Nevis At A Glance

A sleepy little Caribbean hideaway…dramatic Nevis Peak wrapped idyllically in

cotton white clouds…lush greenery and tropical forests…mineral spa baths…a

delightful combination of charm and antiquity…restored sugar

plantations…unspoiled…the way the Caribbean “used” to be…the pearl of the

Caribbean…friendly people.

Visitors to Nevis will be enchanted by its quiet pace and relaxed Caribbean

lifestyle.  Nevis is uncrowded, beautiful and still a fairly well kept secret. 

The island seems to embody a kind of lush tropical paradise usually associated

with the South Pacific.

Nevis is a small 36 mile island that lies near the top of the Lesser Antilles

archipelago, about 200 miles south of Puerto Rico and just west of Antigua.  It

is approximately seven miles long and five miles wide.  A volcanic island it

offers lush and mountainous interiors with natural vegetation that is

unparalleled.

Nevis is captivating and its charm and tranquility transports visitors back to a

time when things were simpler, when life was more peaceful and when stress was

just a word and not a way of life”.

The atmosphere offers an intoxicating blend of sunlight, sea air and

fantastically abundant vegetation.   The ground rises upwards on Nevis into a

cloud forest filled with elusive green velvet monkeys and brilliant tropical

flowers.  Eco-tourists as well as all who enjoy stunning and natural scenery

will find that Nevis exceeds their expectations.

Nevis is one of the remaining unspoiled islands and proudly carries the name of

“Queen of the Caribees”.  From the top of Nevis Peak (3,232 ft.) to the depths

of its clear waters, Nevis offers a world of flora and fauna to be explored.  Up

in the hills, the comical green velvet monkeys, which outnumber humans by more

than two to one, chatter and in the distance the whales cruise by in the clear

blue seas. 

Ranking as one of the most naturally beautiful of the Caribbean islands, Nevis

offers a wide range of outdoor activities and is one of the Caribbean’s finest

destinations for eco-tourism.  Nevis posses a remarkable range of unspoiled

ecosystems that range from its coral reefs to the dense rainforest among the

clouds.  The island’s tall, volcanic mountains are covered with blankets of

lush, green vegetation and are perfect for hiking and exploring.  The inviting

blue waters of the Caribbean are ideal for swimming, sailing, fishing and

diving.

Hiking in the rain forest is certainly a must for all visitors, whether it is a

short hike through a nature trail or a daylong hike to the top of Nevis Peak

(3,232 ft.).  Visitors to Nevis can walk the beach and learn about the nesting

of sea turtles or go snorkeling and learn about the wonders of life under the

sea.

The island offers quaint charm with its antiquity and the many visible relics of

yesteryear that are dotted all over the island.  Long ago, Nevis was considered

the "Queen of the Caribbees" due to its unimaginable wealth from its very

productive sugar industry.  Historic ruins of old churches; plantation houses

and stone buildings are all evident.

Visitors will enjoy walking the streets of the delightful capital and port of

Charlestown-one of the most captivating and picturesque of the Caribbean’s

colonial harbor towns.  A lack of modernization has kept much of Charlestown in

its original state and many local efforts are underway to preserve its original

buildings. 

 

Nevis Activities:

Golf, swimming, sailing, tennis, horseback riding.

 

Nevis Airlines:

American Eagle

LIAT

Winair

The Newcastle Airport on Nevis is approximately 1/2 mile from Charlestown and

can handle only smaller, twin-engine propeller aircraft. 

 

Nevis Airport Transfers:

The Newcastle Airport is located on the northeast shore of Nevis.  A Villas

Caribe representative meets guests upon arrival at the airport, assists them

with securing their rental vehicle and then escorts them to the villa.

 

Nevis ATMS: 

Most of the banks have ATMS that accept Cirrus and Plus Systems.

 

Nevis Area Code: 869

 

Nevis Baby Equipment Rentals:

Cribs are all available for rental for additional fees.

 

Nevis Beaches:

Nevis offers beaches that vary in color from white to a rich, volcanic black.

Newcastle Beach:

A favorite of snorkelers, it offers a broad white sand beach at the northernmost

tip of the island.

Oualie Beach:

A sheltered cove that is perfect for swimming, sailing and kayaking. 

Watersports rentals available

 

Pinney’s Beach:

A gorgeous six-mile ribbon of white sand fringed with lush palm trees.  Picture

perfect, Pinney’s Beach offers soft, sugar fine white sands that are punctuated

by tall coconut palms.  The waters are reef protected and calm and shallow. 

Nearby is the palm-fringed lagoon of Nelson’s Spring.

 

Nevis Boating:

Nevis offers crystal clear blue waters that offer exceptional day sailing trips.

 A variety of companies offer snorkeling and sailing trips that include lunch

and drinks with stops at the best snorkeling spots.  Cruising vessels that can

carry 12-14 guests are available for sunset cruises, snorkeling charters and

peninsula cruises of Nevis.

 

Nevis-Budgeting/Costs To Rent A Villa on Nevis:

In addition to the weekly rental rate for a villa on Nevis, the additional costs

involved include but are not limited to the following:

 

Nevis Cancellations:

Cancellation penalties are incurred and will vary depending upon the specific

villa chosen.  Upon confirmation with our company, a written cancellation policy

will be issued along with the written invoice for the booking.

 

Nevis Capital: Charleston

 

Nevis Car Rentals:

We highly recommend that clients rent a vehicle for their stay on Nevis.  Please

contact a Villas Caribe Nevis villa rental specialist for more information

concerning rates, models and availability.  If you are interested in Nevis villa

rentals, please click HERE for a complete selection of our Nevis villa rentals.

 

Nevis Climate:

Warm & sunny with temperatures between 75 F and 90 F year round.  During the

winter, the nights are slightly cooler and so it might be a good idea to bring a

cotton sweater.

 

Internet Cafes:

At the present time (late ‘2003) there are no Internet cafes on Nevis as yet. 

The local phone company, Cable & Wireless, however, will let people use their

computer for US $1.00 for 4 minutes and they take most major credit cards. They

are located on Main Street in Charleston.

 

Nevis Marriage & Weddings:

Getting married on Nevis is fairly simple and provides an exquisite and romantic

setting.

Requirements:

1.) Couples may get married on the third day after either the bride or groom is

on Nevis.

2.) Both parties must have a valid passport or a certified birth certificate. 

3.) If either party is divorced, a decree absolute must be presented.

4.) If any documents are not in English, they must be accompanied by a notarized

translation.

5.) For Catholics, the ceremony must take place in a Catholic Church and a

letter must come from the couple’s resident priest verifying that they are

unmarried and have received all necessary instructions.

6.) For other Christian religions, a letter must come from the couple’s resident

minister verifying that the couple is unmarried.

7.) More specifics may be obtained by contacting the Nevis Department of Legal

Affairs at 869.465.2521.

 

Nevis Snorkeling & Scuba Diving:

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving have only recently become established on Nevis,

despite the fact that its coastal waters hide dozens of unexplored shipwrecks.

More than 400 ships sank here between 1493 and 1825 but only a dozen or so have

been identified to date.  The Caribbean side of the island is protected and

visibility off the shores is generally in the 60-100 foot range.

 

Nevis Tennis:

Tennis may be enjoyed for fees at many of the hotels/inns to include the Four

Seasons Resort.

 

Nevis Windsurfing:

Windsurfing is available at the Windsurf and Mountain Bike Centre located at

Oualie Beach Bay.

 

Nevis Car Rental:

As Nevis rental villas do not have access to a cab service, we highly recommend

renting a car to complement your Nevis villa rental vacations. Please contact a

Villas Caribe Nevis villa rental specialist for more information concerning

rates, models and availability. If you are interested in Nevis villa rentals,

please click here for a complete selection of our Nevis villa rentals.

 

Nevis Golf/Tennis Villas:

Nevis does feature golf courses that are accessible to villa rental guests. Chez

Wilson, is an ideal Nevis golf villa as it is just minutes from the Four Seasons

Resort Golf course. Additionally, tennis is available at several hotels. For

more information regarding Nevis rental villas and Nevis villa rentals, please

click here.

 

Nevis Sights/Activities:

Nevis has a wide variety of sights and activities easily accessible to Nevis

rental villa guests.

 

Nevis Art Galleries

Eva Wilkin Studio

Housed in an old sugar mill, this gallery features the work of several

well-known artists – including the late Eva Wilkin – as well as prints, antique

maps and gift items.

 

Spencer Cameron Gallery

The Spencer Cameron Gallery was established 20 years ago and houses an

impressive collection of works by Caribbean artists, as well as historical

reproductions of Caribbean island charts and prints. Owner Rosie Cameron's

popular Carnival clown prints are also on display.

 

The Gallery of Nevis Art

This is a quaint West Indian house/gallery owned by Marie Clark, an American

artist who has been living in Nevis for the past 12 years. The Gallery of Nevis

Art exhibits the artwork and batiks of local artists. 

Attractions

 

Cultural Complex

Situated at Stoney Grove in Charlestown, the Cultural Complex offers cultural

activities from late July to early August.

 

Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden of Nevis is a world-class garden with incredible displays

and collections of palms, orchids, cacti, flowering trees and shrubs. A gift

shop and West Indian Tea House make this a wonderful place to spend an afternoon

enjoying the plants, incredible views, dining and shopping. Situated at Cole

Hill, Montpelier Estate in St. John's Parish.

 

Brimstone Hill Fortress

When you visit Brimstone Hill, you will start at the Visitor's Center for a

presentation of this magnificent fortress, stepping back in time and learning

what it was like for the early inhabitants of St. Kitts during the 17th and 18th

centuries. Brimstone Hill houses a museum that displays restored barracks with

bayonets and musket balls. The panoramic view from this fortress is

breathtaking.

 

Courthouse and Public Library

The Nevis Courthouse and Public Library was built in 1825 and is an imposing

example of colonial stone architecture. Its windows stand open in a welcoming

way and its first-floor shutters do double duty as the bulletin board for legal

notices.

 

Indian Castle Race Track

Situated in Gingerland, it is run by the Nevis Turf and Jockey Club. Open on

holidays for horse racing, beginning at 1:00 pm. Contact president Richard

Luppinacci at (869) 469-2201 for more information

 

Montpelier House

Montpelier House was the site of Lord Nelson's marriage to Fanny Nisbet and her

girlhood home. Nothing remains of the original house except the estate's

entrance pillars, but it shares the grounds with the great house of Montpelier

Plantation Inn, a sugar mill dating from 1794 and beautiful trees and gardens.

 

Nisbet Plantation

Nisbet has a white coral sand beach with a coral reef in front of the property.

Some of our guests spend all or part of a day there, snorkeling and enjoying

lunch at their beachside restaurant, Coconuts.

 

Romney Manor Batik Factory and Gardens

Once owned by Sam Jefferson, the great-grandfather of Thomas Jefferson (third

president of the United States). Set in approximately 4 hectares (10 acres) of

grounds, Romney Manor is famous for two things: its majestic gardens and its

batik factory, Caribelle Batik. Enjoy observing the artists as they demonstrate

this fine art, using traditional "sea island cotton" and the old Indonesian

methods of resisting dye with wax.

 

Scenic Railway Tour

This railway was built between 1912 and 1926 to deliver sugar cane from the

fields to the sugar mill in the St. Kitts capital of Basseterre. The tour

provides a fascinating opportunity to see the island from the vantage point of a

comfortable railcar built specifically for touring.

 

Museum of Nevis History

The museum's collection features exhibitions on the history, culture and

environment of Nevis, focusing on geology, the indigenous people, the contact

period, leisure time, cooking and home craft, schools, churches, Jewish

heritage, government and politics. There is a lovely, quiet courtyard looking

out over the water. Located at the Alexander Hamilton Birthplace in Charlestown.

 

The Horatio Nelson Museum

The Horatio Nelson Museum at Belle Vue, next to Government House, exhibits the

largest collection of memorabilia in the New World related to Horatio Nelson

(the British military hero who defeated the combined French and Spanish fleets

at Trafalgar). An exhibition entitled "Nevis in the Time of Nelson" sets the

stage for Nelson's accomplishments by telling the story of the pre-Columbian

period and the era of sugar and slavery on Nevis. The artifacts, featuring

prints, porcelain, glass, ship models and enamels, form one of the region’s most

impressive decorative art collections.

 

Grove Park

Situated in Charlestown, it is mostly run by the Nevis Cricket Association. Open

daily.