With crystal-clear ocean waters and the type of beachy lifestyle that defies the concept of time, it’s easy to see why the Caribbean is a favorite destination for travelers from Dallas and beyond.
Still, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect as I embarked on an excursion to Nevis, an under-the-radar island in the northern part of the West Indies.
Dubbed by Forbes as the “coolest Caribbean island you’ve never heard of,” I felt like I was being let in on an insider’s secret as I enjoyed an icy Carib Lager during a short water taxi ride over from St. Kitts.
As we docked at the Four Seasons pier, my heart fluttered as yellow and red beach chairs came into focus. Lush landscapes, never-ending ocean views, and curvy mountain tops instantly reminded me of some sage advice I heard earlier that morning on a TikTok video about being grateful for all Mother Earth has to offer. “Thank you,” I whispered, before stepping off the boat.
Built on a former sugar and coconut plantation dating to the late 1790s, the Four Seasons Nevis is the only resort on the quaint, 36-square-mile island, which is the birthplace of founding father Alexander Hamilton. The island’s unique charm sets it apart from more developed destinations such as Barbados and St. Barts.
Cocktails on the pier at sunset make for a magical West Indies experience.
With seven distinct restaurants and bars providing a wide selection of culinary experiences at the resort, I’d soon come to appreciate world-class dining at restaurants like On the Dune, where I sat oceanside and enjoyed dishes I’d never tried before: mutton curry, bang bang (a spicy shrimp and lobster dish), and, of course, several rum libations from award-winning mixologist Kendie Williams. (Be sure to try the Kendie’s Kick, her take on a classic rum punch.)
Although the Four Seasons is known for its opulent accommodations—and this one checks all the boxes—the stunning 350-acre site is best served outdoors, whether that involves getting a beachside massage in a private hut or playing a little chip-and-sip on a Robert Trent Jones II-designed golf course.
Meandering from the lower slopes of Nevis Peak to the Caribbean Sea, the 18-hole championships course is also a great place to spot a few Green Vervet monkeys. Its signature hole, which sits 400 feet above sea level with views of St. Kitts and neighboring islands, is a demanding par 5 that finds its way down the mountain, doglegging to the right.
Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort NevisCourtesy of Four Seasons Resort Nevis
Other outdoor experiences I highly recommend include tennis on one of the resort’s nine courts (three hard, four red clay, and two AstroTurf), dining under the stars near the ruins of a sugar mill, and going on a botanical tour with the resort’s director of experiences, Mac Kee France—who has been with the property since it opened 30 years ago and has this je ne sais quoi bliss to him that shines when sharing his island.
Off-resort, head out with Mac Kee on one of his foodie tours, hop on a Polaris Ranger with a guide from the Funky Monkey Tour to view some of the island’s best-kept secrets, hike the majestic 3,232-foot Nevis Peak for unapparelled views, or charter a yacht to spend a day snorkeling above vibrant coral reefs.
Honorees in this year’s program include leaders from o9 Solutions, Baylor Scott & White, and Texas Capital, as well as our Constantine ‘Connie’ Konstans Award winner Mahesh Shetty of ILE Homes.
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