Nevis
Since the 18th century, Nevis has been known as the ‘Queen of the Caribbean’, and over the last 100 years the island has become one of the world’s most exclusive resorts and spas. Most of the original plantation owners lived on the island and it became renowned as a centre of elegant and gracious living. Although Nevis has lived through an earthquake and a tidal wave, which is claimed to have buried the former capital, the island is still dotted, as is St Kitts, with fascinating old buildings and historic sites.
CHARLESTOWN: The capital is a delightful town, with weathered wooden buildings decorated like delicate gingerbread and great arches of brilliantly coloured bougainvillaea. The town contains several reminders of Nevisian history, such as the Cotton Ginnery, Alexander Hamilton’s birthplace and museum, the Court House, the War Memorial, the Alexandra Hospital and the Jewish Cemetery. Some of the plantation houses have now been transformed into superb hotels, such as the famous Nisbet. Other sights in or near Charlestown include: Nevis Philatelic Bureau, the Public Library, the Market, Bath House (one of the oldest hotels in the Leeward Islands), Eva Wilkin’s studio, Eden Brown’s Great House, Fig Tree Church, Nelson Museum, Bath Hot Springs and the Newcastle Pottery.
ELSEWHERE: North of Charlestown is Pinney’s Beach, one of the best on the island, an expanse of silver sand, backed by palm trees. Further north still, Black Sand Beach and Hurricane Hill offer excellent views of both St Kitts and Barbuda.
Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.
Terms and Conditions apply.
|
|
