Category Archives: St Kitts 2013

We finally decided it was time to get off the property and show our friends a few of the sights so they could fully appreciate the island.  St. Kitts was discovered by Columbus for Spain, conquered by the French, and then taken by the English until declaring their independence in 1983.  They say they are an English-speaking country but their dialect makes understanding them a little difficult. That means that selecting a tour guide has two important criteria; knowledge of the island and understandability (is that a word?).  We found a driver named Dennis (nickname “Chiefy”) who met both criteria and off we went taking in the many vistas and panoramic views.

Our first stop was the botanical garden and Batik gallery.  

If you have never seen this artwork it is unique and interesting.  Designs are sketched by artists on pure white cotton then areas that are going to stay white are covered in wax to protect it from the dye it is placed in next.  The tricky part is after the dye dries, they wax and dye up to 5 times creating various colors that takes 9 days.  The end result is amazing but the interesting part is that this art is the same on both sides of the fabric.  There is no wrong side.

The next stop was the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999.  The first cannon was placed on the hill in 1690 by the English trying to take the island from the French and the potential of the hill was soon recognized and utilized.  The condition of the fort and its significance to the region make it a must on any tour of the island.

St Kitts island is 69 square miles with a population of 31,880 and has a volcano over 3,000 feet above sea level.  On our tour, we drove to this spot on the beach to see the lava rocks that help to create the black sand on this side of the island.  The rich black soil is probably why the main crop on the island was sugar cane until 2004 when tourism became its main source of revenue.

This was our final stop on the tour which is probably my favorite vista.  It’s high on a hill not too far from the Marriott.  From this spot you see the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Atlantic on the other.Note the rain shower off to the right which is over the island “Nevis” Continue reading →

I’m not sure what the exact definition of “foodie” is, but we may be getting close.  Day two seemed to revolve around food events starting with a Welcome to St. Kitts continental breakfast in a beautiful shady grassy spot close to the beach.  Fresh pastries and fruit are a great way to start a foodie’s day.  We took a leisurely stroll around the property to see where everything is and what is available to us to use.  Then in the pool for another water aerobics class.  This time the class was led by “Ice” an instructor I seem to remember from another trip here.  I have said it to anyone who will listen that the major difference between this island and all the other is the people.  Everyone of them is sincerely nice and they all have nicknames.  I think we should get nicknames before we leave.

Lunch was back to the Bohemia poolside restaurant.  Did I mention they make incredible smoothies?  Then to the quiet pool for reading, resting, and relaxation while we contemplated our dinner.  This trip all seven on property restaurants are open and several of them have special events.  Last night the Blu Restaurant had a Caribbean Lobster and Steel Band event.  I don’t think I have ever had Caribbean lobster but its was sweeter meat than Maine lobster.  Before the main course, there was a salad/appetizer bar that was not only extensive but delicious.  The two standout items for me were the banana croutons and mango caesar dressing.  After dinner, we had to make room for the dessert bar with guava creme brulee’, mango cheese cake, blackberry ice cream, and almond chocolate torte.  Life on this island is so taxing!

The first week in August we flew out to California to see our family there and it was time to go somewhere again.  This time we came to St. Kitts in the West Indies and one of our favorite vacation places.  The island is just 9 miles long with lush vegetation and beautiful aqua water and reefs like many of the other islands, but the people are what make it different.Looking out over the beach from resort Continue reading →