Let’s face it, if you’re looking for a lot of action, St. Kitts might be the place for late night partying and packed beaches. But, if you’re looking for a quiet option with just as much cultural offerings, consider staying in Nevis like I did. From relaxing massages and poolside cocktails to nature hikes and flavorful fare, here’s your ultimate girls getaway guide to Nevis.
Photo credit: Mount Nevis Hotel
Choose your hotel wisely
Nevis isn’t a big island so don’t worry too much about choosing your spot based on location, as it’s fairly easy to get around via car and/or hotel shuttles. Of course, if you really want to be on a beach, then by all means filter your selections based on location. Once you narrow down your options, it will likely come down to budget and space.
During my trip to Nevis, I stayed at the Mount Nevis Hotel and absolutely loved it. While it’s not overlooking a beach, there are free shuttles to two nearby beaches: Nisbet and Oualie. That said, I actually found that I preferred the view of the gardens and St. Kitts in the background. The property is also boutique so it won’t feel as crowded as other high-end hotels.
For me, Mount Nevis Hotel was kind of the best of both worlds because it offered stunning scenery but also individualized attention. By the end of my trip, I knew the staff by name and I had even made a little birdie friend at breakfast. Best of all, no crowds meant that I could sit by the pool, take in the view and catch up on emails in peace.
Get pampered
Another reason to choose your hotel wisely is because you’ll likely want to schedule in some down-time. At least, I did and it really enhanced my trip because I was able to regroup before another outing. Several hotels also offer in-room massages if you request at the front desk and while I rarely splurge on treats like these, I decided to book an appointment at Mount Nevis Hotel. The hour-long treatment completely relaxed and rejuvenated me for the rest of the day.
Of course, there are other ways to pamper yourself on Nevis and sometimes a change of scenery is exactly what the doctor ordered. Several properties—the Four Seasons and Montpelier Plantation & Beach—have on-site spas. If you’re not ready to splurge on a treatment, sometimes a dip in your hotel pool is all you need.
Learn something new
Whether you’re traveling with your bestie or a group of your best girlfriends, interactive activities are a great way to bond over shared interests. For me, I attended the Barnes Ghaut Breadfruit Festival to learn the many recipes that one can make out of this local fruit…it’s lots!
Feeling adventurous? Get your heart pumping with a nature hike. I opted for the short walk to Saddle Hill lookout point so that I could get a better grasp on the island’ geography. For something more challenging, try the Nevis Peak Hike, a trek that takes you up to 3232 feet. Alternatively, chase waterfalls along the Russell’s Rest Nature Hike.
If you’re eager to up your watersport game, there’s lots of activities to choose from. For something low-key, sign up for a kayak and snorkel tour that will get you up close and personal with some very colorful fish friends. There are also various sail boat excursions that stop at several snorkel sites.
Schedule in some beach time
Since there’s a lot to do on Nevis, it’s a good idea to schedule in some beach time so that you can just lounge about and relax. I went to a few different beaches during my trip and each one had its own distinct vibe, so choose the spot that suits your group’s travel style best.
- If you’re looking for a laid-back, hippy vibe, you’ll want to hang out at Pinney’s Beach. It’s one of the more popular beaches and for good reason. There are a couple beach bars, restaurants and even a trampoline for kids (and in my case, kids at heart)! If you’re planning to spend a few hours at the beach, Pinney’s is a good options because there’s plenty to see and do and it’s easy to go from swimming to sipping cocktails.
- For something more upscale, head to Chrishi Beach Club, where there’s a trendy restaurant, a three-person sand bar and plenty of over-sized floats (including a unicorn!) to take with you into the ocean. Expect to pay a slightly more at Chrishi Beach Club, since it caters to a more sophisticated crowd.
- Another beach I’d recommend for convenience is Oualie, as it’s right by the water taxi spot, should you want to spend the day in St. Kitts. This no-frills beach has a restaurant on-site but is mostly a place to catch up on your reading under the shade of a tree.
Indulge in local fare
Last but not least, eat to your heart’s content! Dining with your girlfriends is the perfect way to catch up after a long day of adventures, especially if your group split up to pursue different interests. If you stay at Mount Nevis like I did, I’d suggest sticking around for breakfast and then stopping for lunch mid-day at a beach or at a historical property like Nisbet Plantation.
One of my favorite restaurant experiences was The Gin Trap, which serves specialty cocktails, a very delicious creamy conch chowder, and much more. It’s a popular spot, so get there on the early side of you want to enjoy pre-dinner cocktails on their outdoor terrace. Then, you can either eat your meal in the bar area or move downstairs for a more intimate setting.
What’s your favorite girls getaway destination? Tell me in the comments below!
This post is in collaboration with The PM Group and the Nevis Naturally. All opinions are my own.
Megan Eileen McDonough is writer, blogger and social media specialist based in New York City. She also runs Bohemian Trails, a lifestyle blog designed for the savvy and stylish traveler. Bohemian Trails aims to feature must-see places around the world, covering everything from revamped neighborhoods and vibrant street art to innovative tech hubs and everything in between. Her cultural escapades have taken her to Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Megan is also a freelance writer and social media specialist based in New York City. She contributes to various online and print publications in the travel and fashion industries and is an international correspondent for both Jetsetter and Northstar Travel Media.
