Steeped in colonial history and very tropical, Nevis is one of those wonderful places that lies a bit off the beaten path. This small and lush volcanic island is cooled year round by easterly tradewinds and is crowned by the 3,232 ft. Mount Nevis. West Indian style architecture is found everywhere and even the smallest cottage is brightly painted with gingerbread trim. It really is one of the most charming and classic of all the islands. Scattered around Nevis are several historic plantations including Montpelier, Nisbet, Golden Rock and the Hermitage, which are now delightful small hotels serving excellent food. In addition to these are several very entertaining and delicious restaurants, which are definitely more eclectic.

The prettiest beaches are Pinney's Beach, which has golden sand and is famed for its magnificent grove of palms, and Newcastle Beach, which has soft powdery coral sand and a good reef for snorkeling. Both have views of nearby St. Kitts. Another great beach is off Nisbet Plantation and it has white sand and more surf than the others. It's also located steps away from Nisbet's beach club, which is fun for lunch. Island activities include: deep sea fishing, scuba diving, sailing, botanical hikes in the rain forest, riding, visiting coconut plantations, ruins, museums and golf at the excellent Robert Trent Jones designed course at the Four Seasons Hotel. It's also fun to do a day trip to St. Kitts. Violet Wigley, my favorite taxi driver, can take you on a tour including stops at Brimstone Hill, one of the Caribbean's most famous forts and Caribelle Batik, which sells wonderful pareos, shirts etc. Have lunch at one of the island's three very pretty hotels. 

Local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC) though US dollars are widely accepted. Fly to Nevis from San Juan on American Eagle or LIAT, from St. Martin or Antigua on LIAT and from St. Kitts use Carib Aviation Charter or take the ferry.