Famous for its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches backed by tall palm trees, and luxurious resorts, the Caribbean is a no-brainer for Americans keen on a sunny getaway in winter, but in places like Punta Cana or Jamaica, it doesn’t come without its downsides.
Be it the excessive crowding at beaches or the decreased safety levels, there are numerous other factors to take into account when choosing your next tropical getaway, particularly if having a stress-free vacation is a priority.
Perhaps surprisingly to some, that’s why this lesser-known paradisiacal island keeps rising in popularity right now as a welcome alternative to the usual tourism hotspots:
Tourism In Saint Kitts And Nevis Is Rising Fast!
A dual-island nation, Saint Kitts and Nevis is one of the fastest-growing destinations in the Caribbean right now, as reported by local news outlet Caribbean Journal: exactly 118,574 visitors have been recorded during the third quarter, a 21.6% increase over 2023.
As Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson affirmed to the publication, the country is on an ‘upward trajectory’, with 2024 poised to be one of its best years in tourism yet, and ‘even greater numbers’ anticipated for the upcoming year.
Naturally, it begs the question: with fierce competition from the Dominican Republic resorts, trendy Jamaica, and of course, the mighty Cancun in Mexico, what is Saint Kitts’ appeal, and how is it wooing a growing number of foreigners?
Verdant Nature Untouched By Humans
The primary reason tourists flock to the island duo is their vibrant nature: be it the rainforest-clad mountains of Saint Kitts and its marine parks or Nevis’ unruffled, white, powdered-sugar sands and untouched greenery, it is a literal Eden.
In Saint Kitts, top spots include Mount Liamuiga, a dormant volcano that can be hiked for a breathtaking panorama of the island, Cockleshell Bay, an undeveloped beach hugged by the clearest waters you’ll ever see, and South Friar’s Bay, perfect for snorkeling.
Over in Nevis, Nevis Peak is the highest summit, with tourist-friendly trails traversing a jungle; the Botanical Gardens are just as beautiful, with their vast collection of exotic flowers, and for the water babies, the historic Bath Hotel has hot springs said to be of therapeutic nature.
Rich Colonial Heritage
Not all Caribbean islands are exactly known for their architectural landmarks, with nature taking center stage, but part of the reason why Saint Kitts and Nevis are so fascinating is its history, with periods of British and French colonization to be accounted for.
A UNESCO-listed monument, Brimstone Hill Fortress was built by African slaves, and it’s one of the best-preserved fortifications in the Americas, while the charming Basseterre has a central plaza modeled after London’s Piccadilly Circus and a Victorian clock tower, despite its French name.
If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Saint Kitts and Nevis’ rich heritage, the St. Kitts Scenic Railway takes you through sugar cane fields and plantations, and to our fellow foodies, don’t miss out on this Munch Food Tour in Basseterre (the jerk chicken and fried plantains taste amazing!)
Saint Kitts And Nevis Are Very Safe
The best part is, as this country receives fewer tourists annually, in the hundred-thousands, far less when paired with other sunny competitors that host millions, it feels much calmer in comparison with quieter hotels and beaches.
On top of that, this is a very safe destination by Caribbean standards, with the U.S. State Department listing it as a Level 1 destination: in non-technical terms, it means Americans should take no extra precautions than those they normally would flying abroad.
These involve booking guided activities through reputable providers to avoid scamming, staying in designated areas for tourists, and not leaving valuables and personal items unattended in public spaces, such as beaches.
How Much Do Hotels Cost In Saint Kitts And Nevis?
Looking for affordable accommodation on the islands? Beverley’s Guest House in Nevis has Deluxe Rooms listed for as cheap as $79-a-night, while an overnight stay at the Bird Rock Beach Hotel in Basseterre will set you back by $116.
For a resort-style stay, Oualie Beach Resort and The Hamilton Beach Villas & Spa in Nevis offer the best value for money this season, with rooms starting at $400 and $408, respectively––a steal of a deal, considering the nearby Four Seasons costs a jaw-dropping $1,354.
As for flights, there is direct service to Saint Kitts (SKB) from as many as 5 U.S. airports this season, as listed in order of frequency:
- Miami (MIA)
1-3 flights a day with American Airlines
- New York (JFK)
1 flight every Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday with American Airlines, Delta Air Lines or JetBlue
- Atlanta (ATL)
1 flight per week every Saturday with Delta Air Lines
- Newark (EWR)
1 flight per week every Saturday with United Airlines
- Charlotte (CLT)
1 flight per week every Saturday with American Airlines
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