Advertorial • December 2014

Hot stuff: what’s new in St Kitts

The dreamy Caribbean island may offer winter sunshine, golden beaches and breathtaking scenery, but thanks to a slew of new and renovated hotels, restaurants and bars, there are even more reasons to take that tempting island escape

The cool new beds

Ocean Terrace Inn will reopen its doors on 28 January 2015, following a refurbishment of its public areas, restaurants and rooms, while Timothy Beach Resort – which is set beside a beach lined with rum bars – recently gave its pool and some of its rooms a makeover. For those seeking luxury, check in at Belle Mont Farm on Kittitian Hill (pictured), which is set on a tropical, organic farm – and the island will also welcome properties from Park Hyatt and Koi Resorts in 2016. Looking for a more private experience? Book one of Silver Reef’s self-catering condominiums in Frigate Bay.

The hot table

Sitting in the heart of Basseterre, the capital of St Kitts, The Ballahoo was once famous for its loud Caribbean flavours, but it recently reopened as a French restaurant with a local twist: think bouillabaisse Creole (with clams, shrimp, calamari, fish, coconut milk and sweet potatoes), beef steak with peppers, chilli, lime and soy sauce, and chicken paillard with lime and cumin. Just be sure to save some room for their delicious crepes.

The tropical bars

A trip to the Caribbean wouldn't be complete without just a few rum cocktails on the beach. Last summer saw the arrival of SALT Plage Beach Bar in Christophe Harbour, an open-air bar that exudes barefoot chic. Sip Champagne and inventive cocktails, such as the Salt Pond Jumbie, soak up the sunset and dance under the moonlight to Caribbean beats. Near Old Road Town in Basseterre, the 17^th-century Romney Manor (once the property of American Founding Father Thomas Jefferson’s great-great-great-grandfather), has opened a new Rainforest Bar (pictured).

The stylish ports

Once you’ve seen the best of St Kitts, you might want to hop over to sister island Nevis, or nearby Antigua and St Martin. And there are two new ways to really do it in style: first is from the new super yacht marina at Christophe Harbour (pictured) – the first phase will see a 24-berth section that will be complete at the end of 2014; the second is to relax in the recently opened YU Lounge private terminal at Robert L. Bradshaw International (the lounge is accessible to commercial passengers from about $167). Passengers can enjoy gourmet food, drinks and use of amenities (including Wi-Fi, meeting rooms and secretarial services), and the lounge’s concierge can book transport to and from hotels, make restaurant reservations and suggest local activities.

The golf course

The first nine holes of Irie Fields Golf Course at Belle Mont Farm will open on 12 December 2014 (the other nine will open in 2015). It’s been dubbed ‘the world’s most edible golf course’ as it weaves through tropical farmland and fruit orchards – caddies will even share their tips on where to find the ripest, juiciest fruits. The course is also sustainable, and is maintained without the use of chemicals and water, thanks to an innovative irrigation system.

British Airways flies to St Kitts twice a week (Wednesday and Saturday). For more information, visit BA.com

Have an opinion on The Club that you’d like to share? Let us know