QUICK PICKS
LODGING
- airbnb
- Marriott Resort
- Sunset Reef
FOOD
- Coconut Grove
- Amory Bakery
- Island Roasters
- The Retreat
- Shipwreck Bar & Grill
- 1762 Gibraltar Gastrolounge
- Drop Anchor Grill
- The Monkey Bar
- Boozies on the Beach
- Patsy’s Beach Bar & Grill
- The Gelato Shop
FUN
- RESORTPASS
- Brimstone Hill National Park
- Port Zante
- Liamuiga Natural Farm
- Old Road Rum Distillery
- Black Rocks
- Dolphin Discovery
- St. Kitts Scenic Railway
- Newroad Family Park
- Golf Course
- Romney Manor
- Caribelle Batik
- Nevis Heritage Village
- Museum of Nevis History
- Nevis Hot Springs
Our Adventures in St. Kitts & Nevis
“Nutella strawberry.” This is the name my boys coined on our very first visit to St. Kitts & Nevis. It’s a simple dish, composed of a piece of toasted bread, a generous spread of Nutella and sliced strawberries, placed on top. But to them, it’s more than a breakfast item, it’s a symbol for easy mornings, playtime with friends, and exploration of the stunning islands that are St. Kitts & Nevis.
Known as the “Mother Colony of the West Indies,” St. Kitts hosted the first British and French colonies in the West Indies. The Indigenous people called the island, Liamuiga, which means, The Fertile Isle. True to its name, the islands proved to be extremely profitable in the 17th century with the establishment of sugar plantations, worked by African slaves. A few of the old sugar mills are still visible around the island. It wasn’t until 1834 that slavery was abolished and later still, in 1983 that St. Kitts and Nevis became an independent federation.
Fast forward to the year 2026 and we are in our fourth year of “Nutella strawberry.” Every year I look forward to walking down the passenger boarding stairs after landing at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB), the Kittitian sun warming my skin and that easy sea breeze tossing my hair. I think of the familiar faces we will soon see, and the laughter of our boys when they reunite with their friends. Maybe a rum punch on the beach or a long, sunny poolside sit with a good book. The island has so much to offer, and I cannot wait to begin.
LODGING
As a mom, my first thought (after the initial routine of picking up our rental car and Kittitian driver’s license) is to stock the fridge. There are various stores on the island where you can purchase staples – milk, bread, eggs, etc. But our favorite is the Ram’s Supermarket – Buckleys. It has a large selection of just about everything, from produce, to cleaning products, spices and party supplies. There is also a fairly new Ram’s in Frigate Bay that is much smaller but still has a strong selection of fresh, frozen and pantry items along with cuts of meat and a healthy selection of wine and liquor. But if cooking on vacation isn’t your thing, there are plenty of delicious eateries to indulge in.
For all of our visits to the island, we’ve rented a two-bedroom apartment in Frigate Bay, overlooking the St. Kitts Marriott Resort. There are accommodations for most budgets ranging from Airbnb’s to luxury stays. Renting the apartment has been a low key, cost-effective way to visit the island and has the added benefit of allowing us to host an annual party with our family and friends. This year we purchased a day pass to the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, which is a great option if a full stay at the Marriott is out of your price range. I am admittedly a Marriott girl, but purchasing a day room was perfect for both our budget and our schedule.
The day pass is available at RESORTPASS and carries options of a straight day pass to use the resort’s amenities, a spa pass, or a day room. Details on each of these can be found on the Resort Pass website but we opted for the Day Room. The building and the lobby are impressive, but when you walk out the back, I have to say, I was a bit awe-struck. After picking up our room card from the front desk, we walked down the stairs to the Marriott’s backyard which boasts three swimming pools, two whirlpools, lounge chairs, beach access and a poolside bar. In those first few moments, resort life felt pretty good!
The day room itself was pristine and spacious. It was perfect for us to lounge in the cool air-conditioned space, change into our swim clothes and get cleaned up before dinner at the end of the day. If you have small kids especially, I would highly recommend purchasing the room. It gives you a quiet, safe and cool place to retreat to, if the heat and excitement of the day become too much for the little ones. Beyond the pools, the Marriott’s beach offers a relaxing, shaded spot to kick back and listen to the sounds of the ocean. When we visited, there were a few people in the water, but I wasn’t comfortable allowing my boys all the way in due to the large waves that day. Instead, we stayed closer to shore and watched the kids’ ecstatic smiles as the waves broke around them.
Another option for accommodations we recently discovered is Sunset Reef. Although we weren’t able to stay there, (it’s a bit out of our price range!!) after a visit to the Brimstone Hill Fortress, we stopped to watch the sunset and enjoy a cold drink. The Drop Anchor Grill and infinity pool area were stunning, and I can imagine the rooms would be equally attractive. After we finished our drinks, we strolled down to The Sandbar where we sat, taking silhouetted photos against the Kittitian sunset.
FOOD
Not to be overlooked, one of our favorite elements of travel is the food! The fact that we have the opportunity to visit far-flung places and try their local or even national dishes is something that I will always be grateful for. On the island of St. Kitts, there are restaurants from many different cultures which are set along varying price points. Here are a few of our favorites:
“It’s time for some Coconut Grove.” This slogan is written on the menu of Coconut Grove Café – Bar – Pizzeria. There are two high top tables along the wall looking out into a garden area. These tables seat four and are our go-to spot when we visit. Pro Tip: Our typical breakfast order is a couple sides of “crispy fish” (This isn’t on the menu but is the fish they use for fish tacos) with a little ketchup. Sometimes the waiter or waitress will offer to provide a special dipping sauce too, but ketchup is a good standby. Then, the blueberry pancakes with delicious cinnamon butter and maple syrup spread on top are my little guy’s favorite while my older son’s breakfast of choice is the New Yorker – a bagel with cream cheese and salmon. The coffee, both hot and iced, is very good but I especially enjoy the Tigerlily smoothie. It’s a perfect way to start the day.
Amory Bakery is a perfect stop for a quick coffee or a lazy morning with one of their delicious Acai bowls. This is where I get my iced macchiato latte, with a shot of caramel and oat milk! Try the oatmeal cookies, pastries and bowls too. For non-coffee drinkers, like my husband, there are a variety of matcha items to try, with fruit and coconut combinations too. Island Roasters is another must stop for coffee drinkers. They sell beans from Liamuiga Natural Farm and cute tees!
The Retreat is low key, family friendly place to dine. Several restaurants occupy this space along with a swing set and large field that are great for kids to run out some energy. Lotus Thai has fantastic curry, and I love Balai’s Korean fried chicken. If you linger into the evening hours there are lovely string lights offering peaceful and carefree island vibes. We try to visit at least once a trip!
Shipwreck Beach Bar & Grill is a must visit for all travelers! Unfortunately, the night before we departed the island, we heard that the restaurant’s lease was not being extended and it would no longer occupy the location we’d grown accustomed to. I’ll keep up on the news and post an update once they find a new location! Pro Tip: Check out the cruise ship schedule and try to visit when the least amount of boats are in port. This is (was) a very popular spot! The meals are perfectly sized with fresh and fried fish, chicken, ribs, vegetarian options, burgers, rice, beans, salads and plantains. The drink menu also contains may great options for both adults and kids.
On our most recent trip we visited 1762 Gibraltar Gastrolounge for the first time. Although it was a bit pricey for a family of four, we really enjoyed sitting atop Brimstone Hill National Park and staring out over the water while we waited for our food. I would recommend giving yourself ample time here so that you aren’t rushed exploring the fortress. We spent a bit longer here than we anticipated, which shortened our time in the fortress itself. The 3-cheese salmon dip was fantastic – highly recommend!
There are also a few restaurants on the strip along Frigate Bay that are great to stop for a meal, or step in off the beach for a drink. Definitely check out Boozies on the Beach, The Monkey Bar, and Patsy’s Beach Bar & Grill.
We’re a more savory than sweet family but if you are exploring Port Zante and shopping for souvenirs, check out The Gelato Shop for a sweet treat! I had the chocolate in a waffle cone and loved it. The kids licked up the Pistachio and my husband really enjoyed the Rum Rasin, which he said tasted like it included actual rum!
FUN
On our first visit to the island, we crammed in so many activities, I’m still amazed that we accomplished it all. Sitting back and relaxing on the beach is always an option. But if you are like us, and love to explore and experience some of the local attractions, schedule some time for these activities.
Walking through the gates of Liamuiga Natural Farm is like stepping into another world. At the top of a mountain, in the middle of a rainforest, you will find a stunning exhibition of colorful plants, a few animals and one of the most enjoyable farm-to-table meals I’ve ever had. Named National Geographic’s Best of the World List 2024, Liamuiga Natural Farm is a must for your St. Kitts & Nevis itinerary.
If you like rum, or if you’re interested in the distilling process or the history of rum in the region, I’d highly recommend a tour of the Old Road Rum Distillery. One of my favorite parts of the tour was the tasting – but not for the reason you think! Our guide taught us how to savor the smell and the taste of the rum and also a little about the ingredients used to make it. We examined the scents and tried out the difference between smelling with and without your mouth open. Try it!!
Brimstone Hill National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see for history buffs (or anyone loving an absolutely gorgeous view) The history page on their website gives great context for your visit. This stone fortress was built by the British military between the 1690s and 1790s is nearly 800 feet high showcasing steep slopes and drop offs (If you’re afraid of heights like me, stay in the center of the space.) Pro tip: The drive up is along a very narrow, winding road with hairpin turns. Make sure your driver is comfortable in tight spaces and not afraid to honk to announce their approach of the blind corners.
The black rocks on the island of St. Kitts are actually formed from the volcanic lava that erupted from the Mt. Liamuiga volcano. The contrast of the white ocean spray across the black water is a photographer’s dream and a beautiful (and FREE!) spot to visit while touring the island. Since it is a huge tourist stop, there are souvenir booths for your convenience!
One of the most touristy things you can do on vacation is swim with the dolphins. That being said – you NEED to do it! We visited Dolphin Discovery St. Kitts on our first family visit to the island. I never imagined that a dolphin would feel the way it did when I slid my hand along its back. These incredible creatures were so smart and we walked away with a sense of awe and memories that to this day put a smile on my face. Pro Tip: Splurge and purchase the photo package. This is something you will want to remember for a very long time.
If your kids are sick of being in a hotel room, or on a tour bus, consider visiting Newroad Family Park. This gated playground is large enough for the kids to run, throw a ball or climb and play. It also has a sidewalk that parents can stroll along while the kids get their energy out. But it’s also a safe space where kids can be kids. We’ve traveled to quite a few playgrounds over the years but this may be one of the best because it happens to be situated right next to the airport! My boys (who LOVE planes, down to knowing the specific types of aircraft) love getting to watch the planes take off and land. This last visit, my husband and our boys were throwing a baseball and, as they do, the ball rolled away, straight into the hands of another child. After that, more kids came to play and even some of the parents. It was then that I was reminded how wherever we are in the world, one of the greatest privileges we have, is to meet other humans, and share our experiences.
We’ve enjoyed the St. Kitts Scenic Railway a couple times now. Highlights include an easy tour of the island, pina colada’s, daiquiri’s and soft drinks at no additional charge, and a quick dance performed by local dancers. This too has a historic origin, originally being the means of transport to deliver sugar cane from the fields to the Basseterre sugar mill. I would budget at least three hours for the entire trip. Part of the way is spent on a bus, the rest on the train, completing a 30 mile tour of the island.
As a family of four attempting to keep costs low, we opted not to do one of the official snorkeling tours and instead packed our own gear. Especially since our boys are small, having the flexibility of going when and where we were wanted really helped to make sure we all had a good time. On this last trip we started out snorkeling at Shipwreck Bar & Grill, however as I mentioned, it seems the restaurant will not be open at the same location next visit. If it’s available though, the beach is South Friar’s Bay. There is a reef parallel to the shore, about 30-40 feet out. Pro tip: We did see sea urchins at this location, so we kept the kids a bit further away from the reef. As you move further from the reef there is definitely less to see but still enough that our boys were kept entertained for hours. Further down the island, and accessible from the parking lot of the Carambola Beach Resort, there is an extremely calm beach in South Friar’s Bay. This is perfect for small children and has the added benefit of lounge chairs and umbrellas. Bathrooms and a bar connected to the Resort make this a great option for a fun day in the sun.
If you’ve ever taken a cruise that stopped in St. Kitts, you’re likely familiar with the array of shops, restaurants and boutiques that is Port Zante. We usually visit once a trip to buy souvenirs and liquor to take home. According to their website, you can find luxury brands, local crafts, duty-free jewelry and souvenirs. There is also no shortage of individuals offering tours or photos with one of the (incredibly cute) green vervet monkeys! On our last trip, my husband won two free tours, two offers for monkey photos, and three offers for free charms if we came into the jewelry store to browse! Pro Tip: If you’d rather not take advantage of any of these offers, just smile and thank them for their offer. Don’t feel bad for moving on.
There is a beautiful golf course belonging to the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club on the island. Neither my husband nor I golf, but we do enjoy walking the meandering path, especially in the twilight hour when the Kittitian sun starts to set and the air cools off a bit. It’s a great opportunity to stretch your legs, talk, or just enjoy the quiet.
Going to see a movie was a new experience for us on our last adventure to the island. We have so many local friends there now, it was great for the kids to see their friends and kick back in the A/C and watch a cute movie. The chairs were in good condition, minus a couple squeaky hinges. Snacks seemed reasonably priced and they even had caramel popcorn!
A visit to Romney Manor and Caribelle Batik is a must. Batik is a dying technique that uses wax-resistant dye to create intricate patterns. The results are absolutely stunning and available for purchase. Romney Manor has a captivating history dating back to the 1600s, having only five family owners to date, one of which was the great, great, great grandfather of Thomas Jefferson. It is also home to the largest living thing in St. Kitts, the Saman tree, said to be over 400 years old and 24 ft. in circumference, with a canopy covering ½ acre.
Every year when we visit St. Kitts, I regret that we aren’t there for longer because I would love to visit Nevis again. Nevis, or Oualie, Land of Beautiful Waters, was settled by the British in 1628 and was also involved in sugar production, fueled by African slave labor. You can read more about its history HERE.
We were able to enjoy a whirlwind day on Nevis a few years ago and the island really did live up to its name. Nature lovers and photographers will definitely want to visit Nevis Heritage Village. This open-air museum offers a stroll on stunning grounds along with a touch of history.
For fans of Lin Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton or (history buffs) The Museum of Nevis History is a great stop and takes you through Alexander Hamilton’s story, starting right there on Nevis, the island of his birth. (I can not confirm nor deny the existence of video of me “rapping” a song from Hamilton inside his house!)
Don’t leave the island without a stop to the Nevis Hot Springs. Located in Bath Village, the hot springs are visited by tourists and locals. If you want to bring something special home with you, check out the Nevis Artisan Village. You can find all sorts of items made from locally sourced products in a colorful and low-key setting.
The above is the culmination of my family’s four visits to the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis. Every year the island feels more and more like home, especially to our young boys who have forged solid friendships on the island. As we continue to visit, I will update you on our adventures. This is a brief overview of many of our favorite places to visit, but if you’re interested in learning more about one in particular, please let me know and I’ll make it the subject of a dedicated post. But in the meantime, if you’re curious about any of the locations or have any questions, drop a comment below. Happy Travels!
