Maggi

Hi folks, we've never been to either of these islands and was able to snag FF tickets into St. Kitts. We could stay on that island or ferry over to Nevis. Could someone compare the two islands for me? Is there more crime on St. Kitts? We traditionally like to rent a villa on or near the beach and so far my favorite spot has been Kauai. We love the lush green rolling hills. Advice would be appreciated!

Callaloo

Why not both? How long are you going for? It would be simple to spend a few days on each island; they are different and each worthy of some time. (Here is a trip report of my last trip, which combined both: http://islandtime.homestead.com/NevisSKB2010.html

Both islands are beautiful -- green and lush and hilly, sharing a volcanic past. I personally prefer Nevis; it is smaller and more laid-back; there is little cruise ship activity (mostly day-trippers coming over from St. Kitts). But that kind of laid-back is boring to some visitors. St. Kitts has a larger town (Basseterre, as opposed to tiny, sleepy Charlestown on Nevis), more choices for lodging and dining, and more beaches and beach bars.

I can't give you much guidance on villas, as I've stayed at the plantation inns on both islands (Nisbet Plantation on Nevis is my "happy place").

qwovadis

www.nevis1.com/nisbet-plantation-beach-club.html

Nevis prettier by far for me...

JeanH

We split our trip. I thought it was perfect, even though the trip was only a week.

I'd happily return to either island.

Maggi

That's good advice! Nisbet Plantation looks like heaven but it's way more than my budget will allow, unless there's a cheaper booking site than the hotel's. From what you've all written it seems we'd like the laid-back atmosphere of Nevis better. I have read of more crime on St. Kitts, which worried me a bit regarding a rental villa, which is usually more secluded.

cariblover10

If you are looking for a nice villa in a quiet and beautiful location, you could try Turtle Beach on the exclusive South Peninsula of St Kitts. There is a small selection of privately owned villas to rent there. Try this site
http://stkittsvillarental.shutterfly.com/villas

jayce

I have been to both and must recommend Nevis! Not even close to St. Kitts!!!

Maggi

At the moment I am leaning toward Nevis. There is a beach villa called the Lazy Turtle right next to Nisbet Plantation with privileges there. It seems like the best of both worlds. The price for the whole house is much cheaper than just one room would be at the inn. Any thoughts?

RoamsAround

LazyTurtle is an "older villa" (built about 15 to 20 20 years ago) that's located in a residential complex of 6 or 8 other similar villas right next door to Nisbet Resort. It is set back about 100 yards or so from the beach and while it is described as "beachfront" there's actually a plot of vacant land between the end of the villa's property and the beach. Like Nisbet, it's on the Atlantic side of the island so there's always a cooling breeze coming from the ocean. Because of this the water can be a bit rough at times.

The villa is comfortable and tastefully but simply furnished (it is not a it is luxury villa).

It's within a two minute walk to Nisbet's Beach Bar and a bit further to Nisbet's Great House. You can dine or have drinks at Nisbet but be aware you'll be paying "resort prices" and they are one of the more pricey dining/drinking establishments on the island. On Thursday nights Nisbet has their Beach BBQ with live music (goes until around 11PM) - you'll be hearing that from the villa. They also have live music on Sunday afternoons - you'll be hearing that also.

Maggi

Thanks RoamsAround. Do you know the names of other rental villas for comparison's sake? Any others you'd recommend instead? I don't think the music will bother me, in fact I'd probably like it - unless it was heavy metal, lol. And I'd love to go to the Beach BBQ. I'll save money cooking in, so we can have a splurge once in a while at the Plantation.

RoamsAround

Coral Reef Villa, Conch Shell Cottage and perhaps one more "villa' (who's name escapes me) are in the same "complex" as Lazy Turtle. For what it is worth, you can find detailed listings of just about every rental villa available on Nevis by going to the "villa" link at www.nevis1.com and/or the Sugar Mill Realty website - www.nevishouses.com - the "beachfront" villas are clearly identified.

FYI - there are very few "true" beachfront villas for rent on Nevis (probably less than 8 on the whole island) and most of those are somewhat pricey. All of the so called "beachfront" villas near Nisbet (I think there's 3 or 4) were built around the same time as Lazy Turtle and are similar in placement from the ocean as well as styling and decor.

If you want to be "really beachfront" consider renting a beachfront condo at the Condo's at Nelson's Springs - they have a few units which are just a few steps from the sand. They also have a few units that are set a little further back from the beach but still have great views.

Maggi

I appreciate your detailed response! After checking out the others and comparing prices and amenities, I am still thinking Lazy Turtle is the one for us. Thank you so much!

cariblover10

Hi , we have just got back from a lovely three weeks on St Kitts. We stayed at Turtle Beach House on the South East Peninsula. It was absolutely lovely. The villa is right by the beach, it is beautifully furnished, and the views are spectacular. The owners were really helpful and friendly, as was the manager who organized all sorts of excursions and trips for us during our stay. We came across no crime, we felt safe at all times and had a wonderful stay. We used the seabridge car ferry from the SE Peninsula to Nevis twice, but there seems to be more to see and do on St.Kitts than on Nevis. We can't wait to return for another break in the sunshine. Hope this helps you with your decision making.

cariblover10

Recently stayed at Hermitage on Nevis, lovely location, fantastic food and friendly staff, but the bed was really uncomfortable which was a great pity as everything else was perfect. Luckily there was a day bed in our cottage so I managed to get some sleep but my poor husband had a restless night on a very very hard bed. Hopefully they will soon change the mattresses as everything else at the Hermitage is completely divine if you fancy a retreat off the beaten track, peaceful, sophisticated, tranquil.

cariblover10

Visit both, as they both have lots to offer. I've just returned from a split trip between the two islands. They are so close it is pointless travelling that distance and not spending time on both islands. Nevis has beautiful lush Botanical gardens in the hills, white sandy beaches and the tranquil Hermitage for a hog roast on Wed night. Oualie beach is nice.... Do book and stay at the Hermitage so that you can enjoy breakfast on the side of the volcano while looking at humming birds and play with Tuffy the dog. Four Seasons is a nice location on a good beach. Forget the other hotels as they are overpriced and pretentious. St Kitts has lots to offer too, ziplining, quadbiking, from Romney Manor Wingfield Estate where you can sit in beautifully tended gardens and see Caribelle Batik. Cockleshell is the best beach, Reggae beach bar and Grill is a must.... visit on a Fri evening for the buffet and bonfire, also eat at Jam Rock on South Friars as it is traditional fresh food, cooked to perfection. Leave out Brimstone hill as it is a complete bore, and don't go into the water at North Friars as it is dangerous. Best snorkelling is off Turtle Beach.... otherwise known as Mosquito Bay or just around the rocks by the jetty at Timothy beach. Breakfast is a must at Timothy Beach,but don't bother with Mr X's nextdoor as it is too touristy these days, and it is nice to watch the sun set at Salt Plage on the South East Peninsula. Hope this helps. For dinner at Pavillion it is pot luck as I've had a superb meal and a dreadful one... food is good at Balahoo in town... go for lunch as Basseterre doesn't feel so welcoming at night. Hope this helps.

RoamsAround

You do realize that you are responding to a thread that dates back to September 2011 - OP has, no doubt, come and gone ages ago.

Maggi

Hi Cariblover, I'm sure this information will be to someone who is looking for the same information. We did end up going to Nevis in 2012, rented a house called Lazy Turtle. It was beautiful, especially the aforementioned botanical gardens with the volcano in the background. I got some amazing photos there. Our rental was right next door to Nisbet Plantation Resort and we were able to go there for meals and beach. Photos are located here: https://picasaweb.google.com/1120703...eat=directlink

mnag

Maggi, thank you for posting your beautiful photos. We are going to Nevis for a week in March and going through your album has got me even more excited. Loved all the detailed subtitles....it was like reading your trip report. Looks like you had a wonderful trip.

Maggi

I loved it! We took school supplies for the kids in the public school and the children were just amazing. We got there at recess and they swarmed around us and put their arms around me and loved looking at themselves on my digital camera.