krschueler

My wife and I enjoyed our last stay at the Grace Bay Club on Turks & Caicos. We are considering a return visit but a friend suggested the island of Nevis (with a stay at either the Nisbet Plantation or Four Seasons Nevis). Nevis would be less expensive if we stayed at the Nisbet but comparable in price if we stayed at the Four Seasons. What do you think?

qwovadis

www.nisbetplantation.com my fav best reviews value for price

on one of the prettiest islands in the Caribbean.

Happy Journey,

blamona

We think you need to tell us more about your tastes, things you like etc.

They are 2 completely different islands!

RoamsAround

They are two very different islands. You already know that Provodenciales (and Grace Bay) is a flat, arid, scrubby island with miles and miles of white sand beaches. Nevis, on the other hand is mountainous, lush and the beaches are of much darker sand (although the beach at Nisbet is one of the lighter sand beaches around the island).

In order to advise you on which might be "best for you" it would help if you told us what you actually want from a Caribbean vacation. For me personally, I'm not as smitten with Provo as are many of the contributors on this and have no desire to go back. On the other hand I like Nevis and many other islands much, much more.

blamona

RoamsAround, great minds think alike! ;-)

allisonjames

Hi, we have been to T & C and also Nevis and previous posters are right that they are two very different experiences. I want to add that Nisbet is one of our favorite Caribbean resorts and we've been to quite a few, it's a wonderful place with one of the nicest beaches on the island. I have visited FS Nevis twice and was completely underwhelmed, personally, for romance, Caribbean charm, incredible food and service I think Nisbet should be the choice! Nevis is a gorgeous island with wonderful views of St. Kitts, so much prettier and lusher than T & C. While Grace Bay Beach is gorgeous, I thought the rest of the island was the ugliest I have seen. Nevis in my opinion is much more an all-around wonderful Caribbean experience. Unless you want a lot of shopping or nightlife, I don't think Nevis will disappoint. P.S. For a long time before going to Nevis I was "obsessed" with the FS and really wanted to go -- well, we were fortunate to have a cruise stop to Nevis for a day prior to ever vacationing there and I had the chance to visit both Nisbet and FS and Nisbet was overwhelmingly my choice -- we returned for a stay on our next trip!

BellaClaire

Nevis is like old caribbean charm - I read the Nisbet Plantation was rated number 1 in the caribbean magazine....Friends just got back and raved about it. Nevis 4 seasons was recently rennovated and just re-opened. That said.....as everyone else has said - you know how gorgeous Turks is......good luck w/your decision!

Knowing

I'm anxious to get back to Nevis now that the FS has re-opened. Nevis is my husband's favorite island - my second favorite. It's a beautiful place.
The FS Nevis is a AAA five diamond resort. I heard they have a new restaurant with good meats and seafood. All of the rooms have been refurbished. It was fantastic before, and I'm sure it's even better now! Nisbet was just not for us.

krschueler

Thank you all for your thoughtful replies. We certainly enjoyed the beach and ambience of the Grace Bay Club in T&C. That said, other parts of T&C island were just ok.

We like the idea of trying something different from that experience and Nevis has a bit of that appeal. As far as our likes, spending time reading on the beach is important as is good dining. But to break the monotony, a hike, boat ride or snorkeling is an enjoyable respite.

Knowing - can you share a bit more detail on why the Nisbet "was just not for (you)"? We fear we too might fall into that category. Was it too small? not enough to do? poor food? no TV's?

RoamsAround

For what it is worth, Nisbet Plantation is the second largest resort on Nevis - 38 rooms vs. 196 at the four Seasons. The grounds are attractively landscaped, the rooms are nicely furnished. The food is quite good. It is more "laid back" than the Four Seasons and the service is not as "formal" but the staff there is very friendly. Think of the Four Seasons as being a typical upscale resort - a variety of dining options, impeccable decor in the common areas, upscale furnishings in the room and a staff that will cater to any need you may have. Staying at Nisbet, on the other hand, is like taking a step back where in time to when sugar was King and Nevis was the Queen of the Caribbean. Imagine yourself as being the guest of honor on a sugar plantation and you'll understand why some people simply simply adore staying at Nisbet.

FYI - snorkeling around Nevis leaves at lot to be desired.

cate8

I have been to both and explored both. The Turks has (probably) the most beautiful water in the Caribbean because the land is arid, and to put it bluntly, ugly. Nevis is a little tropical wonder, with a rainforest, plantations and a Caribbean "lite" vibe. It is not Jamaica, but it gives you an idea of what the islands were like 40 years ago. And the water is nice, but not the greatest for diving or snorkeling. If you are a diver or snorkeler, go to Provo and look out to the water, because the island itself lacks any sort of real charm. But, if you want to experience a different island, with monkeys, a cute little island town, very nice people, some beautiful sugar plantations and a rainforest, go to Nevis.
We have had great experiences at both. Stayed at Four Seasons in Nevis--and were told that only about five percent of the people who stayed on property ever left it. I can understand, but it is a resort, and could be a resort almost anywhere. You can take a reasonably priced cab anywhere and there are ferries to Saint Kitts, also a worthwhile excursion.
In Turks, on Provo, we rented a house--very reasonably. You have to have a car, however, and a good sense of direction. We drove everywhere on the island, including beaches that we reached after driving miles through scrub.

Knowing

Hi KR,
Here was the situation. We stayed at the FS, but had friends staying at Nisbet. We went to visit with them there and to eat there, as well. The place just appears to be very old and in need of upgrading. Just - underwhelming?? We ate dinner with them on barbecue night and the food was good. The staff seemed very nice, as well. It just isn't some place we would stay. It's not a consumer beware type of thing, but rather a preferred way of travel.