Words by Mr Les Khan, CEO of the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Investment Unit.
While exotic holidays might seem like a distant dream right now, it’s never too early to start planning your next escape. The Caribbean is well renowned for its picture-perfect backdrops, but its islands have become victims of their success over the years. Attracting floods of tourists to their shores during the winter months, you could say they have lost their exclusive charm.
This is where the hidden islands of St. Kitts and Nevis come in. The dual-island gem has everything you could want from a Caribbean escape, minus the crowds. And right now, that’s definitely a plus. But hidden doesn’t mean inaccessible – St. Kitts and Nevis’ airport connects the country with North America, Europe, and other parts of the Caribbean year-round. Land at the Robert L. Bradshaw international airport and be taken straight to the private terminal’s first-class KayanJet Lounge for your first taste of luxury in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Or if you prefer to travel by sea rather than by air, the Federation is a seasoned cruise destination. Before the pandemic, the country welcomed one million cruise passengers for the past two years and was recognised as a marquee destination by the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association.
Being the smallest country in the Western Hemisphere, this Eastern Caribbean nation is the perfect off-the-radar destination for your next holiday. Close your eyes and imagine its glistening turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and lush green rainforests. Now picture yourself lying on a sun lounger sipping on a cocktail as your worries fade away.
There is something for everyone to enjoy in this slice of tropical paradise. While it’s the luxurious resorts and private villas that initially draw the rich and famous to the islands, it’s everything else that makes them stay and come back time and time again.
After a challenging year, many of us will be looking for an escape from reality and a chance to rest and recharge. For elite service and a hassle-free experience, stay at one of the islands’ five-star resorts – take your pick from the Park Hyatt St. Kitts, the premier hotel chain’s only Caribbean hotel, or the Four Seasons Resort Nevis.
The Park Hyatt offers Nevis Peak’s breath-taking views, situated directly across from the prestigious resort, just a boat ride away. The Four Seasons is rooted in the islands’ history and heritage and set against the mountainous backdrop of the resident volcano. Both are nestled away in private parts of their respective islands and can cater to all your needs through their award-winning in-house hospitality venues.
And for those who want to combine leisurely beach days with more active pursuits, there’s plenty to choose from. Discover the fauna and flora of the beautiful islands by heading out on a safari excursion to see if you can spot the monkeys and hummingbirds dotted around the islands. Or enjoy the underwater world of St. Kitts and Nevis by charting a yacht for the day to make the most of what the islands’ translucent waters have to offer.
Looking for some physical exercise? Take a guided hike or vehicle tour of the rainforest, or trek up to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park. And after all that, you’ll deserve a pampering session to wind down. Head over to the Marriott’s Emerald Mist Spa for a secluded for a massage, facial or body wrap.
After a long day of exploring, you won’t want to miss out on a picturesque sunset. Head to the glamorous Salt Plage in Christophe Harbour for some live music or sip on the famous Killer Bee Rum Punch at celebrity hotspot Sunshine’s Bar in Nevis.
Most importantly, in the current circumstances, visitors can be assured that their health and safety is of the utmost priority. As the last country in the Americas to confirm its first Covid-19 case, St Kitts. and Nevis received international recognition for its handling of the pandemic, with just 44 people having contracted the disease so far (all of whom have recovered)* and zero fatalities.
And for those who fall in love with St. Kitts and Nevis, why settle for just the one-off visit when you could make the islands your forever home? By investing in the country, you could become an economic citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis from the comfort of your own home in as little as 90 days, giving you the right to live and work in the country. A successful application to the country’s Citizenship by Investment programme will grant you access to this idyllic destination year-round, unlocking unparalleled lifestyle and business opportunities and allowing you to travel to over 150 countries visa-free.
*Correct at time of writing.
