Nevis: Where to Stay: Luxury: Four Seasons Nevis

Four Seasons Nevis

When Hurricane Omar hit Nevis in 2008, Four Seasons aficionados feared that the Canadian company would close its beloved resort on the island for good. After a two-year, multi-million-dollar rebuilding effort, however, the Four Seasons reopened to fanfare in late 2010, much to the relief of its loyal family fans. With its multiple pools, well-appointed villas (in addition to the hotel rooms) and myriad activities, including a Robert Trent Jones II–designed golf course and an extensive tennis program, the property offers the type of experience that keeps everyone from toddlers to grandparents entertained and happy.

The resort sprawls across hundreds of acres on Nevis’ west coast, spilling down to a four-mile beach. Guest should know that walking from end-to-end can take fifteen minutes, and some of the villas are on a hilltop that is a golf cart–ride away from the main facilities. Where you book is key to how you want to spend your days. The resort offers three pools, ten tennis courts and the 18-hole golf course, and the volcanic island of Nevis itself is one for active travelers. There’s myriad water sports, challenging hiking, a sailing school and beautiful beaches with low surf.

A benefit of the renovation/rebuilding is the fact that the 196 guest rooms and suites, as well as 42 residences, feel brand-new, with their updated take on traditional West Indian interiors that make the most of the views. The décor includes comfortable furnishings, spacious bathrooms and all the high-tech amenities a modern traveler expects.

The Four Seasons Nevis is by no means the only resort in this part of the Caribbean that caters to families—it is, however, one of the few that does so and that can boast top-notch service. The near-closing and rebuilding of the resort after the hurricane inspired fierce loyalty amongst the local community (the Four Seasons is the island’s largest employer), and staff’ devotion is apparent through attentive and warm service. On a recent trip, when my internet connection was slower than usual one night, I called reception and barely fifteen minutes later, I had a modem set up in my room.

An Indagare family traveling with two small children raved: ” I just wanted to reiterate what a fabulous time we had last year at Nevis. It was perfect with the kids.” Budding conservationists should visit in June, which kicks off sea-turtle nesting season. Guests of the Four Seasons can help patrol the beaches and mark turtle nests during the night-time vigils, while kids can join a weekly sea turtle camp.

Who Should Stay: Four Seasons devotees who like the company’s aesthetic and are looking for a full service resort with a kids-club.

Who Should Not Stay: Design mavens, lovers of boutique hotels and those looking for a party scene.

Indagare Tip: There is an adults-only pool on one side of the property so if you are traveling without children, request to stay on that side of the resort.

Rooms to Get: A three-bedroom villa set on the hillside of Nevis Peak in the Stewart area is ideal for guests who want maximum privacy (contact Indagare for help with booking this villa). With incredible views of the ocean and neighboring St. Kitts, these villa have been furnished with designs from Paola Lenti and B&B Italia. For couples or families with small children, there are villas closer to the resort with golf-course views and private pools.

What’s Nearby: Indagare Tip: A short stroll from the Four Seasons, don’t miss local hot spot Double Deuce, a casual beach bar restaurant. Order the steak braised with garlic butter and homemade fries or try their seared yellow fin tuna.