It may not be one of the most well-known Caribbean countries, but the dual-island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis in the West Indies is certainly one of the most beautiful. Travelers will find the sparkling blue water white-sand beaches that are characteristic of this part of the world, but you won't find the massive sprawl of, say, Nassau. Instead, boutique-sized properties with an excess of beauty are more common (though there are several large resorts, too).
If a toes-in-the-sand honeymoon in a stunning setting with ample opportunity for outdoor exploration and total relaxation is what you're searching for, here is everything you need to know about booking your honeymoon in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Planning Your St. Kitts and Nevis Honeymoon
Honeymooners should keep in mind that St. Kitts and Nevis's hurricane season runs from June to November, leaving uncertainty regarding storms that might not make the best honeymoon weather. The other half of the year, December through April, is prime time. May tends to be less expensive and less busy—even without much rain—and year-round temperatures hover around a perfect 80.
- Language: English
- Currency: East Caribbean Dollar
- When to Go: Peak travel season is December through April, with fewer crowds in May and June.
- Getting There: There are dozens of regularly scheduled nonstop and connecting flights from the U.S. to St. Kitts and Nevis (Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport is the main hub).
- Transportation: Taxis, car rentals, and mopeds/bikes are widely available around the islands. There are several ferry services available to help get travelers between the islands (which takes roughly 45 minutes). The St. Kitts Scenic Railway makes a 30-mile scenic loop around the island.
- Must-Pack: Swimsuits, sandals, sneakers, light layers, a rain jacket, and resort wear.
Places to Stay During Your St. Kitts and Nevis Honeymoon
With a mix of boutique gems and larger, resort-style hotels, St. Kitts and Nevis caters to all kinds of honeymooners, whether you're looking for something intimate and off-the-beaten-path, or an all-inclusive experience just steps from the beach.
The Four Seasons Resort Nevis, West Indies
The Four Seasons Resort Nevis, West Indies, is an ideal place to lay your newlywed heads. It’s surrounded by sugary beaches and rainforest views, not to mention that jewel-toned water that always seems to be just the right temperature. If you want to go beyond the standard honeymoon activities (not that there’s anything wrong with those) book their Dive and Dine excursion, which entails scuba diving with a dive master and a chef for epic underwater scenery, plus the opportunity to lasso your own lobsters, which chef will teach you to grill back on the mainland for a beachside lunch in a cabana.
Paradise Beach Nevis
Another option, Paradise Beach Nevis speaks to lobster lovers with its bakes on their own private beach, which is easily accessible from its five romantic beach houses that sit on stilts above the powdery sand (or choose one of seven thatched-roof villas, which are equally as romantic).
Golden Rock Inn
Nestled into lush a garden paradise on Nevis, this colorful inn consists of just eleven guest rooms, thus offering ample privacy among the verdant, oceanfront jungle. Locally sourced Caribbean cuisine is a hallmark of the offerings at Golden Rock Inn, along with uniquely appointed rooms with vibrant decorations, in-room massages, and soaks in the nearby Nevis Hot Springs.
The Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour
Over on St. Kitts, the Park Hyatt St. Kitts offers 126 rooms and suites, each sustainably designed and boasting bright blue Caribbean views, with features such as balconies and terraces, along with deep soaking tubs perfect for two. Along with a pair of pools and the expansive first Miraval Life in Balance Spa in the Caribbean (definitely a place you two should spend some downtime), the resort boasts an ocean-to-table restaurant, Fisherman’s Village; the Stone Barn (for adults only), with sophisticated multicourse tasting menus; and the Great House restaurant, complete with a rum bar, chef’s table, and plenty of space for intimate dinners.
St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino
A favorite for travelers who return to the islands year after year, St. Kitts Marriott Resort is a tropical oasis on Frigate Bay that offers Kittitian cuisine, bamboo massages, and a sailing trip to Nevis. Alongside the upscale hotel (which features a private beach!) guests can enjoy the on-site casino.
Things to Do During Your St. Kitts and Nevis Honeymoon
Whether you're sticking to just one island or planning to explore both top-to-bottom, there is no shortage of things to do in this beautiful setting—much of which takes place in and on the water, but the islands themselves have plenty to offer inland, too.
Things to Do in St. Kitts
The larger of the two islands is St. Kitts, famous for its beaches of white, gray, and black sand, mountains coated in the rainforest, and even a volcano to hike. It also has several historical attractions, like the capital Basseterre with colonial-era buildings, a plaza with a Victorian clock tower that harks to Piccadilly Circus, and Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, which was built in the 18th century and has panoramic Caribbean views. In town, there's lots of shopping, food and drink, and beautiful homes to see (perfect for a romantic stroll hand-in-hand).
Aside from the usual ocean activities (snorkeling, diving, sailing, fishing, etc.), honeymooners should plan to check out Sand Bank beach, slightly off the beaten track and ideal for privacy and catching rays between dips into the blue ocean water. The St. Kitts Scenic Railway, which winds passengers through the mountains, is an excellent way to get a lay of the land (and the top deck is open-air, featuring 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape). A beautiful (although challenging) hike is the Mount Liamuiga volcano, which offers incredible vistas from the very top.
Things to Do in Nevis
The smaller of the two islands, Nevis has charming Georgian-style architecture as well a few museums (the Nevis Sports Museum might call to fans of cricket), freshwater pools for rainforest bathing, and palm-lined beaches for snorkeling (Pinney’s, Oualie, and Lover’s Beach are a few of the best). The birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, there is no shortage of historical sites dedicated to this icon, so history buffs (and Hamilton fans!) will be spoiled for choice. For excellent views, make the climb up Nelson's Lookout, or try the steep Nevis Peak hike. For a dose of thermal waters and history, check out the historic (and no longer operating) Bath Hotel and Spring House. The hotel was the first on the island, and while no longer in operation, the local hot springs are open to the public and ideal for a restorative soak (you can even take a guided tour via bike!).
What to Eat During Your St. Kitts and Nevis Honeymoon
Can't-miss cuisine while vacationing on these beautiful islands includes lobster, conch fritters, sugar cake, and Rikkita beef. You'll find these local favorites at many of the restaurants, but there is also ample fusion-style cuisine to be found at the dozens of restaurants and cafes across the islands.
Dining in St. Kitts
Waterfront dining abounds in St. Kitts, so naturally, honeymooners can expect menus to highlight fresh seafood across the board. A classic seasonal option is Arthur's, in Dieppe Bay, where diners can perch on a waterfront porch and watch fishermen bring in the daily catch (think snapper, mahi-mahi, grouper, and more). Don't miss the pumpkin fritters! For a proper, dressed-up date night, head to Marshalls, where ocean-view, poolside dining pairs perfectly with an impressive Caribbean menu.
Dining in Nevis
For the perfect romantic date-night spot, book a table at Esquilina at the Four Seasons Nevis. The menu highlights coastal Mediterranean cuisine (chock full of local, seasonal ingredients, of course). Hidden above the historic Hamilton Estate, honeymooners can seek out Bananas, a local favorite nestled into lush gardens with a menu of traditional Caribbean fare and epic rum selection. Lime Beach Bar is the perfect mid-day stop right on Pinney's Beach. You can't miss the vibrant lime-green painted exterior, and you'll want to stay for seconds of fresh-made pizza.
Budgeting for a St. Kitts and Nevis Honeymoon
Like many Caribbean destinations, getting to St. Kitts and Nevis from the U.S. can be affordable, especially when you book flights three-to-six months ahead of time. For two people, you can expect to pay roughly $4,000-$5,000 for airfare, accommodations, and food. If you're booking an all-inclusive resort, look out for special rates (again, these are often budget-friendly when booked in advance). Plan to budget for daily taxis or a car rental if you're hoping to explore the island by car; if you're planning to stick to your resort for the duration of your trip, your transportation costs will be minimal.