Personally I would pay as you go. I just don't think the meal plans pay off at the 4 seasons. We did rent a car, but really didn't need one. It's a small island, and for what you'll want to see, or for other restaurants you will want to try I would recommend a taxi. The cars are $50 a day though and they will deliver and pick up at the hotel. My husband and I did take the ferry from Charlestown instead of the launch, and it was fine and much cheaper ($8 round trip vs. like $60-70). But it all depends on what comfort level you have with being the only tourists on the ferry, most being residents. The boats do run on time, and I think 2 of 3 are even government owned.

Have fun

Beccam

I would also pay as you go, and rent a car. My wife and I stayed at the Golden Rock but toured 4 Seasons several times. A lady named Marva owns Noel's Car Rental, which is located at the airport; she'll meet you there. We rented a jeep for $50/day. Don't do the meal plan; too many other comparable dinners for much less. For example, people always came to the Golden Rock, in the foothills of the volcanic mountain, for lunch in the open-air patio. Tropical birds flew all around them and the atmosphere was great. The 4 Seasons had a nice and huge open-air eatery, but it was crowded when I was there (April). There is a palm-tree lined, secluded beach called "Lover's Beach" just down from the airport, barely visible from the main road; my wife and I were the only beach goers there for most of the day.There's horseback riding close to the 4 Seasons, which takes you along the beach and up into the rain forest. Also, a marine biologist Barbara Whitman operates a touch and go snorkel trip operation, fascinating for both adults and kids in Tamarind Bay. She takes families on walk throughs in her marine lab, and kids for up to 1 1/2 hours, learn "hands-on" all about the ocean critters they will see during the snokel trip, which occurs right after. They SEE more when snorkel where heretofore they wouldn't have experienced in the wild. There are also sugar mill remains to explore. We drove around the entire island several times while there, and saw several thousand sheep and goats (the Nevis sheep have short-hair, like goats), and visited Qualie Beach as well. The Gallipot Restaurant (Sp?) had a superb dinner and beautiful sunset atmosphere, with yachters mooring there crafts, for much less than dinners at 4 Seasons, and if not equal to, better in quality. If you want a scheduled agenda with everything done for you, I'd avoid Nevis. It is still not touristry and not a shopping mecca. Hope this helps. Robert