Destinations The Caribbean

A Caribbean Island with Monkeys?

Is there really a Caribbean Island with Monkeys? It’s possible you’ve never even heard of the two island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis. Many people haven’t when I tell them about it. For myself, it’s the place where my great grandparents were born.

The first time I visited St. Kitts and Nevis was in 2004. Unfortunately, I was only there for a few days and didn’t get to see as much as I had wanted. Of course I had to return, so in 2015 I was able to visit for 2 weeks.

Basseterre, St. Kitts

St. Kitts is the larger of the two islands and was a lot more congested. Nevis has a much more relaxed atmosphere. It’s a popular Honeymoon destination. Let’s start with St. Kitts.

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No trip to St. Kitts and Nevis is complete without visiting the Palm Court Gardens (below). This garden was donated by the owner. It’s a place for locals and tourists to enjoy. Think of a cafe with delicious smoothies and a swimming pool overlooking the sea.

There is also a gift shop where you can purchase handcrafted items from on-site artists and designers. It was one of the last places I visited. I was so glad I did.

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Palm Court
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View from Palm Court Gardens

Downtown Charlestown, Nevis

Mount Nevis (first photo) is a dormant volcano, however ever so often you can see steam escaping through tubes in the ground. Is it really dormant or just patient, like the “dormant volcano” that erupted on the island of Montserrat years ago? I didn’t stay long enough to find out.

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Charleston Fire Station
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Besides the volcano is something else that makes Nevis stand out. It’s the Green Vervet monkeys located on both islands! Locals say that they outnumber the people. Monkeys are not a common sight in the Caribbean. It’s one thing that makes the island special. That’s not the only thing. Learn about all the food.

The food in St. Kitts & Nevis

Think about deliciously seasoned rice, fish and cabbage. If you have a sweet tooth like I do, you’d appreciate the coconut filled turnovers, fungee (molded cornmeal) and the rich, decadent rum fruit cakes. I also discovered a delicious new sweet drink.

I went into a store while there and bought a soda. The flavor was called Sorrel (Sar-ral). I had never heard of it before and found out that it’s a flower in the hibiscus family. The leaves are dried and made into a drink enjoyed during special occasions. It was absolutely delicious. So delicious that I bought some of the dried leaves so I could make the drink once I flew back home. Don’t you come to an island to relax though?

Golden Rock in Nevis, is a little spot nestled in the ruins of a sugar plantation. It includes accommodations as well as a restaurant on it’s beautiful grounds. Unfortunately I was too early to have dinner there when I visited, but walking through the grounds was enough.

Golden Rock Nevis

If you do decide to visit, make sure you are able to stay at least one night in one of the rooms. Many of them are actual former sugar mills. What Caribbean trip would be complete without stepping foot in the sand?

The Atmosphere

The beaches are beautiful. The volcano contributes to some of the beaches having black sand, which isn’t something you see everywhere you go in the Caribbean. It’s something you want to bottle up and take home with you, which is possible at least when traveling to the U.S. You aren’t able to bring back the delicious fruits though.

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Beach

One of the fruits I saw a lot was papaya (below), or papua as the locals call it. Before this trip, I did not know pineapples grow out of the ground. Am I the only one who thought pineapples grew on trees? Go figure. Now this is important.

Papaya Tree Nevis

St. Kitts and Nevis isn’t a place you hear much about. That adds to its charm. It’s like your own secret island no one else knows about. Plan to visit this Caribbean island with monkeys the next time you plan a vacation. You’ll be glad you did.

3 Comments

  1. Nevis is a beautiful quiet island…
    I’ve been there twice & being the island of my grandparents…it’s my Island ‘home’…
    The food is fresh & delicious and the locals are polite & friendly..
    Hopefully I’ll be able to return one day soon.

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