By Erasmus Williams
Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 22, 2018 – Park Hyatt St. Kitts, first venture into the Caribbean has been a long time coming. Originally slated to open in the fall of 2016, the brand’s St. Kitts property didn’t debut until this past November, but it has certainly been worth the wait.
The luxury resort was attracted to St. Kitts by then Prime Minister the Right Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas.
Contributor Christina Liao writing to Forbes’ Travel Section note sitting on the southeast peninsula overlooking the Narrows – a strait that separates the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis – the 126-key resort is not only the first to open within the Christophe Harbour development, but is also the isle’s first luxury hotel.
Upon stepping onto the 20-acre property guests are greeted with a “welcome walk” that frames the palm tree–dotted, golden-sand beach ahead. All accommodations face the shimmering blue waters and sport either a private terrace or balcony while suites have the added bonus of an expansive sundeck and pool. But the real pièce de résistance is the three-bedroom Presidential Villa where guests can feel right at home in 5,210 square feet of space. The bi-level dwelling’s master bedroom features an indoor-outdoor shower as well as a generously sized bathtub. The top floor’s outdoor space, furnished with loungers and an outdoor grill, stars an infinity pool that seemingly juts out into the ocean. And down on the lower level you’ll find a small fitness area and pool table for recreational use. This, of course, all comes with a dedicated butler and private chef.
To help you rest and relax the resort boasts a Miraval spa where the plunge pool, sauna, and steam rooms are available to all guests, even should you choose to forego a treatment (tip: don’t). Otherwise, soak in some rays at either of the property’s pools, one of which is adults only while the other is beachfront and open to families. And should you want to head out into the open waters, the Recreation Hut provides kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear for your leisure.
In addition to these amenities, Park Hyatt St. Kitts offers three restaurants to choose from: The Great House, which is open all day and includes a rum bar; Fisherman’s Village, an overwater eatery with a seafood-focused menu; and Stone Barn, a dinner- and adult-only establishment serving globally influenced dishes. But what’s most impressive is the influence that executive chef Pankaj Bisht has had on the community. In an effort to source ingredients locally, chef Bisht has positively impacted how some vendors operate, most notably Mr. and Mrs. Vasquez of T&T Poultry Farm. As per Hyatt standard, cage-free eggs were needed for the restaurants and chef Bisht established a relationship with the Vasquezes to support their endeavors in becoming the hotel’s provider. He has also been working with a local fisherman to supply the resort with its seafood, including lobster that’s delivered by boat and kept submerged in a crate on the property’s dock to ensure freshness.
But Chef Bisht’s ambitions don’t end there as he is currently working on his own organic herb garden and planning a couple of off-site excursions that will connect guests with the aforementioned purveyors. (Expect visits to T&T Poultry Farm that’ll be followed by a horseback ride and fishing trips that double as a sunset cruise.) Also in the works are the “Destination Dining” experiences, where patrons can either dine under the stars with a customizable multicourse menu or participate in the “Three-in-One Culinary Journey” and travel through all three restaurants for a unique meal. Until then, book a seat at the chef’s table to meet the enthusiastic man himself.
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