Montpelier Plantation & Beach, Nevis

The intimate Indigo Restaurant opens onto Montpelier’s picturesque pool, with its colourful gardens and views of the distant sea.

Nestled in a gorgeous garden setting in the hills of Nevis, Montpelier Plantation & Beach presents an elegant and gracious old-world aesthetic without sacrificing comfort, relaxation and refinement.

With the deep blue Caribbean Sea visible in the distance and the lush green flanks of Nevis Peak always in sight, guests at Montpelier can luxuriate while feeling in deep harmony with nature.

Perched high 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 sea. In addition, the Garden Suite and Tamarind Villa offer enhanced accommodation options.

A stay at Montpelier can quickly develop into a series of delightful routines. Mornings are gorgeous on the property, and an unhurried breakfast on the terrace is de rigueur. Then you can plan a swim in the picturesque pool, have a cocktail prepared by Kaddy – one of the Caribbean’s truly legendary bartenders – or enjoy traditional afternoon tea, served poolside.

Evenings are all about the elegant Great House, with its comfortable lounge. Dinner guests, refreshed from their restorative day, gather for cocktails and canapés as the prelude to delightful dinners at the signature Restaurant 750, or Mill Privée, the limited-seating converted stone sugar mill that features so prominently in shots of Montpelier. Restaurant 750, Mill Privée, and the more informal Indigo, are overseen by Kittitian-born head chef Halva Browne who prides himself on creating unique, contemporary Caribbean and globally inspired dishes, with fresh organic local ingredients and garden-grown herbs and spices.

Situated in the hills as it is, Montpelier provides a welcome feeling of seclusion, but never isolation. In addition to the morning shuttle to the hotel’s private beach club, all that Nevis has to offer is easily available, from an onsite massage, a golf game or a hike, to a day sail or an immersive cultural excursion. For plant lovers, the Botanical Gardens are a short walk from the hotel. But to ensure you really get the most of this lovely island, a car rental, easily arranged by the hotel, is recommended. The staff genuinely enjoy sharing their beautiful island and will happily provide you with guidance.

The foundation of Montpelier is, undeniably, its history. And it’s an impressive one. 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, Nelson, then a young captain, married Frances (Fanny) Nisbet, the daughter of the president of Nevis, at Montpelier in 1787. Many other ‘notables’ have stayed there since the property became a hotel in the 1960s. But don’t expect to see their photos anywhere. Montpelier is not that kind of place.

This rich history is just the starting point for the modern, elegant place that Montpelier Plantation & Beach is today. Since assuming ownership of Montpelier in 2002, the Hoffman family have painstakingly ensured that the hotel continues to evolve with modern offerings. Island tapas and burger nights, a weekly beach barbeque, and rotating modern art displays are some notable recent enhancements. It’s a strategy that continues to keep Montpelier at or near the top of many prestigious Readers’ Choice lists and, combined with a fine attention to detail, an approach that keeps repeat guests coming back (that’s five stays for us), while totally charming new arrivals.

Accommodation options include the stylish Garden Suite.

Reflections…

Montpelier is not a glitzy place, it’s undeniably adult-centric and it’s not on the beach, but that’s just fine with us. In fact, its location in the hills is an advantage. We’ve stayed at many high end places in the Caribbean that were twice the price and half as nice. With its understated 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 truly embrace their island getaway – to breathe in, breathe out, and just give themselves up. It was the perfect choice following the rigours of the past two years. For us, Montpelier Plantation & Beach is, quite simply, a ‘place to be’.