BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, MAY 29TH 2014 (CUOPM) – Three of USA Today’s “Top 10 historic hotels in the Caribbean” are in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
They are Ottley’s Plantation on St. Kitts and The Hermitage Plantation Inn and the Montpelier Plantation Inn on Nevis.
The others are in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Curacao, Cuba.
According to the Caribbean 360, the Caribbean boasts a wealth of heritage sites and properties, many dating back to the early days of European settlement and reflecting the architectural vernacular of the colonial past.
“Of these, some have gone on to flourish as elegant hotels, with chequered histories ranging from the residence of the first governor of the Americas, through a bloodthirsty pirate’s lair, to the intimate wedding venue of England’s most famous admiral,” said the article.
The latter, situated in Nevis, is just one of three locations that saw St Kitts & Nevis dominate the “Top 10 historic hotels in the Caribbean” list compiled by USA Today and published this week.
Spicing up the list are two more recent iconic properties dating from the 1930s and boasting high profile former guests from royalty and heads of state to cultural legends and mafia chieftains.
The three historic hotels in St. Kitts and Nevis are:
The-Hermitage-Nevis – This hotel, dating back to approximately 1700, purports to be the oldest house on this tiny island. Originally a plantation, The Hermitage is comprised of an original main building surrounded by reconstructed cottages furnished with antiques. There’s a cap of 28 guests at any one time, making the experience of staying there akin to being in a private home. The property has a swimming pool and offers in-room massage and the option for private yoga instruction.
Montpelier-Plantation-Inn-Nevis – The tiny island is also the site of this restored sugar-plantation home dating back to the 1700s. Admiral Horatio Nelson married his bride Frances Nisbet at Montpelier in 1787. The Inn has 18 guest rooms with four poster beds and views of the ocean. The 30-acre property also has 10 acres of gardens, a pool and an old mill that functions as a private dining room.
Ottley’s Plantation, St. Kitts – This 17th-century sugar plantation will make guests feel as though they’ve been transported back to the past. There’s no glass in the windows – only wood jalousies that allow in gentle Caribbean breezes. Ottley’s Plantation is built in British Colonial style, with painted wooden floors and carved mahogany furniture. The property has 23 rooms and suites as well as a handful of cottages. The grounds also house the Mango Orchard Spa, surrounded by lush palms and mango trees, where an occasional vervet monkey can be espied.
The other Caribbean hotels making the top 10 are:
Hostal Nicolas de Ovando, Dominican Republic; Graycliff, The Bahamas; Hotel El Convento, Puerto Rico; Admiral’s Inn, Antigua; Hotel Kurá Hulanda, Curaçao; Half Moon, A RockResort, Jamaica and Hotel Nacional de Cuba, Cuba.