Nevis: The Award-Winning Caribbean Island Loved by Tourists

In October, Condé Nast Traveler magazine ranked Nevis as one of the Caribbean’s top islands. According to traveler ratings, Nevis beat the likes of the Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos, Antigua and Barbados. At just 36 sq. miles, Nevis is one of the smallest destinations in the Caribbean. Despite its size, it continues to feature prominently in several leading travel publications.

Increasing Demand

Nevis Premier Mark Brantley recently highlighted increasing demand fuelled primarily by tourists but also diaspora throughout the year, especially during major cultural festivals. In some cases, accommodation and car rental occupancy rates have been known to reach 100 percent.

The Four Seasons Resort which first opened over thirty years ago, announced earlier this year a major development project to modernise its resort on the island, describing Nevis as ‘the Caribbean’s best kept secret’.

This increased activity is a clear indicator of the island’s post-pandemic resurgence.

Global Recognition

Nevis has received international recognition from major titles for its unique offerings and rich history. Tourists love the island’s charm when compared with larger and busier neighbours. Recent recognition includes:

The Times – Best Caribbean Islands to Visit (September 2024)

• Island Ranking: #3
• ‘A quarter of the size of Barbados, Nevis is compact enough to explore on foot. Chic independent hotels have transformed its grand old plantation houses but consider, too, the candy-colored clapboard bungalows of Oualie Beach Resort. If you tire of lounging on golden sands, you can climb Nevis’s sole misty peak in search of crystalline waterfalls, wander around botanical gardens spotting mango-stealing monkeys, or sip potent “Killer Bee” rum punches at Sunshine’s Beach Bar & Grill’.

Condé Nast Traveller Magazine – October 2024 Traveller Choice Awards

• Caribbean Island Ranking: #6
• ‘It may be smaller than St. Kitts, but Nevis holds its own’
• ‘The birthplace of Alexander Hamilton is almost perfectly round, with gentle slopes rising to the peak of its dormant volcano, and the island is known for its historic inns and top-drawer resort’

Condé Nast Traveller Magazine – Top 40 Caribbean Resorts (November 2024)

• 3 Nevisian resorts listed, with Paradise Beach ranking #17

The Telegraph – Under-the-radar Caribbean Destinations (December 2024)

• Caribbean Island Ranking: #5
• ‘Nevis has kept a low profile for a few reasons: the island doesn’t have a cruise port, high rises or streetlights. What it does have is quiet, white beaches, geothermal hot springs and a peaceful botanical garden’
• ‘Nevis also boasts a lot of history: it’s the birthplace of one of America’s founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton… Nevis has some great beach bars too – visitors often take the ferry from St. Kitts to visit Sunshine’s Beach Bar and Grill and Lime Beach Bar’

Rich History

Nevis is an island rich with culture. Once a favorite of Princess Diana, Nevis is also the birthplace of a founding father of the US, Alexander Hamilton. Walking around, visitors will notice key elements of the island’s past which remain largely undisturbed, something which cannot be said for other regional tourist hotspots. This is a clear priority for the Brantley-led government, protecting the island’s rustic charm for the benefit of future generations.

No Developments Taller Than a Coconut Palm

Premier Brantley has spoken of his admiration for there being no fast-food chains on the island and other quirky things that help set Nevis apart. For instance, no buildings are allowed to be taller than a coconut palm, helping to maintain the island’s charm.

Aspirations

Nevis remains a gem of the Caribbean loved by international visitors. The government is currently embarking on a project to enhance its airport facilities to accommodate larger aircraft and to enhance the overall passenger experience. Soon, Premier Brantley believes there will be direct flights from US East coast destinations including Miami.