Paradise Beach is just as it sounds – it’s paradise on a beach, but not just any beach. The island of Nevis is an unspoiled beauty filled with delicious rum punch and unique wildlife. I was once stopped by a heard of goats and monkeys who created a road block, which I was more than okay with. It wan’t your typical traffic jam. Nevis is part of the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis – islands separated only by a two-mile channel, The Narrows, in the West Indies. Coming in at just 36 miles around, Nevis is considered St. Kitts’ more exclusive, remote sister.
The Experience
I coasted into Nevis on a sailboat from Antigua. Seeing the island from afar is ideal. From some angles, Nevis looks like a sombrero, rising high in the center to descend low around the edges. Nevis Peak (which is potentially active – ah oh) soars above the clouds at about 3,000 feet high, providing a damn good, challenging hike.
The Villa
Uhm, can you say honeymoon? Hell, or even family vacay? This pretty piece of property with only 7 villas (and less than a year old!) is perfect for all trip types: couples, families, groups, girl’s weekends, you name it. I was given Villa #7 closest to the beach, complete with its own pool, jacuzzi, sun deck, massive living area, kitchen, laundry room (definitely came in handy!) and two separate wings with two bedrooms and outdoor showers each. All bathroom amenities are by Hermès. Swoooon.
Because the property does not supply a full restaurant, Paradise Beach provides butlers (shout out to the wonderful Vivian) who can provide catering services from surrounding restaurants or stock your fridge upon arrival with almost anything you desire. I wanted fruits, avocados, deli meat and of course – granola. If I were a food, I’d be made up of rolled oats, dried fruits, nuts, honey, and maybe even some puffed rice, on a good day. Private chefs are also available upon request. We had appetizers on the beach one night, and it was a good call if I do say so myself.
Restaurant Recommendations:
Sunshines – This is an island favorite where the owner, Sunshine, has concocted a famous rum punch drink – the Killer Bee. And let me tell you, it’s killer…and potent. Sunshine doesn’t tell a soul what’s in them. Sketchy or not, the drink is good.
Yachtsman Grill – Modern cuisine with an extensive wine list. Think Silver Oak, Jordan, Duckhorn, Caymus, Plumpjack, Joseph Phelps and allll the faves.
Bananas – High end but not pricey, also doubles as an art gallery.
Golden Rock – Lively Caribbean cuisine at its finest, situated in a beautiful area with gardens and wildlife.
Coconut Grove – If you’re after a fun dinner with good friends, make a res here. The food is spectacular, but the rum is even better. If I remember correctly, we staged our own rum tasting for dessert while taking turns giving Irish toasts. Here’s an excerpt for ya.
“Here’s to tall ships, here’s to small ships, here’s to all the ships at sea. But the best ships are friendships, here’s to you and me.”
Awwwwwww.
The Activities
Apart from the villa (which is extremely hard to leave), the beach is only steps away where serenity awaits. If serenity isn’t exactly what you’re after, the property provides tubing, wake boarding, windsurfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, horseback riding, tennis, golfing and an island tour where guests can spot monkeys (gasp!). We hired a guide (Alfred “Baba” Tyson – ask around as he doesn’t have a website) to take us on the waterfall hike which was medium difficulty (definitely got rid of my hangover so that’s a plus). Climbing Mount Nevis is not for the faint of heart as it’s definitely advanced. Advanced = stunning views. Worth it.
In-villa spa massages/pedicures/manicures and facials are available as well. The property also provides snorkeling gear, paddle boards and more at the private beach.
Oh, and don’t forget the beach bar which kept me busy when I wasn’t indoors. After the liquid courage took affect from my welcome drink, I made a date with a paddle board and succeeded in my first headstand! #yogaeverydamnday #persistenceiskey
The Location/Getting In
If you’re sailing in, Customs & Immigrations in the capital and port of Charlestown is necessary. From Charlestown, take a 10 minute taxi ride to Paradise Beach. If you’re flying (or cruising) into St. Kitts, you’ll need to ferry over to Nevis (ferries leave once an hour from the ferry dock).
See more images from my time in Nevis below! Images by Pruitt Productions.
The Road Les Traveled was welcomed to Paradise Beach as a guest. Our opinion remains our own.
Wow, I think this is my favorite post you’ve ever written. I suddenly have a desire to visit Nevis. To be honest, I didn’t even know it existed. As always, beautiful photos! I might have to make a surprise trip this summer!
xo
– S
Hi Sarah – happy you love the post! Nevis is incredible, as is Paradise Beach (if you couldn’t already tell from the article ha!) Safe travels!
Wow, this looks so beautiful. The pictures are really enchanting, and wonderful. I really want to go there now; I’ll probably save it for a future wish list or my birthday. I can’t believe you did yoga on a paddle board, I can barely do it on ground! It looks like you had a of fun, and if I ever happen to be in the Caribbean I will definitely go here. I’ve always been in love with the sea, and I have never lived anywhere that wasn’t close to the coast. Your writing is amazing, and I have a feeling you would make a really great author one day. Loved this article!
Hi Rina! Thanks for the kind note and sweet compliment. Yoga on a paddle board is a feat! Can’t believe I succeeded either ha. Persistence pays off I suppose. Thanks for following along, and try to make it here one day. You’ll thank yourself later!
I am in shock at how incredible and enchanting this island looks. I enjoyed reading this article so much, and your images are gorgeous. Navis looks absolutely AMAZING and I would die to go there sometime. You look like you had a very fun-filled vacation, complete with some amazing paddle boarding stunts and a lovely scenic hike. Your blog is extremely entertaining and I’m especially fond of your bucket list. It is very inspiring and I find it astonishing that you have achieved all those phenomenal items. Someday, I would like to create a list of my own and travel the world, crossing off one after another accomplishment as I go on exquisite adventures like you. May I ask, what has been your favorite place you have been to? I am only twelve, so I can not quite afford to go on such awesome expeditions but a girl can dream, right?
Wow, how beautiful islands is this, i would like to go there sometime in life. Snaps are very beautiful and amazing, Blog is very nice and providing useful information.
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A very beautiful island,with extremely friendly people,i can understand why my mum called this her home ,they adopted her has one of there own.