jim

Hi,<BR><BR>Lost my original post, so I'm trying again.<BR><BR><BR>Just got back yesterday from a one-week honeymoon at the Nisbet Plantation on Nevis. We were married on St. Thomas at the Federick Lutheran church (my wife is from STT) and had a wonderful reception at the Old Stone Farmhouse. We spent the night at the Ritz Carlton and flew the next day to St. Kitts (stayed at the Ocean Terrace Inn) and took the ferry to Nevis the next day. I would be happy to answer any questions about the places we went.<BR><BR>I'll say a few words about Nevis and Nisbet, since that's the place where we where the longest. Nisbet had the kind of friendly, wonderful service that can be hard to find. We were on the Romance Package, which included two days of rental car, massages for each of us, breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner each night, a snorkel trip to St. Kitts, and a gourmet picnic lunch.<BR><BR>Plusses: the rooms were simple but elegantly furnished; the staff were amazingly friendly and helpful (the resort was less than half full while were there); the five-course dinner each night was superb and there was a full breakfast each morning; the island is scenic and easy to get around; there were some nice beaches on the island (Pinney's Beach and Oalie Beach). The Romance package is affordable. We never met an unfriendly person on the island (can't say that about other parts of the Carib. We liked the Golden Rock rainforest trail (saw the vervet monkeys), the botanical gardens, the other plantation inns, Pinney's Beach and Sunshine's, Oalie Beach.<BR><BR>Minuses: the Nisbet beach is not that great by Caribbean standards. It was OK the first few days, and then it got pretty windy. Snorkelling there is also just OK (but much better on St. Kitts). We went to other beaches while were there with the rental car, and since we spend a lot of time on the USVI, we can see that beautiful turquoise water elsewhere -- you don't really find it on Nevis. Nisbet is also by the Newcastle Airport, so you will notice about six-eight flights/day overhead. Charlestown is not impressive, no shopping to speak of.<BR><BR>***<BR>The Four Seasons is also lovely, if more expensive and slightly more generic in feel. We didn't see the rooms, but the grounds and the pool and beach area were beautifully-maintained and the staff with whom we interacted were extremely nice and professional.<BR><BR>Nevis is a great place for a laid-back, relaxing honeymoon or vacation. Let me know if I can help answer any questions.<BR><BR>Jim

Sally

We stayed at Nisbet Plantation and Nevis a few years ago - you captured my feelings EXACTLY! I couldn't agree with you more about the pluses and minuses. Was Patterson still around at the hotel? Anyway, I'm sure your report is very helpful to anyone who is thinking of going there. We are headed to Anguilla this year (I've heard great things about the beaches there.) This having been said, we do have wonderful memories of Nisbet Plantation!

jim

Sally,<BR><BR>Yes, Patterson is still there, and he's a big part of why the resort has such a welcoming atmosphere. <BR><BR>Jim

Jeffsgal

Hi Jim,<BR>Can you give me any advice on the US Virgin Islands- St.Thomas vs. St.John. My fiance and I are thinking of spending our honeymoon their...not sure how affordable it can be or how nice it is vs the other islands. I would really appreciate any suggestions you have!!!

jim

Hello Jeffsgal,<BR><BR>It's kind of tough to answer your questions without a little more info. Do you like a small resort or large? Great pool or great beach (or need both)? Is shopping or nightlife important? How much can you spend? Do you want all-inclusive? <BR><BR>One of my favorite places to stay on St. Thomas is Secret Harbour -- it's on a pretty little crescent beach with nice snorkelling, affordable (esp. off season), close to Red Hook (and thus ferries for day trips to St. John) and yet you can still go into town for shopping. Not a bad restaurant there. My wife's parents live just down the road, so we've spent a lot of time at SH (and many of our wedding guests stayed there). The Ritz is *very* nice but quite expensive. Will you be going off season? St. John options are the Westin (fun pool, not so good beach - see other posts on this) and more low-key elegant Caneel Bay (pricier option). Or a villa (which I have no experience with -- but others on this site have).<BR><BR><BR>Jim