Fodor's Expert Review Montpelier Plantation & Beach

This Nevisian beauty, a Rélais & Châteaux property, epitomizes understated elegance and graciously updated plantation living. The fieldstone great house replicates the 18th-century original; water lilies float serenely in antique copper syrup pots; and the mill houses an intimate restaurant. Hillside cottages, each with a private veranda and sea views, dot 30 acres of ravishing gardens. The public spaces are scattered with contemporary artworks; recently renovated guest rooms adopt a minimalist, Asian-inspired aesthetic. Bamboo is joined into rustic valances, woven as wall mats, or split for headboards. Each room is distinctive, though most have sisal rugs, Philippine hemp chairs, louvered windows, bowls of fresh flowers, and large bathrooms. You register at your leisure after settling in; any preshipped bags will be unpacked and your clothes pressed before you arrive. Staffers (more than three per room) almost psychically intuit your needs. All you have to do is relax in a hammock contemplating the sea or enjoy tapas and complimentary tea by the 60-foot pool. You can also savor cooking classes, rum tastings, and spa treatments. Two separate villas are ideal for families.