Montpelier Plantation & Beach, Nevis

Offering classic charm with a stylish vibe in the green hills of Nevis, Montpelier’s rich history is reflected throughout the property.

Full disclosure – we have been regular visitors to Montpelier for more than 20 years. It has captured our hearts with its gorgeous surroundings, enjoyable amenities and welcoming staff.

Many who come to this charming resort, nestled in the hills of Nevis, are repeat guests who love the opportunity to slow down and savour the relaxed pace of life that this lovely island offers. But is that enough in this day and age? The good people at Montpelier are wise enough to not take any chances.

Just as happy couples have to work to stay in love, Montpelier keeps the romance alive by evolving, while staying true to its own signature charm. Which is why it continues to receive accolades, including just being named one of the best resorts in the Caribbean in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.

At a recent visit to Montpelier, we were delighted by some enhancements and new offerings. The first being an expanded choice of dining options in the evening. The Terrace is Montpelier’s recently renamed and reimagined main restaurant, featuring a new menu highlighting Caribbean flavours in a charming open-air setting. In addition, the hotel now offers poolside dining in the evening with lighter, more casual options, including a Tapas Night and a Burger Night famous across the island. For the ultimate romantic dinner, Mill Privée continues to offer a one-of-a-kind dining experience with a tasting menu in the heritage Sugar Mill. And you can always be sure of an excellent cocktail from a team led by one of the Caribbean’s best bartenders.

One of the most notable enhancements has been the Beach Club. Though not a beachfront resort, Montpelier has a private beach, which guests can access via a short shuttle ride. The Club has been recently reimagined with the addition of a comfortable covered pavilion, lounge chairs and umbrellas, an on-site bar and a barbecue that, three days a week, offers a delicious lunch of freshly grilled favourites, such as ribs, chicken and fresh seafood, served with a salad.

The reimagined Beach Club features a comfortable pavilion, on-site bar and weekly barbecue lunches on a private beach.

What has not changed at Montpelier is the wonderful feeling of relaxation and peace that descends immediately upon arrival, due to its lovely gardens, gorgeous views of Mount Nevis and the Caribbean Sea and solicitous staff. Tranquility, charm and caring are what makes Montpelier so wonderful. Quiet luxury at its best!

Perched high in a gorgeous garden setting in the verdant hills of Nevis, some 750 feet above sea level, Montpelier consists of 18 rooms housed in attractive bungalows sprinkled over a 60-acre estate. The bungalows are strategically situated to take advantage of the delicious trade winds. They are spacious, well-appointed and comfortable. Each has its own private patio with stunning views encompassing the hills of Nevis and the distant Caribbean. In addition, the Garden Suite and Tamarind Villa offer enhanced accommodation options.

The foundation of Montpelier is its history. Montpelier’s origins date back to 1687. It’s had more than its share of famous visitors over the years, with perhaps the most notable being Horatio Lord Nelson, the British naval hero. In fact, he was married at Montpelier.

Then there’s the island itself. The smaller, more serene of the two-island nation of St. Kitts & Nevis, it is cherished for its charm, natural beauty, peace and quiet.

In the spirit of sharing the island’s many charms, the efficient concierge team are more than happy to arrange activities – whether it’s an onsite massage, a golf game, a hike, a day sail (Leeward Island Charters is a favourite) or an immersive cultural excursion. They are also happy to recommend other places to go to soak up local culture, like the lush Botanical Gardens (just a short stroll away), the Olive Tree, a unique shop specializing in quality local art and jewelry, or the world-famous Sunshine’s on Pinneys Beach.

Reflections…

Montpelier is undeniably adult-centric and it’s not directly on the beach, though the lovely private Beach Club more than makes up for that. And its location in the hills is an advantage, not only for the verdant setting, but also the cooling trade winds. We’ve stayed at many high-end places in the Caribbean that were twice the price and half as nice. With its understated (i.e., non-glitzy) elegance, genuine caring team and commitment to their guests’ total comfort and enjoyment, this hotel is simply good for the soul for those who are willing to sit back and truly embrace their island getaway.