Just back from Nevis- trip report

My husband and I just returned from a wonderful 5 night stay in Nevis at the Montpelier plantation. (It was our first time in Nevis, but we have been to many other places in the Caribbean). I really must say that it was a wonderfully relaxing vacation and Nevis is a truly special island, the way the Caribbean must have been 30 years ago. We will definitely be going back!

We choose to stay at the Montpelier based on the great reviews on tripadvisor.com and the fact that it was recently featured in Architectural Digest and other magazines. We were not disappointed; the inn itself is beautiful and the décor in most areas is very nice. For us, it was a great choice as we prefer small inns and hotels with historical charm, as opposed to larger, more impersonal resorts with fancier amenities.

Staff/Service
We were greeted by cool towels and room punch, while being given a tour of the inn by the manager Tim. Our bags were taken to our rooms and we did not have to sign any paperwork until several days later. By the time we made our way back up to the pool bar, the staff already knew our names! The staff were very friendly and the service was great in all aspects.

Décor/Rooms
The public rooms that have been re-done recently are very attractive. However, the bedrooms/cottages are not of the same standard. Still very nice, just simpler and not as elegant. The small cottages are surrounded by lush gardens and have a distant view of the water.

Food/Dining
Let’s start with breakfast, which is included in the room rate- just delicious! A huge bowl of exotic fresh fruit, followed by muffins and toast with all sorts of yummy homemade jams and jellies, followed by a hot breakfast dish such as omelets or banana macadamia pancakes.

Dinners at Montpelier are a bit of an event. Cocktails and canapés are served in the great room while you peruse the menu. The outside, covered dining area is gorgeous with a view across to St.Kitts. The food is excellent—not quite 5 star but definitely on par with a a very good special occasion restaurant where I’m from (NYC/CT).

Our most special meal of trip was a private, candlelit dinner served in the old stone sugar mill. It was quite a treat of 5 courses and made for a memorable birthday for moi!

One night we also dined at a recently opened restaurant called Coconut Grove, a few miles north of the Four Seasons, right on the beach. The restaurant is thatched structure with a soaring cathedral ceiling and funky Baliense décor. The food and wine were very pricey, but really top notch.

Activities/Beach/Pool
Admittedly, we were quite lazy on this trip and passed on the opportunities to go snorkeling, hiking or horse back riding. We did rent a jeep one day and drove all the way round the island, which was an easy and fun drive. But mostly we just lounged by the gorgeous pool and went to the private Montpelier beach. (As an FYI this is a small secluded beach, within walking distance of the Four Seasons beach. I actually strongly preferred the Montpelier beach because it was very private and had beautiful views. I felt the views from the beach at the 4S were blocked by several large stone retaining walls. I also preferred the more private atmosphere of the Montpelier beach to the hundreds of lounge chairs at the 4S. Just my personal preference, but I mention it because I know people always ask for a comparison.)

Other Comments
We enjoyed meeting and hanging out with the other guests, mostly honeymooners. One couple had come to Montpelier following a few days at the St.Kitts Marriott, which they said they did not care for. Another couple spent time at the 4S and then a few days at Montpelier. They said they 2 places were so different that they were hard to compare, but that they were really glad to leave the 4S because it was crawling with conventioneers and incentive trip people talking business.

We also stopped into lunch at the Golden Rock one afternoon. The food was yummy, but the place is definitely not on par with the Montpelier and seemed a bit run down.



Anyway, thanks to everyone for the helpful Nevis tips before we left. We had a great time. Please let me know if I can help answer any questions.

Cruisinred

"Mother mother ocean, I have heard you call. Wanted to sail upon your water since I was three feet tall." - JB