Getting Between Stops
Most US travelers fly into St. Kitts. American flies year-round from Miami and JetBlue from New York JFK, with seasonal nonstops from Charlotte, Atlanta and Newark in winter. Taxis meet every flight and charge set fares, so confirm the price before you go.
The crossing to Nevis has three options. Private water taxis go on demand and are the quickest, especially after a long flight. The Sea Bridge car ferry runs from Majors Bay to Cades Bay in about 15 minutes. Passenger ferries connect Basseterre and Charlestown in about 45 minutes. Nevis also has a small airport near Newcastle with regional flights from hubs such as San Juan and St. Maarten.
Rental cars on both islands come with a temporary local driving permit, which the rental company arranges. Driving is on the left and roads are narrow.
Where to Stay
On St. Kitts, the Southeast Peninsula is the honeymoon choice. Park Hyatt St. Kitts on Banana Bay is the splurge, with a long, calm beach and views to Nevis. Villas around Christophe Harbour and Majors Bay often come with plunge pools. Frigate Bay suits couples who want restaurants and beach bars within walking distance.
On Nevis, the plantation inns are the signature. Montpelier Nevis is elegant and garden-wrapped. Nisbet Plantation Beach Club has its own beach. Golden Rock Inn sits high on the mountainside with lush gardens and a good chance of seeing monkeys. Hermitage Plantation centers on a wooden house that dates to the 17th century. The Four Seasons Resort Nevis suits couples who want a full-service beach resort.
Most Nevis inns are a short drive from a beach and offer shuttles or beach clubs.
When to Go
December through April has the steadiest weather on both islands, with sunny days, low humidity and highs in the low to mid 80s Fahrenheit. The sea on the Caribbean side is at its calmest. Inns on Nevis fill around Christmas, New Year and February, so book early for those dates.
May and June are lovely and quieter. Rain comes in short bursts, the hills turn vivid green and rates soften. Late June brings the St. Kitts Music Festival, which fills Basseterre for several nights.
August through October carries the highest hurricane risk. Several Nevis inns close for a few weeks for maintenance, so check opening dates before planning an autumn trip. Culturama on Nevis, from late July into early August, makes ferries and rooms busier. Sugar Mas, the St. Kitts carnival, runs from mid-December into early January.
Budget and Booking
Neither island is a budget destination. As an approximate guide, a good resort or plantation inn room runs from about $400 to $1,200 a night for two in high season, with the Park Hyatt and Four Seasons at the upper end. Beach-bar lunches and local restaurants are much more affordable.
Book your Nevis inn first, since the best ones are small and fill fast. Arrange your water taxi in advance, especially if your flight lands late. Book the Mount Liamuiga hike with a licensed guide and dinner reservations at other Nevis inns a day or two ahead.
Carry some small US bills or Eastern Caribbean dollars for beach bars and tips, since card machines are not universal. Ask about honeymoon touches when you book.
Staying Comfortable and Safe
Both islands are calm and friendly. The main hazards are on the roads: drive on the left, take bends slowly and watch for goats, monkeys, donkeys and pedestrians. Taxis charge more late at night, so confirm fares first.
Pack sturdy shoes alongside your sandals. Brimstone Hill's slopes, the volcano trail and the streets of Basseterre all reward good footwear. The Liamuiga hike is slippery and needs a licensed guide.
Bring insect repellent for evenings in the gardens. Dengue occurs across the Caribbean, so if you're pregnant or hoping to be soon, check CDC travel health notices before you book. Greet people you pass and ask before photographing homes or residents. Dress is relaxed, though most inns appreciate smart casual at dinner for both of you.
Make It Shorter or Longer
For a 7-day trip, spend two nights on St. Kitts and four on Nevis. You will need to choose between the fortress and the volcano hike, but the slow Nevis chapter stays intact. Couples who only want quiet can skip the St. Kitts hotel and go straight to Nevis, visiting St. Kitts as a day trip.
With 12 to 14 days, split your Nevis stay between two inns, such as a beachfront night or two at Nisbet and the rest at a hillside inn like Montpelier or Golden Rock. That gives you two very different views of the island without adding a flight.
You can also add a few nights on a neighboring island. Regional flights are short, though connections can be indirect, so check schedules before planning.
