Part of the Lesser Antilles, St. Kitts straddles the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, separated from neighboring Nevis by a shallow, 2-mile channel. The island nation was home to the first Caribbean French and British colonies in the 1620s, gaining independence from the British West Indies in 1983. The island has a rich, vibrant and varied landscape and history. Three volcanic peaks dot the island; the highest, Mount Liamuiga, rises nearly 4,000 feet above sea level. Pristine beaches, a UNESCO World Heritage site and popular cruise port make this island nation a must-visit.

GETTING THERE & AROUND
St. Kitts lies about 1,300 miles southeast of Miami, Florida. Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport serves both St. Kitts and Nevis and operates flights to U.S. gateways via American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue and United Airlines. The airport sits just north of the island’s capital city, Basseterre. Taxis offer the best way to reach the city center, the drive no more than 10 minutes. Uber does not operate on the island, but taxis are readily available at hotels, cruise ship docks and major attractions. Rental cars are also available, but note driving is on the left side of the road. Neighboring Nevis may be accessed via ferry, and many popular areas of the island are walkable.

LODGING
Belle Mont Sanctuary Resort
Amid forest and meadows, this resort promises views of the Caribbean Sea and a hillside organic farm. Elegant guestrooms with free-standing tubs, rainfall showers and patios embrace coastal living, while three farm-to-table restaurants bring the best local ingredients to the plate.
The Village Kittitian Hill, St. Kitts, St. Kitts and Nevis, tel 869 465 7388

Marriott’s St. Kitts Beach Club
One-of-a-kind access to Frigate Bay Beach, two- and three-bedroom villas, suites, and a first-class championship golf course await at this resort. Guests can also expect three outdoor pools, fitness center, dining and drinks outlets, and more.
858 Frigate Bay Road, Frigate Bay, St. Kitts, St. Kitts and Nevis, tel 869 466 1500

Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour
Views are the focal point at this 5-star hotel. Airy and bright guestrooms and suites overlook Banana Bay, while a rooftop pool, spa and three restaurants provide the ultimate upscale beachfront experience.

Banana Bay, Southeast Peninsula, St. Kitts, St. Kitts and Nevis, tel 869 468 1234

DINING
The Pavilion Beach Club
Combining beachfront views with craft cocktails and authentic Caribbean cuisine, The Pavilion celebrates the best of St. Kitts fare. Private club is open to the public for lunch Wednesdays–Sundays.
Christophe Harbour, St. Kitts, St. Kitts and Nevis, tel 869 465 8304

Marshall’s
A fine-dining institution for 25 years, Marshall’s Taste of the Caribbean menu is particularly enticing, with dishes such as jerk chicken and grilled jerk pork loin featured.
Fort Tyson, Frigate Bay, St. Kitts, St. Kitts and Nevis, tel 869 466 8245

Orchid Bay Beach House Restaurant
Authentic Italian dishes are prepared with care at this restaurant, and with accompanying ocean views, there are few better spots on the island to enjoy wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas.

Grape Tree Bottom, Southeast Peninsula,
St. Kitts, St. Kitts and Nevis, tel 869 762 9009

ATTRACTIONS
Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park
This UNESCO World Heritage site proves one of the best-preserved historical fortifications in the Americas. Built in the 18th century as a British outpost, the site is open to the public and includes a museum.
Island Main Road, Sandy Point Town, St. Kitts, St. Kitts and Nevis, tel 869 465 2609

Mount Liamuiga
Forming the northwestern part of the island, this stratovolcano features a trailhead open for hikers to take in island flora and fauna. The trail doesn’t reach the highest point but does terminate at the western edge of the volcano’s crater.
Saint John Capisterre Parish, St. Kitts, St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Kitts Scenic Railway
First opened in 1912, this 30-mile-circle railway along the coastline of the island allows for some of the best views of St. Kitts on a three-hour tour. Once used to transport cane sugar, the train today features vaulted windows, open-air upper decks and even a few bars.
Needsmust Train Station, Basseterre,
St. Kitts, St. Kitts and Nevis, tel 869 465 7263