Long after other Caribbean destinations turned to tourism, St. Kitts stuck to sugar cane. Only in the past decade has change come to this bucolic island, as a new wave of international investment transformed the economy and encouraged new development. Beach goers, nature lovers and history buffs will all find much to like, and the friendly population sets a welcoming tone to what is becoming one of the region’s hottest vacation destinations.
1 A Changing World
An ongoing transformation of St. Kitts began in 2005 when the government moved from an agricultural economy based on subsidized sugar cane production to one focused on tourism and finance. In the decade since, the number of visitors to the island has grown steadily, and affluent new residents have been attracted by the Citizenship Through Investment program. A wave of growth has created new beachfront hotels and upscale residential enclaves, along with eclectic boutique properties, unique spas and charming farmhouse lodgings offering farm-to- table dining.
Nature takes center stage at a growing number of guesthouses and boutique hotels that draw inspiration from St. Kitts’ agrarian past. Photo: Lidian/iStock
2 Windmills Past and Present
The island’s green countryside is dotted with the circular stone structures of windmills that once crushed cane or pumped water. Some have been incorporated into resorts or converted to dining spaces; others stand as crumbling sentinels of the past. Today’s generation of windmills is sleek space-age turbines that soar above the fields to convert trade winds to electrical energy. Wind farms now provide nearly half the island’s energy needs, and the stated goal of St. Kitts’ leadership is to become the smallest green nation in the Western Hemisphere.
Reminders of St. Kitts’ agricultural past are in evidence all across the island, including the stone structures of windmills that once harnessed the trade winds. Photo: iStock
3 Beach Bar Hopping
South Frigate Bay is the epicenter of St. Kitts’ lively beach culture. The stretch of sand known as The Strip is lined with tempting waterfront restaurants and laid-back beach bars that serve up an intoxicating array of signature libations. The scene is mellow during the day, and then the action picks up around sunset, when locals and visitors come together to dance to live music and celebrate the night. Full moon parties are not to be missed.
4 Big Hikes
Above the coastal plains where sugar cane grew, the mountainous slopes of St. Kitts’ interior are covered in a lush tropical rainforest. Trails leading upward into the forest carry hikers on hour- to day- long treks to hidden caves, waterfalls and the island’s rugged mountainous spine. The most famous route ascends to the peak of Mount Liamuiga. Those who make this demanding climb are rewarded with sweeping views of the coastline from an elevation of 3,800 feet, along with a glimpse into the mile-wide, 1000-foot- deep crater of this extinct volcano.
5 For the Birds
The Central Forest Reserve was created more than a century ago to preserve the island’s rainmaking high ground in its natural state. The reserve incorporates a diverse range of ecosystems that provide haven for both resident and migratory birds. In all, birders can find more than 140 species on St. Kitts, including the magnificent frigate bird, zenaida dove, scaly-breasted thrasher, Antillean bullfinch and the grey kingbird. Also protected are nine large ponds that provide a magnate for wading birds.
6 Where Cannons Once Thundered
Known as the Gibraltar of the West Indies, Brimstone Hill is a massive colonial-era fortress perched on a volcanic ridge 800 feet above the sea. This sprawling citadel, built entirely by slave labor, was the site of a month-long battle between French and English forces in the late 18th century. The fortifications were abandoned more than 150 years ago, but portions of the site have now been restored, and remain one of the island’s most popular attractions.
Built for island defense, the sprawling stone ramparts of Brimstone Hill were once the site of a month-long siege by French naval forces. Photo: iStock
7 Underwater Attractions
Divers and snorkelers will delight in underwater adventures suitable for all ages and abilities. On the island’s sheltered western shore, clear Caribbean waters nurture colorful coral gardens festooned with undulating sea fans. Other sites offer steep underwater cliffs perforated with nooks and crannies that hold a wealth of sea life. There are shipwrecks to explore, and a unique phenomenon known as The Vents, where hot water flows from subterranean chambers into a field of black coral.
8 A Capital Trip
History abounds in the capital of Basseterre, which was once an epicenter of Caribbean maritime trade. Originally established by the French as a regional seat of government, and then acquired by England, this port city has survived wars, riots, floods, hurricanes and earthquakes. After a devastating fire in 1867, much of the town center was rebuilt in the Franco-British colonial style. In the lively town center, known as The Circus, an ornate cast iron clock tower stands guard above the swirling scene.
Shipboard visitors to St. Kitts arrive at Port Zante, a 27-acre dining and shopping complex located within easy walking distance of downtown Basseterre. Photo: iStock
9 Ebony and Ivory
The island offers a baker’s dozen of scenic beaches with sands in shades from light to dark. On the Caribbean side, the powdery- fine white sands of Cockleshell Bay Beach frame views of the island of Nevis, while the black sand of Dieppe Bay Beach are washed by Atlantic surf. In between are the soft gray sands of Conaree Beach, which are colored by a mixture of volcanic ash and coral dust.
Clear Caribbean waters wash the shores of Majors Bay. Located on the island’s southwestern coast, it is one of St. Kitts’ most popular beaches. Photo: iStock
10 Caribbean Courses
For more than 40 years, the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club has remained one of the Caribbean’s premier 18-hole venues. More recently the opening of the Irie Fields course at Kittitian Hill has added a new dimension to play. Every hole delivers sea views, and in keeping with the “farm” atmosphere of the resort, fairway boundaries are planted with organic crops and fruit trees. Also in the works is a Tom Fazio course located in the new Christophe Harbour development. This site delivers commanding views from atop a volcanic ridge 500 feet above the ocean.
