Life is quiet and unspoiled on this two-island nation where most guests stay in small, locally owned plantation inns. Often called "the way the Caribbean used to be," these islands are for those travelers looking to find their own fun and set their own course.

St. Kitts is the largest of the two, spanning 68 square miles. The island covers 23 miles in length and at its widest point five miles across. Development has, thankfully, been slow on St. Kitts. The most noticeable feature of St. Kitts is Mount Liamuiga (pronounced Lee-a-mweega), usually fringed with a ring of clouds.

Just two miles away from St. Kitts lies the tiny island of Nevis (pronounced NEE-vis), covering a total of 36 square miles. Home to only 9,000 residents, this country cousin has a charming atmosphere all its own, plus plantation inns where guests can enjoy a look back at Caribbean history.

Where to Stay in St. Kitts & Nevis

Montpelier Plantation Inn, Nevis

Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, Nevis

The Golden Lemon Inn and Villas, St. Kitts

Ottley's Plantation Inn, St. Kitts

Rawlins Plantation Hotel & Restaurant, St. Kitts

Fast Facts about St. Kitts & Nevis:

Language: English

Currency: Eastern Caribbean (EC) dollar; US dollar widely accepted

Population: 44,000

Recommended for: ecotourism, scuba diving, hiking, quiet getaways

Information: St. Kitts Ministry of Tourism, www.stkitts-tourism.com; Nevis Tourism Authority, www.nevisisland.com

Map courtesy the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and
the Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection