By Yvette Caster, Freelance journalist and podcaster
Tuesday 1 Jan 2019 8:00 am
The Caribbean in early summer – it makes more sense than you think.
Palm trees, white sands, rum punch and five star luxury – but at a more affordable price tag.
And while it does just technically fall into the hurricane season (which runs until November), youd be more at risk in the rainier months of August, September or October, than in May or June.
So, if youre looking for a bargain, you might want to consider St Kitts and Nevis for your spring or early summer holiday rather than splurging on winter sun.
When I visited, the weather was reminiscent of an English summer – warm but overcast, with occasional rain.
This was ideal for a tourist like me who always intends to lie on a sun lounger, but gets itchy feet after a day, then runs about exploring.
Not literally though – the aforementioned five star resorts came complete with buggies and drivers of course.
High on my list of favourite activities was my journey across the island on The St Kitts Scenic Railway – a great way to learn about the islands history, take in the landscape and have a drink or two (the three-hour trip includes cocktails and soft drinks).
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The railway, built between 1912 and 1926 for transporting sugar cane from the fields to the central factory, is a reminder of the islands colonial past.
St Kitts was the first Caribbean island colonised by the British, and one of the first to grow sugar cane – the land worked by people enslaved and shipped from Africa.
The French also fought for the island, and won, but it was handed back to the British as part of the Treaty Of Versailles.
St Kitts and its sister island Nevis, which are one nation, finally gained independence in 1983.
The last sugar train ran in 2005 but, by then, the railway was also being used for these excursions.
Its more than just a history lesson – its a chance to see many angles of the island – homes, hotels, shorelines and fields, and hear about island life today.
I particularly loved the St Kitts Scenic Railway choir, who serenaded us with a mixture of gospel and traditional songs, as well as the St Kitts national anthem.
My tour of Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, now a Unesco World Heritage attraction, was also interesting.
The fort, which sits atop a volcanic hill, was designed by the British and built by African slave labour from basalt blocks and local limestone.
It played a crucial part in colonial wars with the French and was used by the British military until 1853.
You can wander around the fortress, which is very well preserved, and also take in a small exhibition on the islands military past.
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Tickets to Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park cost about £8.
Fairview Great House and Botanical Gardens was also a notable slice of island history, although I was underwhelmed by my tour.
This 300-year-old house, with rooms furnished in the colonial style and an ancient stone bath, must have seen some interesting events and could have been better curated.
However, it has beautiful views and is focussing on the lighter side of things, hosting weddings, rum tasting and Caribbean cookery lessons.
You should also visit Nevis, just a short boat trip away, and the Museum Of Nevis History.
The Georgian style building was the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, who lived on the island until he was nine.
He went on to help draft the US constitution and spoke out against slavery (and his life is currently the topic of popular West End musical, Hamilton).
History aside, St Kittss Timothy Beach, with the charming Sunset Cafe, is worth a stop, Cockleshell Beach is great for swimming and watersports, while Reggae Beach Bar & Grill on the Frigate Bay Strip serves up delicious lunches.
If youre a fan of shopping then Caribelle Batik and Port Zante are worth a look.
Visiting St Kitts and Nevis off season may not appeal to all, but its arguably a more interesting time to go.
Everything is less crowded, cheaper and, if youre one for lots of sightseeing, more manageable without the sweltering heat.
Dont forget your sunblock or bug spray though – it may sometimes be overcast but those rays, and mozzies, still find a way to get through.
Where to stay in St Kitts and how to get there:
I stayed at the stunning Belle Mont Farm and luxurious resort hotel Park Hyatt St Kitts.
Guests at Belle Mont Farm have their own villas with private infinity pools and views of the island, plus covered outdoor bathrooms.
The decor is homely, and theres a focus on sustainability and comradeship – dinner was at one long table with our fellow guests – making this an extremely memorable place to stay.
Although its about as far from camping as you could get, you get the feeling of being immersed in nature – but with the added bonus of a projector to watch films on in bed.
Park Hyatt St Kitts, in contrast, feels more familiar, with its smart spa, luxury communal pools and extensive, quality buffet breakfast.
The food here is a real highlight and the staff are extremely attentive, plus activities from paddle boarding and croquet to gratitude journaling and live entertainment are available.
British Airways is offering seven nights in selected dates in May at Belle Mont Farm, including return flights from Gatwick, from £,1099 per person.
You can also book seven nights Park Hyatt St Kitts in selected dates in June, with BA flights, from £1,549 per person.
I flew with British Airways from London Gatwick to St Kitts via Antigua.
The journey took about 10 hours 30 minutes.
Where to stay in London for more five star luxury
I stayed at Andaz London Liverpool Street in the heart of East London.
I was in their incredibly stylish (ANDAZ)RED Suite, designed by Sir Terence Conran.
The room featured a light, bright and colourful lounge area with a huge TV, Rankin portraits and excellent views of the buzzing streets.
There was also a stunning bathroom stocked with Ren toiletries, a calming, minimalist bedroom and a striking hallway lined with Nobuyuki Taguchis black and white photos of London.
The suite was created to help raise money to fight HIV and AIDS in Africa – (RED) partners with all kinds of brands to raise money in this way.
Thirty per cent of the room rate, which is from £418 per night, is donated to the project.
Dinner was at Rakes Cafe in the hotel – a charming floral space serving imaginative cocktails and snacks.
To get to the airport from Liverpool Street, take the Metropolitan tube line to Farringdon station, then a train to Gatwick – the journey takes about an hour.
MORE: Here's why you should visit Nevis
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