Why Honeymoon on St. Kitts
St. Kitts gives you real variety for an island only about 18 miles long. In a single week you can stand on the rim of Mount Liamuiga, wander a UNESCO-listed fortress, snorkel off a sheltered beach and dine at a marina full of superyachts.
It also makes a natural pair with Nevis. The two islands sit two miles apart. The boat across takes minutes, so you can split your stay without the hassle of extra flights.
The beaches are pleasant rather than spectacular. Sand tends toward gold or gray. The Atlantic side is too rough for casual swimming. Couples who care mainly about powdery white sand might prefer Anguilla or Turks and Caicos. Everyone else will find St. Kitts more interesting than most beach islands.
When to Go
December through April brings the steadiest weather, with sunny days, low humidity and highs in the low to mid 80s. It is also the busiest stretch for resorts and for cruise ships in Basseterre.
May and June are lovely. Rain arrives in short bursts, the hills turn vivid green and rates soften. Late June brings the St. Kitts Music Festival, which fills the capital with concertgoers for several nights; book early if you plan to go.
August through October carries the highest hurricane risk. Many travelers skip these months, though deals can be very good if you buy proper insurance. Carnival, known locally as Sugar Mas, runs from mid-December into the first days of January, with parades and late-night fetes that are great fun if you enjoy a crowd.
Where to Stay
The Southeast Peninsula is the honeymoon choice. Park Hyatt St. Kitts sits on Banana Bay within the Christophe Harbour development, with views straight across to Nevis and a long, calm beach. Villas and smaller properties dot the hills around Christophe Harbour and Majors Bay, many with plunge pools and sunset views.
Frigate Bay, closer to the airport, is the island's busiest resort area. The Caribbean side has a strip of beach bars and restaurants that is easy to walk at night. The Atlantic side is home to the St. Kitts Marriott and a golf course. This is the place for couples who want things to do without driving.
For something rural, look for small inns and guesthouses on the northern slopes. You trade beach access for mountain air, rainforest walks and a closer view of village life.
Romantic Things to Do
Start with Brimstone Hill Fortress on the west coast. The stone ramparts climb a steep volcanic hill. On clear days you can see St. Eustatius and Saba floating on the horizon.
Ride the St. Kitts Scenic Railway, a narrow-gauge line built in the early 20th century to carry sugar cane. Today its open-sided carriages offer a slow tour of villages, ravines and coastline.
For something more strenuous, hire a guide for the Mount Liamuiga hike. The muddy rainforest trail climbs to the rim of the crater, high on a volcano that tops out near 3,800 feet. Budget most of a day.
Then slow down. Visit Romney Manor's gardens and the batik workshop next door. Stop at Timothy Hill, where the Atlantic and Caribbean sit on either side of the road. Take a catamaran trip down the coast toward Nevis with a snorkel stop along the way.
Getting There and Around
Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB) sits on the edge of Basseterre. American flies year-round from Miami and JetBlue from New York JFK, with seasonal nonstops from Charlotte, Atlanta and Newark in winter. Flights from Miami take about three hours.
Taxis meet every flight and charge set fares between common destinations. Rates rise late at night, so confirm the price before you go. Drivers often offer island tours too.
Renting a car is worthwhile for a few days. You will need a temporary local driving permit, which the rental company can arrange. Driving is on the left and the roads are narrow, with goats, monkeys and pedestrians to watch for. A modern highway runs the length of the Southeast Peninsula. Public minibuses connect villages cheaply during the day but stop early in the evening.
Food and Drink
Kittitian food is generous and filling. The national dish pairs stewed saltfish with spicy plantains, coconut dumplings and seasoned breadfruit. Goat water, a peppery stew, turns up on weekends. Roti and conch fritters are common lunch choices.
The beach bars are part of the experience. Reggae Beach Bar on Cockleshell Bay is a long-running favorite for grilled fish and lobster with a view of Nevis. South Friars Bay has a handful of rustic spots where you can rent a lounger, order a rum punch and stay all afternoon.
At Christophe Harbour, Salt Plage has a breezy waterfront deck that works well for sunset drinks. Frigate Bay's Strip comes alive in the evening with music and casual food. For a quiet celebration dinner, book a resort restaurant on the peninsula and ask for a table by the water.
Honeymoon Tips
- Check the cruise schedule. Brimstone Hill and the railway are calmer on days with few ships in port.
- Book the Mount Liamuiga hike with a licensed guide; the trails are unmarked and slippery.
- Keep snacks out of reach of the vervet monkeys, especially at beach bars.
- If you plan a day on Nevis, take the Sea Bridge from Majors Bay with a rental car or catch a water taxi from the peninsula.
- Ask your resort about private boat charters for a sunset cruise or a snorkel day around the peninsula.
- Pack sturdy shoes along with your sandals. The fortress, the hike and the cobbled streets of Basseterre all reward good footwear.
