ST. KITTS AND NEVIS ROMANTIC ACTIVITIES

Couples should budget at least half a day for an island tour, which can be booked through any hotel. (Another alternative for those wishing more privacy is to hire a taxi driver by the hour.) On St. Kitts, an island tour includes a stop at Brimstone Hill National Park 869-466-5021 for a self-guided tour of this impressive fortress as well as stops at Romney Manor for a look at Caribelle Batik. Nevis island tours include a stop in the capital city of Charlestown, the ruins of the Bath Hotel 869-465-1680, built in 1778 for wealthy Nevisians to bask in 108 degree waters (modest facilities are still open for visitors to "take the waters"), and the Alexander Hamilton House, the birthplace of the American patriot.

Most activity on these islands centers around the sea. Couples will find many romantic beaches on both islands. On St. Kitts, don't miss the quiet beaches along the Southeast Peninsula. On Nevis, check out Pinney's Beach, one of the island's best with waters protected by reefs, and Oualie Beach, the most active beach on Nevis with watersport operations.

SCUBA divers will find a variety of trips including reef and wreck dives. On St. Kitts, call Kenneth's Dive Center (869-465-2670), Pro-Divers (869-465-3223) or St. Kitts Scuba (869-465-1189); on Nevis call SCUBA Safaris (869-469-8518).

For those who want to stay above water level, the Spirit of St. Kitts (869-469-9373) catamaran offers day sails to Nevis and the Spirit of Mount Nevis takes couples on sunset cruises every Tuesday.

Golf is available at Golden Rock Golf Club (869-465-8103), Royal St. Kitts Golf Course (869-465-8339), and Four Seasons Nevis (869-469-1111).

Eco-tourists can visit St. Kitts' rain forest with Greg's Safaris (869-465-4121) on a half day hike. For a very rugged adventure, Greg takes visitors on a Volcano Safari, climbing Mount Liamuiga to the crater rim to view the cloud forest.