailing
Yes the Magic of Nevis will charm you. It is an island that has something for everyone! From the Caribbean luxury traveler to the those seeking charming old inns but all will enjoy the magnificent views of offshore islands, sparkling seas or fantastic sunsets!
Beaches-Nevis
Nevis is a round, circular shaped island dominated by the conical shaped Mt. Nevis rising 3,232 feet into the sky. Though not noted as a popular "Beach Destination" the island in fact holds a beautiful variety of beaches. They range from long golden sand beaches, to small cove like beaches, with the best beaches facing toward the hills of St. Kitts and offering splendid views of sunsets.
Pinney's Beach- Is probably the most famous beach on the island. This long but narrow stretch of Golden Sand runs for nearly 4 miles. Most of it sits in a splendid un-developed manner with just one part of it serving as the beachfront for the 5 star Four Seasons Resort. This is a great place for running on the beach, picnicking among the coconut groves, riding horseback or just finding a quiet place all to yourself to relax and meditate.
Oualie Beach- This beautiful beach is tucked into a hilly cove and offers spectacular views of near-by St. Kitts. The advantage of a beach visit here is that all your watersports can be enjoyed here (dive shop, windsurfing, kayaking, snorkeling) along with restaurant facilities and a beach-side bar.
Paradise Beach- This is a "Romantic Beach"- pristine, unspoiled and gorgeous. A natural paradise as the name implies.
Cades Bay- This long stretch of beach is home to Cades Bay Inn and you can enjoy a great lunch at the beach-side restaurant.
Nesbit Plantation- This is a marvelous white sand beach- some say the finest on the island. Tradewinds blow refreshingly and small waves break on the near by reefs. This is a great beach for snorkeling and shelling. Restaurant and bar facilities are located at the resort.
Newcastle area- Near the airport and not far from Nesbit you can find the location of several small beaches with offshore reefs that are nice for snorkeling. Check out the Newscastle Marina to rent watersports equipment and to enjoy snack facilities. Also look for Lover's Beach. This is a quiet, sandy beach that is perfect for getting away from it all.
During the Day-Nevis
Nevis is a fascinating and beautiful island to get around on. It begs to be explored. It doesn't seem to matter if you are driving, biking or hiking- the beauty of Mt. Nevis is constantly in sight, and reminders of past history are found around every corner or just off the pathways of every trail. Ruins of sugar plantations, forts and old villages can be found everywhere. But land based adventures are just part of your trip to Nevis. Take a diving plunge in the clear waters and reefs, windsurf, fish, sail or take to the sky and enjoy a birds eye view of Nevis, St. Kitts are several other nearby islands. Here is a guide to some of the activities you can enjoy on the island.
Hiking
Scaling Nevis Peak is an all-day undertaking (and often visually disappointing because clouds near the summit usually obscure the view). For an easier outing - and a chance to spot one of the island's many (but skittish) African green monkeys - take a walk along the Upper Round Road. Built in the sugar cane heydays of the 1600s, this 9-mile trail now circumnavigates about two-thirds of the island, passing through rain forest and open fields with spectacular coastal views of the west coast.
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