Nevis is a beautiful 36 square mile island situated 50 miles West of Antigua and sighted by Christopher Columbus in 1493. As Columbus looked up at Nevis Peak in the centre of the island, he imagined the clouds to be snow and named the island “Nustra Senora de las Nieves” (Our Lady of the Snows) – which has been shortened over the years to Nevis (Nee-vis).
Nevis is also the place where Horatio Nelson was stationed as a young sea captain and where he met and married a Nevisian, Frances Nisbet, the young widow of a plantation-owner. Nisbet Plantation and Beach Club was once ‘Fanny’ Nisbet’s home and today the original ‘Great House’ that dates back to 1778 is where sumptuous dinners and graceful afternoon tea is held.
The property is 30 beachfront acres and in addition to the superbly renovated Great House there are 16 ‘Gingerbread’ style cottages scattered amongst the grounds, either side of the Avenue of Palms that stretches out in front of the house – a 2 minute walk to the beach.
Nisbet Plantation is a resort that has won numerous awards for its food, service and level of accommodation both voted for by travel industry experts and also guests alike – most recently it was awarded ‘Top 100 Best Luxury Hotels in the World’ – Trip Advisor and Conde Nast Gold List ‘World’s Best Places to Stay’.
Nisbet is best known as a romantic retreat and if you are looking to totally shut off and spend quality time with your partner then this would be the perfect destination. As the property is so intimate it is never over run with guests and it is doubtful that you will ever have to wait for a table at dinner. No TV’s in the rooms and no wi-fi may sound like a nightmare for some but this is the reason to choose this resort.
Although not known as a family destination, i.e. no kids club or adventure playground, Nisbet is certainly ‘family friendly’. Travelling with a 2 year old was not a problem and the staff were so accommodating that whilst we were the only guests with a child, we certainly weren’t made to feel like outsiders. The chef prepared individual meals for our daughter and the huge expanse of lawn and fresh water pool were just perfect for our active little one.
The management and staff at this property are outstanding and from the minute you arrive, greet you by name and remember this for your entire stay – nothing is too much trouble.
The Deluxe Garden Suites would be my choice of accommodation and in particular ‘Eden Brown’ as the view from the living room and veranda take in not only the spectacular gardens but also the ocean. Apart from TV, DVD and Wi-Fi, each room is equipped with all mod cons and ice is delivered daily. If you do need to connect with the outside world then there is a laptop in the reception area and also satellite TV / DVD in the Great House. Some of our fellow guests enjoyed watching a movie whilst having afternoon tea – small finger sandwiches, handmade cookies and cakes and many varieties of tea – how civilized.
Nisbet Plantation is a resort that you will be in two minds whether to tell your friends about – you just might want to keep this hidden gem to yourself!
