I had not initially planned to visit Nevis solo - I was hoping my husband would be able to come along with me. However, this was a trip that had been postponed due to the pandemic and I decided to re-book this trip during my spring break. As a middle school special education teacher, traveling during the school year does not allow for flexibility, therefore, when I am able to travel flight prices are usually astronomical (because every other teacher is traveling as well). For this reason, my husband was not able to make the trip with me.
So, alone I went. As the days drew closer to my date of departure I grew more and more nervous. What was I going to do by myself? Now, do not get me wrong, I enjoy being by myself and doing my own things on my own time. I love that. But being solo on an island far away from home? I thought that might feel different.
Day 1: Arriving in Nevis
I arrived on the sweet island of St. Kitts, excited to be back in the Caribbean. I was last to leave the airport because I had forgotten to do the online travel form (which requires approval via email before entry!). I had to complete this detailed form and then wait for the approval email, which only took about 15 minutes to receive. Thank goodness. After that, I was on my way to Nevis.
The Four Seasons Nevis transported me safely via taxi and water taxi (about a 20 minute ride across the channel to Nevis) right up to the resort (complimentary beverages were also served, I had a Ting). From the small pier we were met with smiles and cool face towels. I was escorted directly to my room, where my luggage was also brought to me several minutes later.
By this time I was ready to eat! It was roughly 4:30pm. I made my way to the beach (still in my travel clothes) and ordered a long awaited meal and drink (my drink of choice was Kendie’s Kick, created by Master Mixologist Kendie Williams, and has rum, vanilla rum, passion fruit, tamarind and lime - delicious).
Around 5:30pm the sun had started to make it’s initial descent (according to my trusty iPhone the sun was due to set on the island at approximately 6:27pm. I needed to be in my room by that time.
Let me pause here.
This was my second time visiting Nevis and though I felt extremely safe, I was still a female traveling solo. I did not want to be out by myself after dark. What’s my motto say? Island life through urban eyes, I am still a girl from the Bronx no matter where I may be.
Day 2: Beach Day
I had so many plans for my “me” time on this trip: I was going to get out of the bed early, do my morning stretches, journal, watch the sunrise, plan future group trips, etc. I did wake up early (usually around 6:30am, the sun was already up and shining bright) but I did not get to do any of that other stuff.
After breakfast I headed to the beach with my JBL bluetooth speaker and book. I stayed on the beach from about 9:30am to about 5pm. The ladies that work there on the beach are wonderful and attentive, they kept my bucket full of ice and water. Around noon I walked down the beach to Sunshine’s Bar and Grill, about a 5 minute walk from the Four Seasons. They were closed that day for a private event. I headed back to my room, sat on my balcony and watched the sunset, showered and ordered room service. I had planned to go to dinner on the resort but on second thought there were creatures out there in the dark - lizards, praying mantis, spiders, green vervet monkeys. I did not want to have a chance encounter.
Day 3: Day trip to St. Kitts
I was looking forward to this day because I would be meeting up with Yvette from Nevis Sun Tours. I previously met Yvette during my first trip to Nevis along with other travel agents. I was picked up from the Four Seasons promptly at 9:15am and met Yvette at the water taxi pier. From this pier, it was about a 15 minute ride across to St. Kitts (with one drop off). The sky was a bit cloudy and misty during the morning hours.
When we reached St. Kitts, we were met by our driver and tour guide for the day, Eddy. Driving through St. Kitts is probably one of the most scenic drives I have ever been on (St. Lucia driving is also very scenic). The sights are often breathtaking, from the mountain peaks down to the ocean and sea. St. Kitts is located in a region where you can literally see where the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea meet. See: Timothy Hill.
Timothy Hill
In St. Kitts we stopped at Caribelle Batik/Romney Manor. The gardens are beautiful here and I got to see a demonstration of how batik is done (it must be the exact same print on the backside). Next, we visited the Brimstone Hill Fortress. Situated high above St. Kitts, designed by British Army Engineers and built by African slave workers, tells a story of colonization and struggle. After the Fort, we enjoyed lunch by where the Ocean meets the Sea at Arthur’s Restaurant and Bar. I enjoyed the vibes here, good chunes, food and waves crashing nearby.
Caribelle Batik Gardens/Romney Manor
Brimstone Hill
Arthur’s Restaurant
Once our bellies were full, we made a quick stop at the scenic Black Rock. On our way back to the pier, I had to see Timothy Hill one last time.
Black Rock
Back at the resort, I ate an early dinner at Mango’s near the beach. Enjoying a Kendie’s Kick, I curled up with my book listening to the waves crash while waiting on my grilled Mahi Mahi sandwich and watching the sun set.
Day 4: Another Beach Day
On this last full day, I was trying to decide if I wanted to spend a day at Chrishi Beach Club or stay at the Four Seasons. Although I loved the food and vibes at Chrishi from my first visit, I was quite content and comfortable just staying at the Four Seasons. I had begun quite the routine, I would find a quiet spot on the beach and park myself there for the rest of the day. After breakfast, I made my way to the beach around 10am.
Even though this alone time was beginning to feel like a lot, I still wanted to be alone. I did not want anyone to sit too close near me (especially if they had children) and I chose a spot that was far away from others. I had my speaker and my book - my two best friends on this trip. I ordered lunch around 1pm (with another Kendie’s Kick!) and then at 4:30pm I took another walk to Sunshine’s. This time they were open, and Sunshine himself not only welcomed me in, he brought out my meals , Sunshine Salad with red snapper and rice and peas. Another thing - One cannot go to Sunshine’s without having their signature drink, the Killer Bee, which packs a powerful punch, beware!
Menu and Killer Bee at Sunshine’s
I ordered BBQ wings to go and made my way back to the resort around 5:30pm. Back in my room I watched the sun set on my last day in Nevis.
Day 5: Going Home
I woke up at 6:00am, went to breakfast and was on the beach in my coveted spot by 8am. I planned to spend my last hours (I counted 3 of them) in the sun. As a structured person I truly appreciate The Four Seasons’ planning. The night before, I received a letter stating that my luggage would be picked up at 11:30am and that I did not need to be in my room for the pick up. Check-out would be at noon and I would need to be at the resort pier by 12:15. I had pre-packed the night before so that I could be on the beach early. Perfect.
At 10:56, I knew my time had come. Yes, I was ready to see my family, I was ready to not be alone any more but I was not ready to say goodbye to the beach; the sounds, the colors, the pelicans, the sand, the sun, the breeze, the kind ladies who managed the beach area. I did not want to let any of that go.
And so I cried.
Not a big blubbering messy one, but the kind where the corners of your lips sort of curl downwards uncontrollably and a few tears slip out. I always feel like this leaving the beach but this was the first time I actually shed tears. I was alone on this trip and truly alone on this beach as no one was around me. I was in a safe space and so I did not fight those feelings.
Would I do it again?
I’m not so sure. I appreciated the quiet time, but as I mentioned, it was a LOT. My instincts and intuition were on high alert at all times. I gave everything a second thought. I did not want to be out at night - even on the resort. Though I felt extremely safe at all times, the Bronx girl in me would not let me put my guard down.
I enjoyed being in the Caribbean 1,000% of course, however, I missed sharing the beauty of the islands with someone important to me. On my group trips, some of the best conversations are had on the beach and I missed that. Here is where I have to boast a little bit: I think I have done an amazing job creating the perfect getaway that combines the right amount of solo time to companionship time. I tell the ladies on my trips to gather as much or as little as they feel. Even as the host, I have never felt that I needed to be on anyone else’s time if I did not want to be.
If you are looking for a travel group where you can feel independent and still feel the protection of being part of a group, then join the crew here.