WELL TRAVELED: NEVIS

NATURAL LIGHT

A recent renovation of the Four Seasons resort enhanced its light, clean, and fresh décor.

COZY COMFORT

The resort offers 189 rooms and suites and more than 50 luxurious villas, set in six neighborhoods.

WELL TRAVELED

Nevis

The West Indies isle is the perfect place to unwind, says King R. White, CEO of Site Selection Group.

story by BIANCA R. MONTES

‘LIMIN’ TIME

An afternoon at sea is one of the best ways to embrace the island’s carefree vibe. AL FRESCO FARE

Delicious West Indies cornmeal porridge is best served with fresh tropical fruit. POOL TIME

Poolside views extend from the Great House lobby to the horizon of the Caribbean Sea.

GOLF GALORE

The resort’s 18-hole course meanders from the lower slopes of Nevis Peak to the sea.

GREAT ESCAPE

The Four Seasons resort is located on pristine Pinney’s Beach on Nevis’ western coast.

W

with crystal-clear ocean waters and the type of beachy lifestyle that defies the concept of time, it’s easy to see why the Caribbean is a favorite destination for travelers from Dallas and beyond. Still, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect as I embarked on an excursion to Nevis, an under-the-radar island in the northern part of the West Indies. Dubbed by Forbes as the “coolest Caribbean island you’ve never heard of,” I felt like I was being let in on an insider’s secret as I enjoyed an icy Carib Lager during a short water taxi ride over from St. Kitts.

As we docked at the Four Seasons pier, my heart fluttered as yellow and red beach chairs came into focus. Lush landscapes, never-ending ocean views, and curvy mountain tops instantly reminded me of some sage advice I heard earlier that morning on a TikTok video about being grateful for all Mother Earth has to offer. “Thank you,” I whispered, before stepping off the boat.

Built on a former sugar and coconut plantation dating to the late 1790s, the Four Seasons Nevis is the only resort on the quaint, 36-squaremile island, which is the birthplace of founding father Alexander Hamilton. The island’s unique charm sets it apart from more developed destinations such as Barbados and St. Barts.

With seven distinct restaurants and bars providing a wide selection of culinary experiences at the resort, I’d soon come to appreciate worldclass dining at restaurants like On the Dune, where I sat oceanside and enjoyed dishes I’d never tried before: mutton curry, bang bang (a spicy shrimp and lobster dish), and, of course, several rum libations from award-winning mixologist Kendie Williams. (Be sure to try the Kendie’s Kick, her take on a classic rum punch.)

Although the Four Seasons is known for its opulent accommodations—and this one checks all the boxes—the stunning 350-acre site is best served outdoors, whether that involves getting a beachside massage in a private hut or playing a little chip-and-sip on a Robert Trent Jones II-designed golf course. Meandering from the lower slopes of Nevis Peak to the Caribbean Sea, the 18-hole championships course is also a great place to spot a few Green Vervet monkeys. Its signature hole, which sits 400 feet above sea level with views of St. Kitts and neighboring islands, is a demanding par 5 that finds its way down the mountain, doglegging to the right.

Other outdoor experiences I highly recommend include tennis on one of the resort’s nine courts (three hard, four red clay, and two AstroTurf), dining under the stars near the ruins of a sugar mill, and going on a botanical tour with the resort’s director of experiences, Mac Kee France—who has been with the property since it opened 30 years ago and has this je ne sais quoi bliss to him that shines when sharing his island. Off-resort, head out with Mac Kee on one of his foodie tours, hop on a Polaris Ranger with a guide from the Funky Monkey Tour to view some of the island’s best-kept secrets, hike the majestic 3,232-foot Nevis Peak for unapparelled views, or charter a yacht to spend a day snorkeling above vibrant coral reefs.

DUSK IN PARADISE Cocktails on the pier at sunset make for a magical West Indies experience. TRAVEL TIPS

Rum Punch and Island Culture

An avid lover of the Caribbean, Site Selection Group CEO King R. White first learned about Nevis through Inspirato, a luxury travel program to which he subscribes. “We like privacy. We like boutique. We like small. It checked the box on all of those, and we were pleasantly surprised when we got there,” White says. “It’s all about hanging out, drinking fruit cocktails, sitting on the beach, and having a relaxing time.” An island must? Chartering a custom, handmade catamaran through Leeward Islands Charters to tour the island and snorkel in crystal blue waters, says the Dallas real estate exec says—that and making sure to enjoy a Killer Bee cocktail, which is the island’s version of rum punch, jazzed up with black pepper and nutmeg.