Just back from St. Kitts!!
 

I just got back from St. Kitts yesterday and had a wonderful time. It was my first trip to the island. I have to say that the people were wonderful: friendly, helpful and genuine. I had my doubts about whether I would enjoy the island but it is so beautiful and has a lot to offer that I would not hesitate to go back. We stayed at Ottley’s Plantation Inn and that hotel gets rave reviews in my opinion – it lived up to and exceeded expectations in all regards. I was afraid that I would miss being close to a beach but the beauty of the surroundings was a fair trade-off. I still managed to get in a lot of beach time. I also took a day trip to Nevis which I really enjoyed and would like to go back and spend some more time there. If anyone has any specific questions, please email me or post a question.

Can you tell us more about the beaches?<BR><BR>We've been considering St. Kitts but have had some concerns about the quality of the beaches. Pictures we've seen are unimpressive, and we have seen comments to the effect that the water isn't very calm at the beaches on St. Kitts.<BR><BR>What did you think of the beach conditions, and which were your favorites?<BR><BR>Also, is there any snorkeling?<BR><BR>

I would not recommend St. Kitts as a beach destination. There are other islands that are far, far better in this regard. St. Kitts is a very beautiful island and one of my favorites. I love the sugar cane fields and historic plantation inns.

The beaches in St. Kitts, primarily all in the southern part of the island, are not manicured, tend to be a bit choppy and windy. However, they are still beautiful and the water is good for swimming, particularly at South Friar's Bay and Cockleshell Beach. If you want a picture perfect beach, then Pinney's Beach in Nevis would appeal to you. There's a lot of beauty and peace to be enjoyed on St. Kitts's beaches.

I too love St. Kitts. I disagree as to the beaches however. There's so much variety, and many good ones. <BR><BR>On the south part of the Island, South Friar's Bay is perfect. A long beach to walk on, beach vendors selling food and drinks (and not obnoxiously) on both ends, beautifully calm water, and snorkeling within a very short swim of the beach. Yes, North Friars Bay (across the street on the Atlantic side is rough -- although an amazing beach).<BR><BR>There are also Cockleshell Beach and Turtle Beach and Frigate Bay Beach. No, these are not the widest or longest or most manicured beaches, but there are more than enough places to lay on the beach, more than enough chaise loungers, and food/drinks available. Also, very calm water and good snorkeling at 2 locations (South Friars and Whitehouse Bay). I saw tons of fish -- Parrot, eels, squid, snapper, turtles, etc... not fantastic reefs, but there's something to be said about being able to swim one minute from the beach to get good snorkeling.<BR><BR>I've only experienced choppy waters on the Atlantic side. The Caribbean side has little (if any) surf. As for wind, etc..., I just haven't experienced that on the Caribbean side, and there are many beaches on the Caribbean side. Best of all, no beach vendors bothering you (which I hate).<BR><BR>I also think St. Kitts is the most picturesque island in the Caribbean. Perhaps the friendliest people too. Personally, I prefer to stay in the Frigate Bay area, but I've eaten many times at Ottleys and the place is spectacular, and the owners extremely friendly.<BR><BR>I have heard people complain about St. Kitts' beaches, but most of the complaints related to hurricane damage which is completely cleaned up now. My only complaint with the island relates to the soon to be completed Marriot which will almost double the number of rooms on the island, and people are going to find out about St. Kitts. One of my favorite parts of St. Kitts has always been going to a beach, and having less than 10 people on the beach.<BR><BR>I've been to St. Kitts a handful of times and can't wait to go back. To me, it's right up there w/ St. Barths in terms of my favorite island. I would recommend St. Kitts to anyone except someone looking for lots of nightlife or large crowds -- you won't find much of either.<BR><BR>

I have been to St. Kitts many times and it is a beautiful island, and &quot;the best kept secret in the Caribbean&quot;.

The views are breathtaking, people are very warm and friendly.

An excellent website is www.islandimage.com