Four Seasons Nevis, St. Kitts And Nevis

Find out why Four Seasons Nevis is not just a playground for the rich and famous, but for families as well. Their excellent childcare programs are even affordable during the quieter summer season.

[Editor’s Note:  This resort was badly damaged by Hurricane Omar in mid-October 2008 and due to ongoihg litigation, has postponed its reopening till November, 2010 while it undergoes extensive repairs to facilities as well as upgrades to interiors and guest amenities. Note that the resort’s golf course and the Four Seasons Residences — 65 privately owned villas — have remained open, as has the resort’s golf course.]

It’s hard to find a super-luxury resort with world-class cuisine and exquisite service that is truly welcoming to families, but the legendary Four Seasons Nevis manages to put out the welcome mat with warmth and style. And since its total millennial rebirth, it’s even better.

Situated along a strand of sparkling white sand on the intimate and friendly island of Nevis, there is every water sport imaginable, a spectacular golf course, two adults-only pools plus family swimming pools (including a new shallow-for-tots section), West Indian cuisine restaurants, and tennis. One of the most creative children’s programs in the Caribbean has been made even better.

Recent accolades for the program include “Top Caribbean Resort” from Travel + Leisure Family and Parent’s Magazine’s “Top 10 Caribbean Family Resorts,” in addition to the resort’s AAA’s 5-diamond accreditation and “Top Spa in North America” honor from Condé Nast Traveler.

The complimentary “Kid’s For All Seasons” program (ages 3-9) operates on a drop-in basis and folds the culture of the islands – food, folktales, crafts, nurturing sea turtles, folk arts, and music – into its lively and varied daily program. Older children will swoon when they see the state-of-the-art teen entertainment center; teen sail and snorkel clinics are new.

The concierge, who also plans family outings, can easily arrange well-trained babysitters any time of day or evening within four hours notice. Up to three children require one babysitter at $33 for four hours and only an additional $7 an hour after that. Four children or more require another babysitter.

Partnering with the Caribbean Conservation Corporation, one the world’s oldest sea turtle protection groups, the resort also offers eco-tourism activities for the younger crowds. With educational programs designed by the experts, the program includes turtle watch beach walks, turtle nestings and other indoor activities. Only running during Nevis’ nesting season (June through October), all children in the “Kids For All Seasons” program will receive a sea turtle adoption certificate. Additionally, families who are more adventurous can participate in a nighttime “Turtle Walk,” which is hosted by the Nevis Turtle Group, to discover newly born baby turtles just coming out of their hatchling.

Guests stay in beautifully renovated, two-story “cottages” that are oddly reminiscent of elongated Swiss chalets. Each cottage contains 12 spacious and lavishly appointed rooms or suites, many with connecting doors, and either a second story screened porch or a first floor patio just steps from the beach. A full service, deluxe spa features treatments based on indigenous flowers, oils and herbs. Children under 18 can share their parent’s room at no extra charge.

There’s a tiny airport on the island, but most guests fly into St. Kitts next door (new non-stops from American and Delta for 2008) and take the 25-minute hotel boat trip to Nevis.