St. Kitts in the Caribbean has for the past 350 years remained largely undeveloped. While St. Kitts' neighbor islands like St. Martin and Antigua focused on vacation tourism, this small volcanic island concentrated on growing sugar cane, relying on an industry that dates back to the 1600s.
All that is about to change. The recent demise of the sugar industry in St. Kitts has prompted citizens to follow the other Caribbean islands in putting most of their efforts into developing a vacations tourist trade. Plans are in the works for mega-hotels, condo and villa complexes, and Beaumont Park racetrack.While St. Kitts has dramatic changes planned, at the moment it still remains surprisingly unspoiled. With its white sand and black sand beaches, colorful Caribbean culture, and friendly people, this island named St. Christopher after explorer Christopher Columbus and eventually abbreviated to “St. Kitts” has all the elements required for a relaxed Caribbean getaway that’s big on atmosphere and low on glitz.
Travelers seeking a typical Caribbean vacation will likely enjoy the huge St. Kitts Marriott Resort & Royal Beach Casino, which offers a wide range of amenities and non-stop activities. But those looking for a different type of experience will appreciate its truly unique plantation inns. Several of the estates that sugar plantation owners built in the 1800s have been converted into luxurious, lushly landscaped properties. They offer the chance for a remarkably private getaway, providing guests with a taste of the past.
St. Kitts: Pro and Con
St. Kitts’ greatest virtue is also its downfall. Because its commitment to attracting tourists is still new, the island as a whole isn’t as geared toward entertaining guests as most other Caribbean islands.Aside from the unique plantation inns and the gargantuan Marriott, there are few hotels. The town of Basseterre has little to offer besides a handful of shops, most of which stock the usual duty-free merchandise, and a few unmemorable restaurants.
While the Marriott constructed a breakwater that makes the ocean inviting, the waves at other beaches are intimidating, with warning signs proclaiming that swimming is risky because the undertow is strong and there are no lifeguards. Public beaches are inaccessible without a car, and few live up to the usual standards of most Caribbean beaches.
In short, there’s not much to do besides sit near the pool and bake in the sun. For the couple searching for peace and quiet, St. Kitts may be fine. But those who expect their romantic getaway to include sightseeing, shopping, a choice of exhilarating activities on both water and land, and exciting nightlife are apt to be disappointed.
St. Kitts: Around the Island
Most of this 68-square-mile island is still covered with sugar cane, with sleepy villages dotting the single road that winds along St. Kitts' coast. The charming inns are located on the main part of the island, as are the historic sights and St. Kitts’ capital, Basseterre, a lively Caribbean town with an open public market, restaurants, and smattering of shops.The majority of St. Kitts' development is slated for the Southeast Peninsula, currently the home of the island’s largest hotel, the St. Kitts Marriott. A short ride from Basseterre, the peninsula offers St. Kitts' best beaches and vacation boating activities, excellent views of the neighboring island of Nevis, golf, the casino, and nightlife. Frigate Bay, with hotels and good beaches, links the island’s two sections.
St. Kitts: Basics for Travelers
St. Kitts, one of the northern Leeward Islands of the Eastern Caribbean, is small: only 23 miles long and 5 miles long. The residents, called Kittitians, speak English with a charming Caribbean accent. While U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere, the official currency is the Eastern Caribbean (EC) dollar. The time zone is one hour later than the East Coast.US Airways flies direct to St. Kitts from Philadelphia and Charlotte, and American Airlines and American Eagle fly directly from Miami and San Juan. Because of the island’s British roots, cars drive on the left. Taxis are abundant, and more adventurous travelers can take the public buses that circle the island.
The St. Kitts Tourism Authority, located in the Pelican Mall in Basseterre, is the best source of island and vacation information. Its tollfree number is 800-582-6208.
