NEVIS HOTELS

Four Seasons Nevis
P.O. Box 565
Pinneys Beach
Charlestown
869-469-1111, Fax 869-469-1112
Reservations: 800-332-3442 US, 800-268-6282 Canada
www.fourseasons.com
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When word went out that the Four Seasons was coming to Nevis, doomsayers predicted the end of the quaint atmosphere for which Nevis is known. However, during the hotel's construction, Hurricane Hugo hit the island and the Four Seasons' bosses stopped building and put crews to work cleaning up the island. Today, even the island inns sing the praises of this corporate giant.

One of the Caribbean's most lavish hotels, the Four Seasons Nevis sprawls across grounds dotted with coconut palms and other carefully tended fauna. Guests can enjoy the Robert Trent Jones II-designed golf course, scuba, windsurf, order from around-the-clock room service, watch movies on their VCRs or on the cable TV, hit the 10 tennis courts, lounge in two outdoor Jacuzzis, or just sun around the pool, cooled by Evian sprayed on guests by mindful pool attendants.

At press time, the Four Seasons Nevis remained closed due to hurricane damage in the fall of 1999. Plans call for the resort to reopen in November 2000 but check with the resort before making your plans.

Hotel Features: beachfront, casual and fine dining, freshwater pool, golf, tennis, watersports

Montpelier Plantation Inn
P.O. Box 474
Montpelier Estate
869-469-3462, Fax 869-469-2932
Reservations: 800-223-9832
www.montpeliernevis.com
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You may have heard of Montpelier because of one of its most famous guests: Princess Diana. When Diana and her children visited Nevis, they opted for this hotel's quiet seclusion. Both royalty and honeymooners are offered peace and quiet in this very British hotel located on the slopes of Mount Nevis.

Princess Diana focused the eyes of the world on Montpelier, but it was hardly the property's first brush with royalty. On March 11, 1787, Admiral Horatio Nelson married Fanny Nisbet in front of a royal audience right on these grounds.

Today the plantation includes a 16-room inn that exudes a dignified British air appreciated by travelers who come to the Caribbean for peace and quiet. The inn provides shuttle service to the beaches and evenings here are spent at the open-air restaurant that features classical cuisine with many local ingredients.

Hotel Features: mountainside, freshwater pool, fine dining

Nisbet Plantation Beach Club
St. James Parish
Reservations: 800-742-6008
869-469-9325, Fax 869-469-9864.
www.nisbetplantation.com
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Nelson's bride, Fanny Nisbet, was a resident of Nevis, and lived on a beachfront plantation that today is the Nisbet Plantation Beach Club. This 38-room inn boasts one of Nevis' most striking vistas: a quarter-mile palm-lined walk from the greathouse to one of Nevis' finest beaches.

Guests stay in lemon-tinted bungalows scattered throughout the property. Couples can enjoy tennis, swimming in the sea or a pool, or that oh-so British sport, croquet.

Hotel Features: beachfront, casual and fine dining, freshwater pool, tennis, watersports

Golden Rock Plantation Inn
P.O. Box 493
Charlestown
869-469-3346, Fax 869-469-2113
Reservations: 800-223-9815
www.golden-rock.com
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Eco-tourists are attracted to Golden Rock because of the diligent efforts of its owner, Pam Barry. A fifth-generation Nevisian, Barry emphasizes local culture, history, and nature studies, offering her self-guided nature trails to both guests and non-guests alike.

The most romantic room at this historic plantation inn is the two-story sugar windmill.

Hotel Features: mountainside, restaurant, nature walks, pool

Hermitage Inn
P.O. Box 49
Charlestown
800-742-4276
869-469-3477, Fax 869-469-2481
www.hermitagenevis.com
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When magazines look for a classically Caribbean setting for fashion shoots, they've often selected the Hermitage Inn. This plantation inn is built around a 245-year old greathouse. Sprinkled around grounds bursting with tropical blooms, are restored plantation cottages that serve as guest rooms for those looking for the ultimate in privacy.

Guests have access to a swimming pool and tennis courts as well as romantic pursuits such as carriage rides and horseback riding. Rates here include breakfast and a four-course dinner nightly.

Hotel Features: mountainside, fine dining, freshwater pool, tennis, horseback riding

Hurricane Cove Bungalows
Oualie Beach
869-469-9462, Fax 869-469-9462
www.hurricanecove.com
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If you're pinching pennies, don't despair because the enchantment of Nevis can still be enjoyed on a budget. For instance, the moderately-priced Hurricane Cove Bungalows feature some of the most splendid views on the island. Each of the 10 hill-hugging cottages was constructed in Scandinavia, broken down and reassembled on a slope overlooking St. Kitts in the distance. Today they're all open-air and furnished with Caribbean artwork. One-, two-, and three-bedroom bungalows with kitchens are available, and guests can walk down to the beach. For our money, this is one of the island's best buys.

Hotel Features: mountainside