See more pictures - Here
St Kitts map
|
Calendar of Events
2009
JANUARY
01-02 Jan, St Kitts Carnival: end of carnival season with the Grand New Year’s Day Parade followed by Las’ Lap Jam
25-31 Jan, Digicel Home Series 2009, West Indies vs. England, England team arrive in St. Kitts on 21 January with three-day practice match 25-27 Jan and a three-day First Class match 29-31 Jan at Warner Park.
MARCH
06-08 Mar, St Kitts Fashion Weekend, Basseterre
APRIL
10-13 Apr, EasterRama, annual festival with watersports/sporting events, calypso shows and festivities in and around Sandy Point
JUNE
25-27 Jun, 13th Annual St Kitts Music Festival, Warner Park Stadium, with top international and regional musical acts. The head-line act for this year is KC & the Sunshine Band. Past performers in recent years include Dionne Warwick, Michael Bolton, Billy Ocean, John Legend, Shaggy, Maxi Priest, Brenda Russell, Sean Paul and Air Supply.
OCTOBER
St Kitts Tourism Awareness Month
DECEMBER
15 Dec-02 Jan - St Kitts Carnival with calypso shows, steel band, calypso and party monarch competitions, beauty pageant, street and beach parties, food fair, parade of troupes and bands. 26 Dec is Carnival J’ouvert a jump-up street party in Basseterre. Carnival season ends with the Grand Carnival Parade on New Year’s Day followed by the Las’ Lap Jam on 02 Jan.
St Kitts public holidays 2009: 01 & 2 January, 10 & 13 April, 04 May, 01 June, 03 & 04 August, 16 & 19 September, 25 & 26 December
Please note that the above events and dates may be subject to change/cancellation. Please check locally for confirmation of details. |
| ^ back to top |
Car Hire
It is fun having a car with which to explore on a trip to the Caribbean. If you are staying at one of the plantation house hotels in the North of St Kitts, or wish to visit the relatively remote beaches on the Southeastern Peninsular it gives you the freedom to go where you want and it means that you can explore at your own pace. If you are staying in a villa a car will be essential, because you will need to fetch your groceries. You will need a visitor’s licence if you wish to drive on St Kitts, and these can be obtained through your car rental agency or at a Police Station on presentation of your licence from home. It lasts three months and costs is US$25. We recommend TDC Thrifty Car Rentals for their consistently reliable service. If you wish to visit Nevis for the day, and have hired a car through TDC, then they are happy to make an exchange for the day so that you can drive while you are in Nevis too. Here we list a guide to rental rates, which are quoted in US$ per day/week and are subject to 5% government tax: Suzuki Alto – 40/240 Suzuki Ignis – 45/270 Suzuki Samurai – 45/270 Toyota Yaris – 55/270 Mitsubishi Lancer – 55/330 Suzuki Sidekick – 55/330 Suzuki Jimny – 55/330 Suzuki Liana – 60/360 Suzuki Grand Vitara – 60/360 Mitsubishi Galant – 70/420 Suzuki Vitara – 70/420 Dodge Caravan (7 seater) – 80/480 | | TDC Thrifty Car Rentals, St KittsOn St Kitts we recommend TDC Thrifty Car Hire because of their solid and reliable service over many years. They have a fleet of around 80 cars and jeeps in the season. TDC Thrifty is part of TDC, one of the largest companies in St Kitts. which has a sister company on Nevis, which makes it easy if visiting from one island to the other as you don't have to duplicate rental documents. |
|
| ^ back to top |
Carnival
Carnival is main cultural event of the year in St Kitts. Unlike most other carnivals in the region it takes place in the lead-up to Christmas and on into the New Year and so it ramps up the already existing air of festivity in Basseterre a few more notches. Carnival is mainly a local event, but more visitors are becoming aware of the festivities. Also it gives Kittitians living overseas twice the reason to return home and celebrate with family and friends.
The official launch of Carnival takes place with a grand gala and Junior Calypso show in mid December. This is followed by the main calypso shows, a hotly contended Miss St Kitts beauty queen pageant, street and beach parties, the crowning of a king and queen of carnival, and a mad Carnival J’ouvert jump-up. J’ouvert, pronounced jouvay, is held in Basseterre on Boxing Day and pulls in thousands of revellers who party well into the night and following morning. The culmination of the carnival is a New Year’s Day parade with troupes and bands, which all ends with Last Lap Jam on Carnival Day on 02 January.
In amongst all of the carnival celebrations in St Kitts are more traditional ways of celebrating Christmas, in which there are street displays by folklore groups, with song, dance, drama and poetry readings. The folklore groups have been performing for centuries and are pivotal to the celebrations. The colourful Clown Troupe is thought to be a legacy of a 17th century French Governor. The Masquerade troupe of dancers were originally known as the Indians and they dress in colourful costumes with ribbons, bells and mirrors, with tall hats adorned with peacock feathers. The stilt-walking Mock or Moco Jumbies have their origins in West Africa (you may well also see them during festivals on other islands). Then there are the Mummies, who are thought to derive from the English tradition of Mumming, in which allegorical plays were performed in the streets. The Kittitian version is based around characters such as the Captain (also known as the Fool), the Giant, the Dragon and Saints George, Patrick and Andrew). It ends in a mock battle. There is also a comical street drama performed by a group of actors, known as The Bull. This drama relates back to a 1920s tale, turned comic script, about an English planter’s stud bull turned wild. Much exaggerated over the years, it has become a full blown, well loved farce accompanied by the Big Drum Band, which uses traditional musical instruments. For more information please contact the National Carnival Committee, t 465 9123, info@stkittsfestivals.com, www.stkittsneviscarnival.com |
| ^ back to top |
Casinos
St Kitts boasts one of the largest casinos in the Caribbean in Marriott’s Royal Beach Casino and with the reopening of the Royal St Kitts Casino, the island will be stake its claim as one of the area’s main players for gambling. You will also find slot machines in bars, such as the Oasis Sports Bar, and even in the airport departure lounge where a row of them will allow you to while away the time between delays.
BET SoundStage, Fort Street, Basseterre, t 465 6802
An entertainment venue opened in 2005 under the brand name of Black Entertainment Television, SoundStage. There is a casino-style game room which has around 50 video gaming terminals, a restaurant, bar and lounge. Caribbean atmosphere and a popular ‘liming’ spot with young locals for karaoke nights and its range of music for dancing.
The Royal Beach Casino, St Kitts Marriott Resort, Frigate Bay (north), t 466 1200
A whiff of Las Vegas, set within the colossal Marriott and equally impressive in size with 35,000sq ft of gaming space. Fully air-conditioned, the casino has over 400 slot machines, a full range of table games and a Sports & Race book. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week for slot machines. Table games open to 1am, but will continue to 4am on request.
Royal St Kitts Casino, Royal St Kitts Hotel & Casino (formerly Jack Tar Village), Frigate Bay (north), t 465 8651
The Royal St Kitts Casino re-opened December 2007 after a major refurbishment. Among the 130 slot machines, table games will include black jack, roulette and several versions of poker including Caribbean stud poker. |
| ^ back to top |
Charity Support
For the sister islands of St Kitts and Nevis, The Change Centre on Nevis offers a counselling service to women and children in crisis and general need because they are suffering sexual, emotional or physical abuse – hard to believe that this can be a problem on such a magical island. It is run with the volunteer help of professional counsellors and the charity desperately needs support.
TO READ MORE ABOUT THE WORK OF THIS CHARITY and TO DONATE, please see here. |
| ^ back to top |
Check In/Check Out
As a general rule check-out is at around 12 noon and check-in is rarely before 2 or 3pm, while the rooms are made ready for new arrivals. This is not usually an issue as most people arriving from both Europe and the States do not get there until the mid to late afternoon anyway. If you will be arriving earlier than that, for instance from another Caribbean island, then let your hotel know in advance they may be able to help out. Some properties may provide day rooms/shower facilities subject to availability, or they may be flexible on check-in or check-out times by prior arrangement. |
| ^ back to top |
Children
St Kitts is an ideal island for a low key holiday with children if you are intending to spend time together as a family on the beach and out exploring. St Kitts is a delightful island to begin with, where children will receive a warm and friendly welcome. There are a number of activities and places that are well suited to families and children. There is a handful of suitable beaches to visit and good snorkelling and other watersports. A good place to meet up with other children, especially locals on the weekends, is Frigate Bay south.
For older children there is horse riding, kayaking, a hike into the rainforest or the ‘off-the beaten track’ tour where they can learn about all about sugar and visit old estate ruins. A unique way of seeing the island is to hop aboard the St Kitts Scenic Railway or the ‘sugar train’ as it is locally known. A day out in Basseterre could involve taking in the wonderful old buildings, some souvenir shopping and an educational trip to the National Museum and (if that will brighten their day) there is also a KFC within shouting distance. Artistic children might be interested in learning about the process of batik so a trip up to Romney Manor and Caribelle Batik makes for another day out, which can be combined with another educational visit and some stunning views at Brimstone Hill Fortress, built by British military engineers between the late 17th and 18th centuries, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The only resort with a dedicated children’s programme is the Marriot Hotel (and you might want to note that the Four Seasons over in Nevis has an excellent children’s club, worth considering if you wish to spend time on both islands). There are currently no playgrounds in St Kitts, though some of the new developments planned may change that. Some of the plantation inns have restrictions on children in the summer.
Our recommended accommodation for families on St Kitts is - | Timothy Beach Resort
A well priced, modern beach hotel set above the Caribbean side of Frigate Bay in St Kitts, where its relatively simple and comfortable rooms overlook the lively beach from the hillside. Friendly, with some resort-style facilities and a mix of package and independent travellers. | Frigate Bay Resort
A brightly-painted, modern resort-style hotel with rooms and self-catering suites centred on a pool above Frigate Bay in St Kitts. Frigate Bay Resort has an easy-going, sometimes up-beat atmosphere with guests that include visiting families and some business people. It is well priced and well positioned for the activity of Frigate Bay with its beach, restaurants and golf course. |
|
| ^ back to top |
Complementary Health
St Kitts has a few practitioners in complementary and alternative health methods. Of courts the Kittitians themselves are familiar with the healing benefits of various plants found growing on the island, making them into various forms of ‘bush tea’. Some of the hotels now offer a spa at which some complementary treatments are available. Complementary health practitioners include -
Dr Norman Cramer, Chiropractor, Cayon Street, Basseterre, t 465 5993
St Kitts’ only chiropractor, who also has a small gym next door to his office.
Raphael Liburd, 19 Lime Kiln Project, Basseterre, t 465 6791, raplib@msn.com
An ear acupuncturist and member of the UK based Society of Auricular Acupuncturists.
The Mango Orchard Spa, Ottley’s Plantation Inn, t 465 7234
A small and very personal spa in a charming brightly painted chattel house set in fantastic tropical greenery and overlooking the inn’s rainforest ravine. Mango Orchard offers Swedish, shiatsu, deep tissue and aromatherapy massages in addition to body wraps and other beauty treatments.
Emerald Mist Spa, St Kitts Marriot Resort, Frigate Bay, t 466 1200 ext 7630
Full service spa and fitness centre offering a range of health and beauty treatments including a thermotherapy treatment using warmed local volcanic rocks. They also offer therapy baths, fitness counselling, yoga flow and fitness classes, which include elements of Tai Chi, Chi Gung and yoga. By appointment only.
The Body Haven Spa & Beauty Store, Sands Complex, Basseterre, t 465 4418 bodyhaven@sknvibes.com
A day spa that offers some alternative therapies including massage and reflexology.
The Wellness Centre, Basseterre
Offers chiropractic services and massage. |
| ^ back to top |
Corporate/Incentives
St Kitts offers an increasing number of options for group travel, both for conferences and corporate meetings and for incentive trips. There is a good range of resort conference facilities, which can cater to groups of all sizes, from the excellent plantation inns – which have real style and top notch service that would make an impressive retreat for a small, top level board meeting - right up to the St Kitts Marriott Resort & Casino, with all its convention and entertainment facilities, which can cater for a group of almost 1000 at an international standard event. Importantly, international air-links have improved in recent years, so it is now relatively easy to get to St Kitts, with onward flights from Puerto Rico and nearby Antigua.
There are also good opportunities for activities around a conference, with side-trips and places to visit, one of the Caribbean’s largest casinos, and the introduction of new facilities for spectator sports such as cricket, grey hound and horse racing, and a first rate 18 hole golf course.
Finally, if a twin island destination is something that appeals, then sister island Nevis is within easy reach, either by ferry or a quick flight across. The smaller island has some splendid properties which could dovetail well to ensure a most memorable twin island combination.
Kantours Vacation and Tour Consultants
A locally based destination management company that has the knowledge and experience to assist in handling groups up to 250 for conventions, conferences and incentive programmes. They can assist with finding the right venue for your needs and then create a suitable programme. Kantours offer a range of services which include airport meet and greet, ground transfers, a hospitality desk, tours and excursions, custom theme parties, receptions, cruises, entertainment and team building. They also have their own IATA Travel Agency so are able to assist with all aspects of travel. |
| ^ back to top |
Cruises
St Kitts has a modern cruise ship terminal at Port Zante, Basseterre, which is seeing an ever increasing number of large cruise ships putting in for the day. So far annual arrival figures by sea are well over double those arriving by air, and will be reaching the quarter million mark relatively soon. Port Zante is one of only two ports in the Caribbean which is currently able to allow Cunard’s Queen Mary II to berth alongside its pier, and facilities include a selection of duty free shops, stalls and restaurants. Another advantage is that Port Zanthe is just a short stroll from the centre of town. No cruises can be joined in St Kitts. Some of the smaller and more stylish cruise lines that visit Basseterre are -
Windstar Cruises, 2101 4th Avenue Suite 1150, Seattle, WA 98121, t 800 258 7245, t 206 292 9606, www.windstarcruises.com, info@windstarcruises.com
Cunard, www.cunard.co.uk
The Queen Victoria, which launches in late 2007 will touch St kitts
Sea Cloud Cruises, 32-40 North Dean St, Englewood, NJ 07631, t 201 227 9404, www.seacloud.com, info@seacloud.com
Silversea Cruises, 110 East Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, t 877 760 9052, t 310 312 3368, www.silversea.com |
| ^ back to top |
Currency/Credit Cards
The currency of St Kitts (and Nevis) is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, which is fixed to the US Dollar at a rate of US$1 = EC$2.65.
Practically speaking it is possible to pay in US dollars in any business that has regular dealings with tourists (hotels actually state their rates in US Dollars), though the exchange will probably be made at around EC$2.50 to the US dollar. You may find if you pay in US Dollars that your change sometimes comes back in EC dollars.
Credit Cards
Credit cards will also be accepted by any business that has regular dealings with visitors to the island, including hotels, restaurants and large shops and businesses. Don’t expect small shops to accept them though. |
| ^ back to top |
Departure Tax & Taxes
A departure tax must be paid when you leave St Kitts. The departure tax for non-nationals is US$22 or EC$60 and includes a security charge of US$2 and an environmental levy of US$1.50.
A Government Tax of 9% is added to all hotel and restaurant bills. Please note that most hotel bills are also supplemented by 10% service. The total of 19% can make quite a difference to your eventual bill. In restaurants the tax is included and tipping is left to your discretion but 10-15% is the norm. |
| ^ back to top |
Day Sails/Boat Trips
A popular day out is to take one of the catamaran cruises. These usually head for the leeward coastline of St Kitts’ South East Peninsula, first to one of the secluded bays for snorkelling and then for a sail across the Narrows to Nevis, where there is a barbecue on a beach. There is often an open bar on board.
Blue Water Safaris Ltd, Cayon Street, Princes Street, Basseterre, t 466 4933, info@bluewatersafaris.com, www.bluewatersafaris.com
Yachts include catamarans Irie Lime or Swaliga, which head to Shitten Bay for snorkelling and across to Nevis for lunch at Pinney’s beach where you might opt to enjoy one of the notorious ‘Killer Bee’ cocktails at Sunshine’s beach bar. Every month there is a Full Moon cruise when you can take a daring night swim. Very lively, dinner and sunset cruises, snorkelling trips and private charters available.
Leeward Island Charters, The Circus, Basseterre, t 469 7474, saillic@thecable.net
They have been operating catamaran cruises since 1980 and currently have two 70ft catamarans the Spirit of St Kitts and Eagle, which do the full day trip from St Kitts to Nevis. (They also operate Caona which does a similar trip from Nevis to St Kitts.) Private charters are also available – Spirit of St Kitts can sleep twelve and has five bathrooms with showers, a fully equipped galley, bar and sound system.
Turtle Tours Snorkelling and Kayaking Adventure, t 469 9094, pennyturtle@caribsurf.com
A half day trip with snorkelling in White House Bay, one of St Kitts secluded coves. You paddle along 2½ miles of the South East Peninsula in a self-bailing, sit-on-top ocean kayak, visiting remote bays and looking out for nesting sea birds, monkeys and sometimes turtles. The trip ends with a beach picnic of local favourites where you will be offered local sweets such as tamarind balls to go with fresh fruit juices and coconut water. |
| ^ back to top |
Driving & Parking
Driving in St Kitts is on the left hand side of the road, generally speaking, with accepted chicanes around any pot-holes in the road. Proceed with caution where the road is not in good condition. The round-island road passes through many villages so drive with care through the goats, kids and posses of schoolchildren.
The countryside in St Kitts is mostly very attractive and so it is worth exploring. There is one main road around the mountain range of the northern area, with side roads to villages and settlements, and it opens up repeatedly onto spectacular views. The South East Peninsular is drier but also has sweeping views, sometimes reaching over to Nevis. South Friar’s Bay is well worth a stop for a swim and there are other coves including popular Turtle Beach.
If you do wish to drive on St Kitts then you must buy a visitor’s licence, which can be obtained through your car rental agency or at a Police Station on presentation of your full drivers licence from home. The cost is US$25.
If venturing into Basseterre note that the parking in the central downtown streets is limited, and if you opt for that you will need to be careful where you park just in case you are blocked in – double-parking is not uncommon in the Caribbean. The best option is probably the privately run car park at Port Zante (just behind the Museum by the cruise ship dock) which charges EC$5 per day. Parking at the airport is charged hourly at EC$1. |
| ^ back to top |
|