When it’s time to grab some Caribbean sunshine, St Kitts offers everything from golden sands and laidback rum bars to world-class attractions – plus a five-star welcome at the luxurious Park Hyatt St Kitts Christophe Harbour resort. Frequent visitor Nigel Tisdall shares his best bits

Beach bliss

St Kitts is shaped like a cricket bat, with its best beaches on the handle, including the mile-long curve of Cockleshell Bay with its tranquil waters, easy-going fish restaurants and watersports. Weekends are liveliest when Kittitian families come to enjoy the spectacular view across to the sister island of Nevis, just a five-minute speed boat ride away. Next door, crescent-shaped Banana Bay has a more relaxed vibe and is home to the low-rise Park Hyatt St Kitts Christophe Harbour resort. Resting in 20 acres of private and spacious grounds adorned with lawns, reflecting pools and tropical flora, it’s the swishest place to stay on the island.

A top class resort

With just 126 rooms, including 48 suites, Park Hyatt St Kitts is a pampering sanctuary that appeals to both couples and families thanks to its peaceful beach and two large pools (one adults only). Guestrooms have a chic, fun-by-the-sea style, with luxurious touches such as private balconies, deep soaking tubs and views of the Caribbean Sea. For a treat, splash out – literally – in one of the premium suites that come with a private plunge pool and terrace. Opened in 2017, this is the only Park Hyatt property in the Caribbean and service standards are high with more than 300 mostly local staff to ensure a happy stay.

Spice it up

Love fish? This is a Caribbean island where fishermen still bring in a daily catch of fresh tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi and snapper, which are usually served grilled, fried or blackened (cooked in butter and spices). Head to The Fisherman’s Village at Park Hyatt St Kitts to feast on lobster tagliatelle and Kittitian rum cake by the water, or get romantic over a sharing-plate tasting menu at the snug, adults-only Stone Barn restaurant. Caribbean flavours are also to the fore in the lavish breakfasts served in The Great House where specialities include johnny cakes with saltfish and chili pepper egg with avocado.

Time to explore

St Kitts is only 23 miles long, with a green and mountainous interior rising to the immense 3,792ft peak of Mount Liamuiga – which you can climb. The island’s star sight is World Heritage-listed Brimstone Hill National Park, home to a mighty fortress dating from the 1690s with magnificent views. Another must is a ride on the St Kitts Scenic Railway, which makes a breezy trundle round the north of the island accompanied by a cappella singers. You can explore independently by hire car, or the concierge desk at Park Hyatt St Kitts can arrange excursions, from a lazy catamaran cruise to rainforest hikes and a day trip to Nevis. For a novel round of golf, visit the Royal St Kitts Golf Club, where you can hit a ball between the island’s Atlantic and Caribbean shores.

And relax...

Downtime is an essential part of any holiday and it’s easy to kick back in the sun at Park Hyatt St Kitts. Book a soothing massage or body renewal ritual at the popular Sugar Mill Spa & Sanctuary or join a yoga class held in the serene cone of a replica sugar mill. Private cabanas are ideal for an indulgent day by the pool with afternoon tea and signature cocktails. And, of course, no trip to the Caribbean is complete until you’ve downed some rum, so allow time for an expert tasting at Tots Rum Bar. Cheers!

All British Airways holiday packages are ATOL protected and include 23kg of checked baggage per person, while our Customer Promise gives you peace of mind when booking your holiday. Book your St Kitts holiday with Park Hyatt and British Airways Holidays at ba.com/parkhyattstkitts

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