Seductive St Kitts - A Family Adventure!

Our main summer holiday this year was to St Kitts and Nevis in the West Indies. We were able to explore both islands over a week. Not a destination that you might expect for a family holiday with younger children – but it was perfect!

We spent three nights in St Christopher (Kitts). On arrival we took a taxi to the Park Hyatt on Banana Bay. The friendly taxi driver told us lots about the island on the way and stopped at a beautiful viewpoint, looking over both the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Arriving at the hotel we received a lovely warm welcome, our bags were whisked away and we were escorted passed the beautiful pools of fish, down to ‘the living room’ or reception to be checked in. We were given a welcome drink and one of the ladies checked us in whilst another chatted to the children. My son (7) was promised that he could come back and feed the fish, which he did several times much to his delight! We were given a tour of the amenities by buggy and taken to our room. The grounds were immaculate, our room was spacious and modern, with a terrace that led out on to Banana Bay. The shelving beach and calm waters were a lovely place for the children to play.

I was given a site visit the following morning and able to view all the different room offerings and facilities at the Park Hyatt, before enjoying the extensive and attractive pool area. In the afternoon, we were picked up by a local guide and took a rainforest tour. We were told about the plants and trees, learnt about the fruits and their uses, saw interesting insects and monkeys!

The next day we took a tour of the island curtesy of the tourist authority. We visited the Ocean Village Inn, a hotel close to the cruise port, with a great value 4* offering, popular with groups and business travellers. We then called at Romney Manor, the stunning home of Caribelle Batik. The gardens are beautiful and as colourful as the batik clothes and gifts made on site. After a tour and demonstration, we drove up to Brimstone Hill Fortress. It is a popular walk up to the site, but I am glad we had a car! There is a video of the history of the site that you can watch before heading off the explore the grounds – a lovely spot for a picnic. However we headed to Reggae Beach for lunch by the sea!

A cruise ship was in port the next day! On St Kitts that means that the Sugar train runs, giving visitors a tour of the island, from the old rails used to transport the sugar cane. The team on board are friendly and informative, they are keen to keep the drinks flowing and with the commentary from ‘Sweet P’ and talented singers visiting each carriage, the atmosphere is fantastic – and as for the views!

Time to leave St Kitts, but before we did, my daughter (9) commented on how friendly everyone is on the island, there is a real feeling of community, everyone nodding and waving to visitors – Unlike England, in St Kitts cars only beep to say hello!

The crossing over to Nevis was easy – look out for my next blog!