Golden Rock Nevis - questions re: location, need for rental car, meals
Jan 17th, 2005, 09:31 AM
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Golden Rock Nevis - questions re: location, need for rental car, meals
Hi - we are staying at the Golden Rock for three nights in early March. I will also communicate directly with the inn for some of these questions, but was interested in any advice from other fodorites who've stayed here....
Are we so removed from anything else that we should rent a car? Our biggest concern at this point is for meals, e.g. is there a restaurant nearby to which we could walk for dinner, or are we better off just getting the breakfast/dinner option with our room and eating at the inn? (additional $90/nt total for 2 people).
I'm trying to better understand what our options will be once there. I'm not concerned so much about activities, as we intend to do the hike from the inn and spend time at their beach bar and facilities on Pinney's beach...but if we want to see any more of the island, maybe we're better off with a rental car?
Appreciate your advice!
Are we so removed from anything else that we should rent a car? Our biggest concern at this point is for meals, e.g. is there a restaurant nearby to which we could walk for dinner, or are we better off just getting the breakfast/dinner option with our room and eating at the inn? (additional $90/nt total for 2 people).
I'm trying to better understand what our options will be once there. I'm not concerned so much about activities, as we intend to do the hike from the inn and spend time at their beach bar and facilities on Pinney's beach...but if we want to see any more of the island, maybe we're better off with a rental car?
Appreciate your advice!
Jan 17th, 2005, 10:02 AM
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Golden Rock is up on the side of Mt. Nevis and it pretty far from just about everything so you will definitely need a rental car if you want to get out and explore the island. There are so many things to see and do on the island. You'll find renting a car it much cheaper than taking taxis everywhere, besides it's easy to drive around the island as there is only one "main" road. It circumvents the entire island so you can really get lost. As a hint, if you get off the main road you'll find that any paved road will eventually get you back to the main road.
The only restaurant in the immediate area is the one at Golden Rock. There are lots of good restaurants on Nevis, many of them within a 15 to 20 minute drive of Golden Rock. If I were you, I'd opt out of the meal plan and dine around the island. You will enjoy your stay much better.
Go to www.nevis1.com and you'll find comprehensive descriptions of just about every restaurant on Nevis (with current price ranges). It's a huge web-sites with info on restaurants, activities, lodging, car rentals, nightlife, hiking, watersports, etc. You'll find answes to just about every question you can think of - it should be required reading for anyone planning a trip to Nevis.
The only restaurant in the immediate area is the one at Golden Rock. There are lots of good restaurants on Nevis, many of them within a 15 to 20 minute drive of Golden Rock. If I were you, I'd opt out of the meal plan and dine around the island. You will enjoy your stay much better.
Go to www.nevis1.com and you'll find comprehensive descriptions of just about every restaurant on Nevis (with current price ranges). It's a huge web-sites with info on restaurants, activities, lodging, car rentals, nightlife, hiking, watersports, etc. You'll find answes to just about every question you can think of - it should be required reading for anyone planning a trip to Nevis.
Jan 17th, 2005, 11:37 AM
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Say hi to Pam, the owner, for us. We stayed there for 9 days and loved it. Don't miss the candlelight dinners and great discussions at night. Yes, rent a car to island explore; you can go all the way around in a couple hours. Rent a car at the airport from Noel's care rental at 869-469-5199. Actually, Pam at the Golden Rock, who knows EVERYONE on the island, called her friend Marva and ordered a jeep for us( Marva works for Noel's. We simply got off the plane, bought a "St. Christopher And Nevis Temporary Drivers License" for $62.50, Marva had us sign our names on a form, and off we went. I reco getting a jeep instead of a car. You'll like the Green Vervet Monkeys at the beginning mountain trails, which start at the Golden Rock. They began to accept me intruding in their turf, and only occassionally threw a half eaten mango at me from the treetops. I threw one back, but they sought revenge and the next morning climbed the cyclone fence which surrounds the Golden Rock property (to keep the wild donkeys out) and stole a bag of my favorite peanuts off the front porch of our cottage. I enjoyed eating breakfast and lunch at the Golden Rock, on their outdoor patio, and have the tropical birds come in for handouts. Of course, Pam's pet parrot will be scrutinizing you at every turn while you're there. By the way, her parrot peeks through the ceiling window at you whilst you take a shower in the A.M. If you like yoga, the morning sessions around the pool, with the mountains as a backdrop. You are removed from the regular tourist haunts, but you can easily visit them on your own time...when you want to. Definately eat at the Gallipot; great food and sunsets, right on the ocean. Rober
Jan 17th, 2005, 11:37 AM
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Say hi to Pam, the owner, for us. We stayed there for 9 days and loved it. Don't miss the candlelight dinners and great discussions at night. Yes, rent a car to island explore; you can go all the way around in a couple hours. Rent a car at the airport from Noel's care rental at 869-469-5199. Actually, Pam at the Golden Rock, who knows EVERYONE on the island, called her friend Marva and ordered a jeep for us( Marva works for Noel's. We simply got off the plane, bought a "St. Christopher And Nevis Temporary Drivers License" for $62.50, Marva had us sign our names on a form, and off we went. I reco getting a jeep instead of a car. You'll like the Green Vervet Monkeys at the beginning mountain trails, which start at the Golden Rock. They began to accept me intruding in their turf, and only occassionally threw a half eaten mango at me from the treetops. I threw one back, but they sought revenge and the next morning climbed the cyclone fence which surrounds the Golden Rock property (to keep the wild donkeys out) and stole a bag of my favorite peanuts off the front porch of our cottage. I enjoyed eating breakfast and lunch at the Golden Rock, on their outdoor patio, and have the tropical birds come in for handouts. Of course, Pam's pet parrot will be scrutinizing you at every turn while you're there. By the way, her parrot peeks through the ceiling window at you whilst you take a shower in the A.M. If you like yoga, the morning sessions around the pool, with the mountains as a backdrop. You are removed from the regular tourist haunts, but you can easily visit them on your own time...when you want to. Definately eat at the Gallipot; great food and sunsets, right on the ocean. Robert
Jan 17th, 2005, 11:42 AM
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Jan 23rd, 2005, 11:47 AM
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Hi Robert,
Thanks for your help.. Do you remember if there is anywhere on Nevis to rent jet ski's. Maybe we could take a trip to some other islands that we can see from Nevis ofcourse.
Also, Please tell me that Nevis and Golden Rock is everything I dream of. Took your advise, called Mauva at Noels and rented a jeep right from the airport when we arrive.
Kelly
Thanks for your help.. Do you remember if there is anywhere on Nevis to rent jet ski's. Maybe we could take a trip to some other islands that we can see from Nevis ofcourse.
Also, Please tell me that Nevis and Golden Rock is everything I dream of. Took your advise, called Mauva at Noels and rented a jeep right from the airport when we arrive.Kelly
Jan 24th, 2005, 08:26 AM
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Will, I hope it's everything you dreamed of. But, of course, one's man's garbage is another man's treasure. The island is very laid back. When you leave the airport and travel south, you'll notice a sign with hand-painted "Lovers Beach" on it. Drive down the chuckholed road through a palm forest, where you park in. It's completely deserted, usually, and offers great snorkeling. It'll be on your right (the sign) shortly after leaving Newcastle airport. The driving is...interesting. Watch out for the nutmeg-dusted rum drink the bartender at Golden Rock is famous for. I had three and felt like I was washing down "stomach relaxers" with the cool drink. Take some good hiking shoes, and at first take the short trail, which starts just past the outside dining patio; Pam will steer you to it. When you get your leg muscles developed try the "Source Trail" which is a 3-4 hour trek to the top of Mt. Nevis through the rain forest. The short trail is a half-hour jaunt where you'll either be accepted or ostracized by the Green Vervet troop. If you hike up the Source Trail after a rain, be careful, for it can be slippery and the ravines are hundreds of feet deep. A hiker slipped on the wet foliage, and slid down a few hundred feet, and wasn't found until well into the next day (Do I see a Surviver show filming here some day?). You may want to say "Hi!" to Barbara Whitman, who will take you on a touch and go snorkeling trip. Ask Pam to make reservations for you. Barbara is a well-known Marine Biologist on Nevis. I don't know if jet skis have hit Nevis yet; I didn't see any there. Definately keep your eyes out for whales, they migrate through from December to the end of April. Have fun! Robert
Jan 24th, 2005, 11:36 AM
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I spent a very pleasant half day at Golden Rock during my first trip to Nevis last fall. The grounds were lovely and lush without being at all fussy and we enjoyed walking around. Part of the hiking trails were closed off because heavy rainfall had caused some mudslides, but we took about an hour's walk through the dense foliage. Heard some monkeys but did not actually see any that day.
I would definitely rent a car to get around--I did my first left hand driving on Nevis and after the first couple of minutes it felt pretty natural.
We stumbled on Lovers Beach one day because we were specifically looking for it, but I think the sign Robert saw when he was there must have been removed by the time we were there at the end of November. Heading south down the west side of the island from the airport, we just found a place on the side of the road to pull over--there's a very interesting looking bare tree marking the spot--and walked down to the beach. It was much longer than what I had expected. From the name I was looking for a small cove but this was a fairly long piece of sand.
After doing my own inquiries about daytrips to other islands, St. Kitts is really the only feasible one. I don't believe jet-skis have hit Nevis yet, for which I'm personally thankful, but the watersports person at Oualie Beach could probably hook you up with any other water activity. The Golden Rock portion of Pinney's Beach is right down from Sunshine's, where you must go at least once. Great beach bar that serves a Killer Bee, a drink that I have tried with only minimal success to duplicate at home.
Hope you love Nevis as much as I did my first trip!
I would definitely rent a car to get around--I did my first left hand driving on Nevis and after the first couple of minutes it felt pretty natural.
We stumbled on Lovers Beach one day because we were specifically looking for it, but I think the sign Robert saw when he was there must have been removed by the time we were there at the end of November. Heading south down the west side of the island from the airport, we just found a place on the side of the road to pull over--there's a very interesting looking bare tree marking the spot--and walked down to the beach. It was much longer than what I had expected. From the name I was looking for a small cove but this was a fairly long piece of sand.
After doing my own inquiries about daytrips to other islands, St. Kitts is really the only feasible one. I don't believe jet-skis have hit Nevis yet, for which I'm personally thankful, but the watersports person at Oualie Beach could probably hook you up with any other water activity. The Golden Rock portion of Pinney's Beach is right down from Sunshine's, where you must go at least once. Great beach bar that serves a Killer Bee, a drink that I have tried with only minimal success to duplicate at home.
Hope you love Nevis as much as I did my first trip!
Jan 24th, 2005, 12:48 PM
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To fizup1: As ejcrowe says the sign for Lover's Beach has been gone for quite a while (2+ years). You can still easily find the beach by driving down the dirt road that is located at the base of the hill about a mile or so south of the airport. There is a small paved area adjacent to the dirt road and just off the main road (it's actually a part of the "old" main road).
Unfortunately, at least to us Nevis lovers, on occasion you might find a local renting out a jet ski on Pinney's Beach. They set up shop on the beach just north of the Four Season's Resort near the Hermitage Beach Bar but they not there every day. From what I recall the jet ski's did not look to be in all that good shape.
While on a very clear day you can see St. Kitts, St. Eustatia, Saba, Montserrat, and Antigua from various parts of Nevis, the only practical day trip to make is to St. Kitts. There's daily ferry service and the price is reasonable (about $7 or $8US PP one-way). Ferry departure times vary each day but generally there are 3 trips each day so be sure to check schedules they day you want to travel. The staff at the Golden Rock will have the current timetables.
You can fly to St. Martin and Antigua but schedules are such that you either will have to overnight on the other island in order to have any apprecitive time there. You can charter a plane to reach a number of other islands but the cost is prohibitive (unless you are a "trust fund" baby).
Enjoy your stay.
Unfortunately, at least to us Nevis lovers, on occasion you might find a local renting out a jet ski on Pinney's Beach. They set up shop on the beach just north of the Four Season's Resort near the Hermitage Beach Bar but they not there every day. From what I recall the jet ski's did not look to be in all that good shape.
While on a very clear day you can see St. Kitts, St. Eustatia, Saba, Montserrat, and Antigua from various parts of Nevis, the only practical day trip to make is to St. Kitts. There's daily ferry service and the price is reasonable (about $7 or $8US PP one-way). Ferry departure times vary each day but generally there are 3 trips each day so be sure to check schedules they day you want to travel. The staff at the Golden Rock will have the current timetables.
You can fly to St. Martin and Antigua but schedules are such that you either will have to overnight on the other island in order to have any apprecitive time there. You can charter a plane to reach a number of other islands but the cost is prohibitive (unless you are a "trust fund" baby).
Enjoy your stay.
Jan 24th, 2005, 03:01 PM
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No trust fund here Sunnyboy.
Thanks for the info... I work for the Post Office and one of my customers dropped off a carribean book where Golden rock was listed as 44$ a day for a double. hehe We have the jeep waiting at the airport for us. Im in CT... it's been -0 and lots of snow... counting down the days. 19 to be exact and 10 pounds to lose. hehe.
Kelly
Thanks for the info... I work for the Post Office and one of my customers dropped off a carribean book where Golden rock was listed as 44$ a day for a double. hehe We have the jeep waiting at the airport for us. Im in CT... it's been -0 and lots of snow... counting down the days. 19 to be exact and 10 pounds to lose. hehe.
Kelly
Jan 24th, 2005, 05:10 PM
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Prices on the island have changed considerably since 1998. By the way, for a tasty (try the lobster and avacado salad) and reasonable lunch in a wonderful setting consider going to Martha's Teahouse at the Botanical Gardens (less than 10 minute drive from Golden Rock). The views of Charlestown, Mt. Nevis and neighboring St. Kitts are quite memorable.
Jan 25th, 2005, 09:27 AM
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hi all - appreciate the advice! we have decided to not do the meal plan and to rent a car, will have to check with Noel's as of course we want a jeep.
Kelly, I smiled at your last note I too have 10 pounds left, but a bit more time until I leave (32 days)...good luck! and definitely post a trip report when you get back...
Kelly, I smiled at your last note
I too have 10 pounds left, but a bit more time until I leave (32 days)...good luck! and definitely post a trip report when you get back...
Jan 26th, 2005, 01:30 PM
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Hello again,
I can't wait to go...Last year we did a cruise (never again) and we got to see lots of places. St Thomas,St John, Barbados, Dominica, St Kitts & St Lucia. St John & St Kitts were our FAVORITE. Decided to go to Nevis only because we heard it was better than St Kitts. I just want to go and have fun, not see a single customer and eat and drink ALOT. Oh yeh, and catch a tan. Maybe try some goat. hehe We have reservations at the Four Seasons for Valentine's Day. Has anybody been to Miss Junes? HeaRD thats good too.
Talk soon
Kelly
I can't wait to go...Last year we did a cruise (never again) and we got to see lots of places. St Thomas,St John, Barbados, Dominica, St Kitts & St Lucia. St John & St Kitts were our FAVORITE. Decided to go to Nevis only because we heard it was better than St Kitts. I just want to go and have fun, not see a single customer and eat and drink ALOT. Oh yeh, and catch a tan. Maybe try some goat. hehe We have reservations at the Four Seasons for Valentine's Day. Has anybody been to Miss Junes? HeaRD thats good too.
Talk soon
Kelly
Jan 26th, 2005, 01:42 PM
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I think you'll love Nevis--I sure did on my first trip there in November!
Definitely try some goat if you can find it. For food with local flair, I can't recommend Cla-Cha-Del highly enough. There's a sign on the main road for it--you can't miss it.
The food at Four Seasons gets mixed reviews. If it's a very special Valentine's meal, you might want to consider making a reservation at Montpelier instead, which gets raves for food and ambience across the board.
Don't forget Sunshine's on Pinney's Beach, espcially a Killer Bee. And just to whet your enthusiasm, check out www.nevis1.com for all kinds of candid reviews!
Definitely try some goat if you can find it. For food with local flair, I can't recommend Cla-Cha-Del highly enough. There's a sign on the main road for it--you can't miss it.
The food at Four Seasons gets mixed reviews. If it's a very special Valentine's meal, you might want to consider making a reservation at Montpelier instead, which gets raves for food and ambience across the board.
Don't forget Sunshine's on Pinney's Beach, espcially a Killer Bee. And just to whet your enthusiasm, check out www.nevis1.com for all kinds of candid reviews!
