Hello all...
We just returned from our two week vacation to St. Kitts staying at Timothy Beach Resort. I am going to try and get through all the details but I do have a two year old son...so it may take some time...but do feel free to ask any questions!! I have a lot to say!

Let me bore you all with my context first....I went to St. Kitts first in 1990 and enjoyed it but I was pretty young and easy to please. I returned in 2000 and was pretty tough to please. I found St. Kitts slow but still lovely. Returning now in 2007 I am SOLD!!! Now all I have left to do is plan for my return and worry about what may happen to the island if it over develops in an out of control speed - look at some of the other islands....sigh. But here I go with the whole story!

We flew Toronto direct to St. Kitts on Skyservice 3hours and 57 minutes!! Woohoo! We arrived and couldnt' believe how dignified and calm the whole process what of getting us out of the terminal and into our van....really other islands should take a lesson from St. Kitts!

Off to Timothy Beach for two weeks in a one bedroom suite - we had lots of requests as we are two couples booking with a two year old. We did not love where we were placed - 16A and B... at the end of the complex side on to laundry and the storage door. We asked for something different and I called Liz Perreira travel agent st. Kitts specialist - we were then told we could have a different room the following day...and to be honest by the time we settled in to our room that night 16A wasn't even so bad. But we still moved to #33. HEAVEN!

We had a sensational view from our one bedroom unit to the Caribbean where we sat on our balcony and watched the sunset every night!! Breathtaking sunsets! My son slept on the pull out couch and we had a huge king size bed. The kitchen was well equipped for two weeks of breakfasts and lunches. The housekeeping service was fantastic - THANKS DONNA! She even did our dishes if we got lazy...Everything was in good repair and we ended up being in the building next to my parents (our travelling companion) and that was perfect as we could reach our necks out and plan our next event! We feared that being on the second floor rather than ground would not work for the two year old but it all worked out perfectly as he was safe and confined - all went well.

The Pool is lovely and we ofte had it all to our selves. They are upgrading a lot so we benefitted from the new deck chairs and umbrellas. Our unit was outfitted with new balcony furniture and while we were there a new stove!

The staff are GREAT - absolutely lovely friendly people who went out of their way to chat and interact with us and mostly Logan! Everyone who was in the hotel seemed really happy and in the end our final thought personally of TBR is this...

Of the 13 islands and many hotels etc...we have visited this was the best all around. The view of Caribbean and Atlantic with the Pond and mountains in front was unbeatable. Sunsets and reflection of sunrises on the mountains...sigh. I will go back and I even tried to talk my husband into buying one of the units - I even suggested 16A ironically....anyting for a piece of TBR and ST.KITTS! sigh - my parents even talked incessantly about taking 4 weeks next year. We even took tours of Bird Rock, Sea Lofts and Island Paradise....hands down we are TBR fans!! Worth every small penny spent!!!

Now lets see if I can share some more....but wait must put my child to sleep! Back later!!

Glad to hear that you had a great time and I'm looking forward to more details!

Have you given up SXM? wink wink....Glad to hear that you have found a love for St. Kitts, as we have. Can't wait to hear more about your trip, as we are going for our 3rd time in June!!!

Thanks for taking the time to post such an enthusiastic trip report. While I enjoyed my time in St. Kitts very much, I'm somehow not one of the folks who long to return, but every time I read a report like yours I have to second guess myself!

Looking forward to the rest of the report!

I am one of the folks that long to return! I have traveled most of the caribbean but after 4 trips there, SK remains my single most favorite (Grenada is sneaking up there though!). It is my parents 40th and my 10th anniversary this year and I hoping to arrange for a large group of family to go stay at Timothy Beach this summer. We need to quit telling people about SK so it will stay the way I love it! haha

I agree, caribqueen....Shh!

Glad you enjoyed your stay in St. Kitts!

Liz Pereira
St. Kitts Specialist

SXM has slipped....SKB and GND are neck in neck!! But what a great race eh!?!?!? ejcrowe - I know you didn't love St. Kitts...but you did love Grenada...I have been insanely passionate about GND for decades so we agree in some areas and maybe you will give SKB another try and the battle may be on for you between the two - either way...aren't we all lucky!

Ballahoo - Conch Fritters!!! sigh. mmmm - what else shall I say? Everyone here too was happy I didn't pay much attention to what anyone else had as I was focused on my Conch Fritters.... Still I love the location as that day we were in town the rain came down and we sat happily in our seats overlooking the circus safe and dry and happy as could be.

Rock Lobster.... - the food was really tasty and well prepared and served...the drinks were good, my son just about passed out with delight over the milkshake they made him - he didn't even ask for more - so that is 2 year old satisfaction! I did like sitting outside there and had the child not had a total melt down I would have a better report - sorry! But I do DO recommend it!

Finally - Ciao's - I had Penne vodka salmon - YUM!! and the wine list was great too which was good good good! Chianti! However, on the island I was struck at every place the people - so natural, easy going, warm friendly kinds generous outgoing, accomodating on and on and on...it seemed here that maybe someone was ruling with an iron fist and there was a distinct air of discomfort from some staff....


More to come

The only disappointment we experienced was Fishermans Wharf - we did not go on West Indian buffet night because of my Mothers "unique" meal requirements...our food was overcooked and fishy - not as good as we would have liked but with all the other great meals who cares...I will try it again in the future!

Mr. X's was perfect - the food was really good plus the drinks were great - the entertainment - FireMan!! Lots of fun and my son was able to run free and enjoy himself! We ate - Ribs, MahiMahi, Jerk Chicken and Snapper and even Mum found something to love - the Ginger Chicken!

Marshalls was all it has been made out to be - but more affordable than somewhere like Ottleys which makes no sense as I prefere the location of Marshalls and quality was excellent in every way! And the staff managed to avoid rolling their eyes at a couple of my Mums requirements - so more of that wonderful Kittian spirit!

Sunset Cafe - they clearly have responded well to the statements of criticism as the service was wonderful - Juliet if you read this Logan and I miss you terribly!! The food was great - I ate all far too much Roti...better than Barbs here at home but shhhh....and the Pina Colada - yippeee

But as I speak of Pina Coladas I think of one of my favorite places of all - Shipwreck!! Not much one can say as it is all in the heart - but maybe these two thoughts - mmmmBeach Colada and location location location!

Wait there is more...can you still read it all?

OK - I guess at some point I have to bring this to a close so let m bring this all together - The final and wonderful restaurant mention is - Oualie Beach Resort!

We visited Nevis one day - took the ferry over - CaribSurf on the way there and Mark Twain on the return - the ride was lovely and we were really happy!

After a drive around the island which was hindered by road work we had to eat and found our way to ChefJason - it may not actually have been him but lets just say - we all agreed with my Mum who said - NOW HERE I could get VERY HEAVY...as she was thrilled with the quality of her food as were we all - but we loved out SKB and we returned to enjoy the remainder of our days there!

We visite the beautiful Cockleshells beach - my favorite!! It is sad to see how it will be developed as it is such a quiet blessing! But wait - does anyone know what it the strange yellow building at one end of the beach - reminded me of the show LOST.

Turtle Beach was fun with monkeys and good drinks but all a bit much for me and too sharply contrasting Cockleshell Beach. So back we went there to sit under a palm tree in peace and watch Nevis.

We went to the Fort and everyone was thrilled - it is such a wonderful historical place with information we all felt meaningful. But above all else - THE VIEWS!! What an island.

Let me post this and see what else I can squeeze in...

Alright - have to bring this to a close...as I am sure I will have plenty to say in other areas of this forum....

We visited the beautiful Ottleys Plantation and did the mini rainforest hike - it is such an incredible location and although it is more expensive than the entire trip...I love just being there! But in the area of plantations we also visited Rawlins which was particularly interesting as the chap (mind me saying very attractive chap) who got Sandy Lane in Bbdos and another expesive spot in Antigua has taken the task on of waging direct war on Ottleys by making some changes at Rawlins. It is also a sensational romantic area that initial I was thrilled he had taken charge of but as he began explaining about the golf course they would put in and Polo and buying Golden Lemon maybe and the 27 - or some horrible number of condo's they would be building I worried - what is going to happen to St. Kitts? This very attractive man clearly has great ideas for generating income at this location and it is classy and beautiful and will cater to the rich and richer...but what about the soul of St. Kitts - he did state that Bbdos has been done and Antigua is pretty much done - so what they are going to done do st.kitts too? I was sad afterwards because I can only pray that the very reasons that I DO NOT enjoy Barbados are the reasons I LOVE St.Kitts....someone help me come to terms.

but I worry - I get paid to do it...Every morning we walked from TBR to the Marriot and back for the joy of it - look at what we dont want and then walk back to our heavenly piece of SKB. Marriott works for some but it couldn't be further from what we want - well wait maybe what will happen to Rawlins is further who knows... but the walk was so beautiful and again the people so smiley and chatty - and the golf course is very pretty.

I went snorkeling for the first time in my whole life at TBR and I saw a squid, star fish, schools of colourful fish and we managed to get home a few sand dollars.

But what I am left with now is - the beauty of the island - everywhere is beauty, the spirit of the island and its beautiful truly West Indian people and the sunsets that I get to dream about now...I love St. Kitts and I could myself and my family lucky to have gone - Thanks Liz!!!

What an awesome trip report! I, too, share your feelings on ST. Kitts not growing too much, like SXM ( I am soooo done with that island!). Hope not to offend anyone....... The people in St. Kitts are wonderful and the food is good and it is easy to navigate. We are looking forward to the 3rd trip in June (again, thanks Liz). We are headed to Nevis first....gotta love Chef Jason and his staff!
I also hope that ej will give St.Kitts or Nevis another try...I so admire her trip reports and am curious as to why this island didn't 'fit the bill'.
I have not been to Grenada, so I can't speak to that. What is it like?
After St. Kitts and Nevis, we are going for 4 nights to St. Barths...so, if anyone has thoughts, I would love to hear them.

thanks for continuing the trip report. I am in total agreement with you about Cockleshell Bay--what a piece of beauty that was! If we visit again we will put Marshall's at the top of our list for a special meal, as Ottley's was overall a bit disappointing.

It's not that I didn't like St. Kitts. I liked it very much while there, found the island beautiful, the locals very friendly & accommodating, the fort a moving experience. But every day we were there, there was at least one cruise ship in port and it just felt very crowded to me. I chose St. Kitts because I wanted to avoid crowds! We liked it better after we made our way to Cockleshell after the hordes at South Frigate and Turtle Beaches.

And as for Nevis, that was an island I fell in love with in 2004 during my first visit Definitely won't be my last! I can't put my finger on the reasons that Grenada and Nevis have me under their sirens' spell but St. Kitts doesn't. But I'm certainly willing to give it another shot!

ej:...Ah, I get it. We have avoided the cruise ship crowds, so far. This trip may not be so lucky. I do not care for crowds, either. Unfortunately (IMO) the ship crowds do tend to take over the area for a time, making it difficult to see the island at ones own pace. Interestingly enough, our tour/cab driver, Vincent Joseph, seemed happy about the ships since that would boost tourism and of course, profits for the island. I see it as another island that will quickly expand, and not be one that I choose to visit much longer, if that happens. We loved St. Martin for our first two trips about 12 years ago, but it is so overgrown, as we saw last year. Again, all of this is my opinion and I do not want to offend anyone.

Oh, I do need to mention that he had a very good job in the sugar cane industry, which is no longer functioning. Very sad for the people of SKB.

Yes, the growth of tourism is a double-edged sword, isn't it?

It seems to me that small-scale, sustainable tourism is the best way to go, but that could take years for it to become profitable. In the meantime, it must seem a lot easier for the government to sell off large chunks to international corporations for the immediate profit.

It just seems sad to me. I look at Bequia as just about the ideal way to develop an island like that. No single large resort, just tons of small guesthouses and a few hotels, all employing local people.

If the governments really want to do something for all of Kittitians and Nevisians, they would make it easier for them to go into business for themselves. Small businesses are by definition interested in supporting and nurturing their community.

Of course this is also predicated on my opinion that I prefer to travel to places without widespread corporate development. I also understand that it's a lot easier to hold to these ideals when I'm not worried about feeding my family or making other financial ends meet. There's just no easy answer, is there?

There is no easy answer it is true and such a complicated topic as you point out the need and benefit to building tourism but the drawbacks. And as Grenada saw after Ivan the terrible...tourists can be a fickle bunch...

I do hope that you get to Grenada iw, although how do you give up your St. Kitts times to do it - you'll just have to double up on vacations. There is something quite magical about Grenada and yet different than St. Kitts. They really are tied for first in my heart because they possess similar qualities in the West Indian experience with extraordinary people but different - I love that! The only thing that Grenada has sealed the deal on is that it would appear it will be hard for them to develop much further in tourism and they have handled it really well to this point ie: no hotel on Grand Anse beach can be taller than the tallest palm tree....

I just pray that SK can keep a handle on the greed of the outside developer - and yes I wish that there was a way for local developers to be the primary developers. There do seem to be several local developers taking a lead however, the Mandarin, Hilton and another I can't remember are nudging in and I can only imagine they will target Marriott customers - which means what on earth will they feel they have to do to compete!?!?

Cockleshells seems to have a developer with some plans already in order - but hopefully Caribbean time will keep it crawling and that beach can stay dreamy.

We also dislike Cruise ship arrivals so we found out what days they were coming and planned alternate locations - thus we were not too impacted by them! Hope that it all stays as it is! And yes EJ - please try Marshalls because if Ottleys was a bit of a disappointment you may be so happy with Marshalls!!

Well said, ej and Sheila.....I think I can convince DH to try something new. Actually, for the last 2 years, I have considered Grenada, and since I set up the trips and all.....Ha...He won't know what hit him!

Thanks for the input and thoughts. 2 trips a year is tough right now, as I only have the summer off (teacher, but hopefully, for not much longer)


ej: I am so wondering what I will think of St. Barth. I have my pre-conceived notions, but I do keep an open mind. That add-on was DH's thought. He loves the food part of SXM, so he wanted to go there. I think he will be in for a surprise. A pleasant one, I hope.

iw, I'm sure that you and your DH will elnjoy St. Barths. I've never been there myself, but before I came into his life my husband vacationed there with his three girls. They went every year for about 6 years back in the 1980s, before St. Barth became ST. BARTH. They stayed in a concrete "bunker" (his word, not mine) directly on Baie de St. Jean that is no longer there, they drove their mini moke every morning to get fresh baguettes and coffee and cheese for breakfast & lunch and then stayed on the beach all day long. After that it just became too expensive for him to return. I'd like to be able to take him back there one day for a few days in conjunction with another island.