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Golden Rock Plantation Inn Review

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Golden Rock Plantation Inn

Address: Gingerland, Nevis
Mailing: Box 493, Charlestown, Nevis, St. Kitts and Nevis
Phone: 869/469-3346
www.golden-rock.com

Price range: $$$
Location: Nevis

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Fodor's Review:

Pam Barry's great-great-great-grandfather built this hillside estate in the early years of the 19th century, and Pam has imbued the inn with her love of Nevisian heritage and nature. The old cistern was converted into a spring-fed swimming pool and the sugar mill into a honeymoon haven with a gorgeous winding bamboo staircase. Cannons placed about the grounds contribute to the historic ambience, as does the extraordinary Eva Wilkin mural in the bar. An avid environmental activist, Pam hacked out nature trails throughout the mountainous, 96-acre property. Green vervet monkeys dash about the premises (they often congregate outside Cottage 1). Co-owners, acclaimed artists Brice Marden and his wife Helen Harrington, have infused Golden Rock with a chic, modernist sensibility. They've made what decorators coyly call "a bold statement." Many surfaces—from decks to shutters—have been painted in reds; the pool addition resembles a contemporary-art installation. The aesthetic clashes intriguingly with the historic elements while playing off the richly saturated colors in the landscaping. The gingerbread cottages (each holding two rooms), which have dazzling ocean views from their patios, likewise received new coats of paint (no more pastels, Pam vows) and the decor contrasts pristine white floors, curtains, and bedspreads with handsome hardwood furnishings and colorful Moroccan throw rugs. At this writing, the restaurant was being completely overhauled in similar fashion with three glass-and-hardwood levels, a mini Taj Mahal-inspired gazebo, and lighted multihue waterfall. Some things won't change: free transportation accesses the inn's beach bar (phenomenal rum punches) on Pinney's Beach and a windward strand ideal for seclusion and bodysurfing. And Pam remains on property as a link to the past and nature advocate. Pros: ecofriendly; arty crowd; glorious grounds. Cons: no actual beach though there are two beach clubs; lack of air-conditioning can be a problem on still days.

Hotel Details: 16 rooms, 1 suite
In-room: no a/c, no TV, Wi-Fi.
In-hotel: 2 restaurants, bar, pool, Internet terminal.
Rate includes: European Plan
Credit Cards: AE, MC, V
Closed: Closed mid-Aug.-mid-Oct.