St Kitts and Nevis

St Kitts and Nevis is located out in the Caribbean, some way between Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobogo. The two volcanic islands that form part of the whole are separated by The Narrows, which is nothing more than a 3 kilometer wide channel. Quite fittingly to its pair bonding, the two individual coastlines are respectively shaped like a baseball bat and ball.

The temperature is typically  what one would expect from a tropical island. It is slightly humid and balmy,   with little variation between seasonal changes. The rainy season runs from   May to November, with plenty days of sunlight to spare.

The rainy season also coincides with the hurricane season that starts in June, so be sure to keep   your eye on the National Hurricane Center website   for updated information prior to your trip.

Even if hurricanes hardly pose a   serious threat here, it helps to be prepared.Carib Indians from days long   gone inhabited the island hundreds of years before the first British   settlement arrived here in the 1600’s. This was the beginning of a long and turbulent history   that was not to end till recent years.

The island played a crucial strategic role in events unfolding in the new world, and everyone wanted in on the action. Nevis was thought of as the richest jewel in the Caribbean, while St Kitts was known as the Mother Colony. The islands, along with Anguilla became  associated states of the UK, but it was not until 1983 when Saint Kitts and   Nevis gained full independence as an entity on its own. There are talks that   Nevis wants to separate from Saint Kitts, but whether this will materialize remains to be seen. The two twin islands endured much, and survived to   rebuild themselves afresh.

When the conflict dispersed, it revealed perfect sandy beaches and warm translucent waters. And when taking about its marvels, you cannot exclude the glorious food. Meaty and fish dishes are served with an unusual combination of spiced banana, mango or passion fruit sauces. Goatwater, as dubious as it might sound, is a delicious mutton stew. If you are squeamish, however, best avoid the souse; it is made of assorted pork bits, so if you like to identify your meat, best steer clear of this one.

Considering its modest size, the two islands offer a surprising selection of recreational activities to fill the gaps between diving, swimming and relaxing. Most of it involves festivals, merry-making, music and food, but adventurers can explore the lush forest and climb the volcanic peaks.

If history is more your thing, there is always Brimstone Hill, aka the Gibraltar of the West Indies. This is one massive fortress, rising 800 foot above the sea, and is still in an immaculately preserved state. From the fortifications, you can even catch a glimpse of St. Barts in the distance.

To keep in pace with the changing face of St Kitts and Nevis, all types of accommodation are available on the islands, ranging from modest to luxurious. B&B’s and private rentals always offer a decent midway option, but for the luxury travellers, St Kitts Marriott Royal Beach Resort is the latest addition to the island. This 648 room hotel also boasts a casino and its very own club. If a big resort is not your idea of a getaway, there is also the Rawlins and Ottley’s Plantation Inns. It is a little bit more intimate with less rooms and wonderful views over the 35 acre rain forests.

Like most Caribbean islands, the island uses Eastern Caribbean Dollars as currency, but US Dollars are generally accepted. Crime is not a great issue here, if you have your wits about you. Consider this; if you see an area that looks dangerous, it probably is.

Instead, you should be more concerned about driving at night, not because ghosts and ghouls might get you, but because man-size potholes and goats can appear literally out of nowhere. This is one of the few countries where authorities are lenient about their drinking and driving policy, and this is exactly why you should exercise extra caution and think on behalf of other drivers on the road as well.