Having never been to the Caribbean, I need help figuring out where to go. We would like a relaxing place to go which has more to do than laying on the beach. We are not divers or big drinkers. Do like things such as hiking and culture and good food etc. We usually stay at bed and breakfasts when we travel -- I was interested in the plantation houses. I would like to keep the total cost of the trip in the $3,000 - $5,000 range for two. Also was thinking about the end of October or the beginning of November for this trip and wondered if one area was more hurricane prone than the rest.

Thanks for your help.

I have been to quite a few places in the Caribbean now and I love St. Kitts. It's quiet, you can hike in the rain forest,visit the historical sites. I,ve stayed at tha Marriott----poor poor service, but now love to stay in a plantation resort, beautiful surroundings, lush gardens, great food, tranquility. Well within your budget.A trip tp Nevis by ferry is easy.Have not been to St. Lucia yet.Much less risk of hurricanes late in the season, but don't quote me!

We combined St. Kitts and Nevis for a trip a couple years ago. I really liked both islands. We flew into St. Kitts and home from Nevis.

We wanted to be on the water, so stayed at Timothy Beach Resort on St. Kitts and Oualie Beach on Nevis. Neither qualifies as a plantation inn or a B&B, but, for the price, they were both wonderful.

If you're into hiking, the hike to the top of the volcano on St. Kitts is awesome.

pinafore

Thanks for your response -- where did you stay?

JeanH Thank you -- I will look st those.

Anyone -- any secrets for airfare? Looks to be around $700+ each.

Thanks

I highly recommend Nisbet Plantation on Nevis, a great value in the off season, charming, historic, peaceful, an ideal Caribbean resort. It's the only plantation inn on the beach which to me is a huge plus as I just can't see going to the Caribbean and not staying on the beach!

We've been to all of these and the best is Nevis. It is so laid-back. We stayed at the Four Seasons, but there are other places more like the plantation houses such as what was originally the family home of Fanny Nisbet - Nisbet Plantation. It's a colonial-style place. It has magnificent lawns. There is also a thirty acre former sugar plantation that has had extensive refurbishment. Although it is still charming, Montpellier Plantation Inn now has some sophisticated new touches. Nevis is very unique for a romantic and relaxing getaway. And it's so lush!

Rawlins plantation, there is also Ottleys. I would not recommend the Golden Lemon unless it has been upgraded, it was a little shabby last time we visited and in the middle of being sold.I have visited the Nevis plantations, they all look beautiful. Yes you can hike the volcano, there are wonderful, knowledgable and friendly guides who will plan a trip to your fitness level. Where will you be flying from? There are more direct flights on Saturday than other days. We fly from Philly and usually do US airways. The way flight prices are going up, $700 may not necessarily be high, though it is low season in the Caribbean right now. I fly as a tourist quite a lot and the prices just keep going up. I do not use this forum much but will look out for any more questions from you this week.

I would not recommend the Four Seasons, there are lots of children stay there, it might not be what you want!

For plantation ease, elegance, and charm, I'd recommend Nevis, St. Kitts, and St. lucia, in that order.

Unlike some others here, I happen to prefer Nevis head and shoulders above St. Kitts--it's smaller, more intimate, more beautiful, with better food options and better beaches IMO. If being on the water is important, choose Nisbet. If it's not important to you, choose Montpelier. If you're on a stricter budget than either of those would afford, there are still other places on the island that offer charm in spaes.

Take a daytrip to St. Kitts and drive around the island, especially stopping at the amazing Fort Brimstone. But I'd personally advise spending more time on Nevis--your own miles may vary, however.