The Mount Nevis Hotel

Up a long bending driveway, past grand stone entrance gates, The Mount Nevis Hotel sits on rolling manicured estate-like grounds in the hills next to majestic Mount Nevis -- a dormant volcano, blanketed with greenery that acts as the island’s centerpiece. At 3,232 feet (985 meters) high, it mingles with the clouds, and stretches down to the sea. About half way up its northern edge, the hotel sits on a sprawling former lime plantation -- with panoramic, “front row” views of the mountain, and across the water to St Kitts. That view was love at first sight for the New York family who acquired the property, built the hotel, and continue to run it today. The owner is usually on-site -- overseeing the attention to detail and quality this place has become known for. 

The driveway continues past a row of villas with names like “Bird of Paradise” perched high on the property to maximize views. There’s no lobby to speak of, instead guests check-in at a small office. Formality has been removed from common areas, which are reserved for lounging, dining, and relaxing. Inside the main dwelling, an elegant living space has a coastal colonial vibe -- with lofty plantation ceilings, tropical ceiling fans, giant clam shells on coffee tables, and elegant wicker lounges covered in plump blue-and-white batik cushions. A wall of books and board games create a cozy ambience, and pot plants add lush nature accents. There’s a stately wooden desk in one corner, and a handsome bar lined with high-backed chairs. The space opens onto terraced dining that echoes a European alfresco look, with round tables dressed in rose-pink and burgundy-red textiles looking out on pretty floral gardens, the pool, and the panoramic backdrop. There are hammocks, and a handful of sunbeds, but it’s unlikely guests will have to fight for a poolside spot. With just 32 rooms -- many self-contained -- and the beach so close, the crowd is generally sparse, so Mount Nevis Hotel feels more like an exclusive private residence than a hotel. 

Mount Nevis Hotel neighbors Mount Nevis’ northern edge, with views across the sea to St. Kitts. It’s a 15-minute walk to historic Cottle Church, and a number of popular restaurants are located nearby. Charlestown, where guests can travel to and from St. Kitts via ferries departing regularly throughout the day, is 20 minutes away. Several beaches are close by, and the free hotel shuttle can take guests to Oualie or Nisbet Beach on demand. Either journey takes around five to eight minutes. Land and water taxis (to and from the beach) can be arranged at reception, and there’s also a car ferry that travels regularly between the islands. It’s a five- to 10-minute drive to Vance W. Armory International Airport,

The 32 rooms at the Mount Nevis Hotel are set in a row of rendered duplex-style villas -- and they’re all spacious, blending contemporary Caribbean decor, such as wicker furniture and bold accents with cozy touches like fresh-cut flowers and plump cushions on beds and chairs. Palettes move between warm reds and pinks, and cool blues, depending on the room. Beds are dressed in crisp white bedding with matching patterned cushions and runners that add colorful texture, as do curtains with their unobtrusive prints. The odd coastal reference, such as ceramic starfish ornaments or sea urchin table lamps, echo the island setting. Layouts include standard Deluxe Rooms, Superior Suites, and Two Bedroom Superior Suites. These offer en-suite bathrooms and private entrances, and are big enough for families and groups, or those on longer stays.

All rooms feature large furnished terraces or patios with a choice of mountain or ocean views, but guests can’t lose here because the panorama is breathtaking from every direction. They also include flat-screen TVs with CD and DVD players, air-conditioning, coffee-and-tea-making facilities, and a selection of magazines. Lower-category rooms offer granite work, vanity stations, and mini-fridges. Higher categories have spacious open-plan living areas, work desks, and separate gas kitchens -- with timber cabinets, granite benches, and stainless-steel appliances. Bathrooms feature wood and granite vanities with frameless glass shower screens. Individual toiletries are included, and wall-mounted pumps provide shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel. Some rooms come with cellphones for local calls, including calling for shuttle service to and from the beach.

Features at Mount Nevis are thoughtful and thorough for an intimate, upscale property. The hotel restaurant is top-notch, and guests rave about the food. Offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the menu provides a good mix of Caribbean, Asian, European, and American-inspired dishes. Even the burgers are gourmet. The bread, cakes, and muffins are all baked on-site and the kitchen is committed to sourcing produce from the hotel’s organic garden or local farmers whenever possible. The outdoor pool is great for laps, and doesn't get crowded given the beach is so close. Sunbeds and hammocks are on offer. The gym has been set up in one of the rooms with state-of-the-art equipment, and although it’s on the small side, it offers the usual cardio- and weight-training equipment.

The hotel provides a free beach shuttle that doesn’t adhere to a fixed schedule -- it’s available on guest demand. Cellphones are provided in some rooms for this very purpose, so guests can call the hotel to be picked up at their leisure. There’s a large conference and event space with a sweeping porch that can accommodate a range of functions, and the property is home to the ruins of a 200-year-old church that serves as a romantic backdrop for weddings. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.