Ashley24

Our family is considering going to Nevis this June for a week. My two dd's are 13 and 10. We have never been to Nevis but LOVE the island of Kauai and it seems like it has some similarities in the small town feel and friendly people. We like that. Do you think we will like Nevis?

Other questions:
1. What is the easiest way to get there from the Detroit/Flint area? We did a quick search and it looks like the flights last all day (2 or 3 connections).

2. What price should I expect to pay for a flight? The prices I saw were 700-800.

3. My dh wants to know if Nevis has snakes. I would like to know about bugs.

4. Are there family friendly restaurants near the Four Seasons? Casual and cheap eats would be great. Kids love hamburgers and chicken fingers.

5. Is 7 nights too long with kids? Should we visit another island too? I realize that we could do a day trip to St. Kitt but what about Anguilla...is it easy to visit there on the way to Nevis or on the way home?

6. For those who have stayed at the 4S, is the Discover Nevis package better than the Bed and Breakfast package? Is the breakfast buffet worthwhile?

7. We stayed at the 4S Maui and enjoyed the service and the kids program. How does the 4S Nevis compare? It looks like my 2 children are too old for the kids program...will they have any activities for older children during the summer months?

Thanks for your help!

Nevisian

I Cant's help you with air routes except to suggest that you fly through San Juan or Miami. Flight time for us is 11 hours so we always start off on an overnight red-eye. American Airlines (Amer. Eagle) practically owns the Caribbean so you might find staying with them cheaper and easier. Nevis has no snakes although there was a boa constrictor that panicked the island a few years ago. (imported and caught). There are no-see-ums on the beach, few mosquitos in the 4S area (trade winds keep them down), the usual creepy-crawlys you'd find anywhere. The most harmful being the centipedes but I've only seen one in 10 years. As for Family-friendlly restaurants near the 4S - Sunshines and Calypso beach bars are further done the beach. Unella's downtown. The 4s's Mango and the beach cabaña serve pizza and burgers and are on site. I don't know where you'd find chicken finger as there is no fast food on the island. The closesest KFC is on St. Kitts. (Thank God). The B&B package is breakfast for 2 per room (you'll probably have two rooms) per day in the Neves restaurant. The breakfast is buffet style. The Discover Nevis program is $500.00 off your reservation cost at check out and based on airfair costs. I never figured that one out but since there are four of you it doesn't seem to be as good a savings. You might also look into a 2-3 bedroom villa. Palm Grove villas are the least expensive and June is low season. You should be able to rent a villa at low season for the cost of two rooms at high season. You have a complete kitchen to do your own cooking and save money. The island grocery stores are usually well stocked (if the suppply boat got in last Thursday) You might want to do the math on the idea. Beach activities are available (included in your room charge) are cat-boats, snorkling, water tricycles... There is a charge of catamarand, horse back riding and other contract hire activites. There is plenty to see on Nevis. Rain forest hikes, golfing, tennis, lots of history. No tourist shopping to speak of but a day trip to St. Kitts on one of the local ferries is a must. Traveling that far (a whole day in each direction) 7 days is not too long to rest and relax. Once you get there and have adjusted to island time you will have 5 relaxing days. Why add the anxiety of repacking and relocating? While the kids are hiking in the rain forest treat yourself to a day at the spa.

Nevisian

We thought Nevis was the Caribbean island ( we found) that was similar to Kauai. Expect a different culture and less Americanism.

Ashley24

Thanks for your reply. It was very helpful. I am looking forward to relaxing and the spa sounds great! However, I would also like to go hiking with the family. How strenuous is the hike up Mt. Nevis? We have hiked Kalalou Trail on Kauai (to the beach and back) and although it was a bit of a challenge, we found it worth it. How would you compare this hike? Is it straight up or switchbacks?
How long approximately does it take? What are the sites along the way (monkeys?)?
Thanks!

Nevisian

The Concierge will arrange a guided hike depending on your choice of difficulty. An over-the-top hike will take all day and it's strenuous. I take guests to Golden Rock plantation for lunch and then hike back to 4S via the old sugar cane road(easy). There are hikes in Zetlands, Paradise, Mt. Lilly.. Lots of choices.

Ashley24

Here is what we would like to do. Could you recommend any companies for these activities?
1. Catamaran ride (with snorkeling?)
2. Hiking to see rainforest/monkeys
3. Visit St. Kitts (Anything you would recommend to see/do there? We are not "into" casinos)
4. Beach time
5. Check out Nevis (museums, etc): Can we do this on our own or would you recommend a tour driver?

Is there a book that has good information about St. Kitts and Nevis that you would recommend or are the websites the best for current information?

ejcrowe

I've not been to Kauai but Nevis does have everything you're looking for.

I don't think a week is too long with kids, but I would definitely suggest a trip to St. Kitts for the day. The old fort, Ft. Brimstone, is a great stop with kids. The audio gives you a nice general history of St. Kitts and the views are fantastic from there. This fort isn't as well preserved as the ones in Old San Juan, but the proximity to the sea, the views of other islands, and the rain forest backdrop is more impressive, I think.

From the 4S you should easily be able to walk to Sunshine's and one other beach bar (I forget the name) and find a ton of pocketbook AND kid friendly.

I think 700-800 is about expected for June airfare. It's possible you'll find an outstanding deal, but Nevis is a small island and not many flights service it daily. It's possible you can save money by flying to St. Kitts and then ferrying over. I'm pretty sure that 4S offers it's own private ferry transfer between the two islands.

iw

Nevis is an expensive place to get to, but so worth it. Jim Johnson will customize a hike for you that ranges from easy to hard. My husband did the volcano hike and it was tough and we are both in shape. I sat that one out. I know that he took a family of four on a rain forest hike and they were pleased. I have only done the rain forest hike on St. Kitts with O'Neill and it was very doable.
Oualie Beach Hotel serves good food and lots of families go there. I think that ej was referring to Chevy's Beach Bar, right down from Sunshines. Just a personal opinion....I didn't love Sunshines. The service was beyond island time. Chevy's was much better! Again, my opinion and experience.
4S does offer a water taxi for a price to St. Kitts. We have taken the ferry to St. Kitts and a water taxi from Oualie Beach. I think the water taxi was in the $100 range and the ferry was a better bargain, but slow. You do get a great chance to visit with the folks that live on the island while on the ferry.
Another restaurant that we love is Coconut Grove, but it is $$$.
I did need bug spray and do not leave food out in your room, it will be taken over by tiny ants. We put everything in the fridge.
I have been to Maui and Nevis is close to that, but as Nevisian said, less Americanized.

turtlegirl

Nevis is nothing at all like Kauai. There is WAY less to do on Nevis and it is not nearly as beautiful imho. That said, the girls will have fun in the water at the beach in front of the 4 seasons, MUCH calmer than Kauai.

Knowing

The FS Nevis is a great place to veg out. There are many places to dine out, and I recommend that you do so as the dinners at FS are the only thing not worth looking forward to, although the breakfast buffet is a good one. Many places feature locally grown vegetables, good desserts and good meats. This was a precious trip for us and seven days is not too long. Take the ferry over to St Kitts one day. Plus, we found the locals to be wonderful people. Our experience was that Nevis has a more true flavor of the Caribbean than Kauai (obviously), but it does have some similiar views and brings out some of those same feelings.

cw

Ashley,

Check on airfares. The past two years I've paid about $700 (BOS-NEV) but this year it's a little over $500. And that's in the busy season.

Catamaran: Leeward Island Charters.

As someone already said, Jim Johnson for hikes: www.walknevis.com

On St. Kitts, visit Brimstone Hill and tour around the island. www.brimstonehillfortress.com

Websites for Nevis information: www.nevis1.com; www.nevisisland.com; forums: www.nevisforum.com; and http://myislands.myeyez.net/forum/.

Enjoy!

cw

Whoops--correction: that's www.brimstonehillfortress.org NOT com.

lxrytravlr73

My wife and I are also going to the 4S Nevis so I have been doing a lot of reading and though we are not bringing out kids, its resort-based kid programs seem to be rated among the top in the islands.

As for air travel, now you have met the master. YOU CAN GET THERE IN ONE STOP. It is always difficult to balance between cost and convenience. Depending on what time of June you are going (I did a quick search for you); if you travel Wednesday to Wednesday between June 15th and June 30th the prices can be much lower if you are willing to be a little flexible on your flight times and days. I would recommend using one airline regardless and make sure all members of your family have frequent flier miles for whatever airline you take then you will be on your way to flying for free on your next trip.

I saw for as low as $475 (6/18 to 6/25) with one stop via Continental and Delta, but you have to be flexible and creative because it lands in Antigua (airport code ANU). You can use Liat airlines ($50/person)to fly into St. Kitts or Nevis – maybe spend one night in Antigua, that would certainly not be a sacrifice.

Delta with one stop to Antigua (layover less than 2 hours) for no more than $475 (oribtz.com and cheapticket.com) and look into a local flight or perhaps a boat trip to get you to Nevis. Total travel time on the delta trip is only 8 hours each way so even though your flights are early AM, the stress of travel, total time and risk of delay and missing flights is much less.

If price is less of an issue than convenience, there are still 1-stop options. US Airways has 1-stop flights from DTW to St. Kitts for less than $825 per person (Sat 06/21 to Sat 06/28 usair website) and your total travel time is less than only 7 hours each way. Land in St. Kitts and take 40 min boat ride to Nevis. If you were willing to pay $700 for 2 stops and 14 hours, personally I would pay $100 more for 1 less stop and half the travel time and half the stops.

$475 LEAVE: Wed 18 Jun 2008 Delta Flight 1687 6:30a (DTW) Delta Flight 303 Departs: 10:19a at V.C. Bird Intl (ANU) RETURN: Wed 25 Jun 2008 Delta Flight 302 Departs: 3:19p V.C. Bird Intl (ANU) Delta Flight 1552 Departs: 9:30p (ATL) Arrives: 11:27p (DTW)

$815 LEAVE: Sat 21 Jun 2008 US Airways Flight 1523 Departs: 8:40a DTW for Charlotte, NC Arrives: 10:15a Charlotte, NC US Airways Flight 1693 Departs: 11:30a (CLT)Arrives: 3:43p Robert Bradshaw Intl(SKB – St. Kitts) Return – Sat 28 Jun 2008 US Airways Flight 1692 Departs: 4:35p Robert Bradshaw Intl (SKB) Arrives: 8:35p Charlotte US Airways Flight 1134 Departs: 9:59p Arrives: 11:35p DTW


4S Nevis - it depends on how much your kids eat and if you intend to eat all your breakfasts on property. The bed and breakfast only includes 2 meals so you still have to pay for 2. I would think the discover Nevis is better because that gets your rate down from $405 to $305 per night with the $100/night resort credit per room per night, while the breakfast is $455 per night and you still have to pay for 2 more meals so the meals are not free, you are paying $50/day more. These rates are based on 06/21 to 06/28. $305/night, depending on what the resort credit can be applied to and what you were planning on doing at or through the 4S, I think you can eat for less than $150 per day for breakfast.


PS – If the FODORS team is out there reading, you can pay me to do this for people. I am better than good. I would be happy to be a travel consultant.

Nevisian

Wow, lxrytravlr, are you for real? Ashley, Delta has two morning flights to Atlanta that connect with an afternoon flight to St. Kitts only on Saturdays. They are not posting flights for June (low season) at this time so they may stop the ATL/SKB flight during low season. Getting to Antigua in one stop is not getting to Nevis. There is no boat from Antigua to Nevis. You could fly Winair or LIAT if you want a local carrier. Many of our European visitors fly in through Antigua and there are always fretting over their connections. (LIAT/WINAIR are flying inter-island busses and aren't always on time). Americans usually fly in through San Juan or Miami. My suggestion is to stay with American Airlines all the way. They will give you the most options and you can save $ by staying on their routes. New flights were put on this year out of Boston and New York to SKB. We don't know if they will survive the high season. You had best contact the airlines directly. FYI: there is a service charge for the resort launch from SKB to the 4S. It is worth the price.

SKBFAN1

Other questions:
1. What is the easiest way to get there from the Detroit/Flint area? We did a quick search and it looks like the flights last all day (2 or 3 connections).

You can take American Airlines via Chicago and San Juan or Miami and San Juan to Nevis.

2. What price should I expect to pay for a flight? The prices I saw were 700-800.

Price varies on the dates and class of service.

3. My dh wants to know if Nevis has snakes. I would like to know about bugs.

No snakes in St. Kitts & Nevis. The mongoose ate them all.

4. Are there family friendly restaurants near the Four Seasons? Casual and cheap eats would be great. Kids love hamburgers and chicken fingers.

I enjoyed eating at Chevy's Beach Bar.

5. Is 7 nights too long with kids? Should we visit another island too? I realize that we could do a day trip to St. Kitt but what about Anguilla...is it easy to visit there on the way to Nevis or on the way home?

One week should be fine for kids. They might enjoy Barbara Whitman's aquirium near Oaulie Beach Resort.

You would have to fly to St. Maarten and then take the ferry to Anguilla.

7. We stayed at the 4S Maui and enjoyed the service and the kids program. How does the 4S Nevis compare? It looks like my 2 children are too old for the kids program...will they have any activities for older children during the summer months?

You should contact the hotel directly regardin their summer activities.

SKBFAN1

1. Catamaran ride (with snorkeling?) I enjoyed sailing with Blue Water Safaris. www.bluewatersafaris.com

2. Hiking to see rainforest/monkeys
Jim Johnston in Nevis and Greg's Safaris in St. Kitts.

3. Visit St. Kitts (Anything you would recommend to see/do there? We are not "into" casinos)
Brimstone Hill Fortress, Caribelle Batik, Black Rocks, drive down the southeast peninsula

4. Beach time - Pinney's Beach and South Frigate Bay & Cockleshell in St. Kitts

5. Check out Nevis (museums, etc): Can we do this on our own or would you recommend a tour driver?

For a tour of Nevis you can contact Biddy Weekes. [email protected]

He will give you an excellent tour of the island.

SKBFAN1

"PS – If the FODORS team is out there reading, you can pay me to do this for people. I am better than good. I would be happy to be a travel consultant."

It ain't that easy....

Nevisian

SKBFAN - Hah! You got it!

Ashley24

Thanks again for all the info!