Sweet things come in small packages. Take St. Kitts. Though only 37km long, the tiny Caribbean island boasts all the tropical must-haves, from stunning beaches to mouth-watering cuisine, a volcano to rainforests. Best of all, the gorgeous scenery isn’t spoiled by throngs of tourists or resorts. And that’s why St. Kitts is one of our favourite winter-time escapes.
Where to sleep
When we crave a luxurious room with an ocean view, we head to the St. Kitts Marriott Resort and the Royal Beach Casino (US $208-$492/night). With three freshwater pools, eight restaurants, a spa and a golden sand beach on the Atlantic Ocean, it’s tempting to stay resort-bound all day rather than explore the island.
Where to eat
For casual dining, we love Buddies Beach Hut, an open-air beach-front restaurant with a delicious and affordable menu (entrees US $5-$18) served up on picnic tables so you can take in the cool ocean breeze, tropical cocktail in hand.
When we’re in the mood for seafood, Blu Seafood Restaurant at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort is our first pick. Start with the melt-in-your-mouth jerk spiced scallops (US $9), followed by the seared-to-perfection Chilean sea bass (US $38).
For a leisurely West Indes lunch, visit Reggae Beach Bar and Grill (US $10 - $20 for entrees), an open-air hut nestled in a secluded nook of the island surrounded by sand, surf, monkeys and palm trees. After indulging in one of their seafood or BBQ dishes, lounge on the beach or check out one of the restaurant’s many water activity offerings, including snorkelling, kayaking and deep sea fishing.
What to do
Indulge your adventurous spirit with a trip up the inactive volcano Mount Liamuiga with Greg’s Safaris, which provides transportation, a guide and lunch (US $95 for the Mount Liamuiga Volcano Hike). The climb is rigorous, but with spectacular views, well worth the effort. And there’s nothing quite as amazing as dining on the lip of a crater.
Or get a mini-history lesson while roaming the ruins at Brimstone Hill Fortress (US $8 entry fee). A visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site also boasts a jaw-dropping panorama of the island and the ocean far below.
Of course, no getaway is complete without a trip to the spa. For serious pampering, check out the Emerald Mist Spa. Our favourite treatment? The bamboo massage (US $155/80 mins), where perfectly warmed bamboo tools are combined with traditional massage strokes to release tension from the body.