St. Kitts and Nevis, the dual-island state in the West Indies, are a Caribbean gem for honeymooners who want an unforgettable tropical vacation. Situated between Antigua and Puerto Rico, St Kitts & Nevis is a beautiful destination with lush forests, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters. A St Kitts honeymoon should be at the top of your list.
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Is St Kitts a Good Place for a Honeymoon?
The Caribbean Sea is home to some of the best beaches in the world. Beyond white sand beaches—a mesmerizing backdrop for romantic walks—St Kitts offers a friendly atmosphere, delicious fresh food, and numerous exotic adventures.
Thanks to the island’s generally laid-back atmosphere, you and your new spouse will feel like you’ve found that perfect hideaway after months of wedding planning.
What Activities Can You Do on a Honeymoon in St Kitts?
- Water activities. Blessed with beautiful bays and beaches, you’ll never run out of turquoise waters to enjoy. You can go swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling (popular spots include the Frigate Bay Reef, Paradise Reef, and Brimstone Shallows). Head to Sand Bank Beach if you want to encounter stingrays close up.
- Ziplining or hiking. For a more exotic Caribbean adventure, try a zip line tour or a hike to the famous Mount Liamuiga. After a good sweat-sesh, you can take a scenic train via the historic St. Kitts Scenic Railway, built in the early 1900s.
- Tour historic areas. The island offers plenty of sites with historical significance, including the hilltop fortress Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park. When you stroll around the capital town of Basseterre, you will be in awe of its old-world British charm. There, you can also go shopping and support local artists.
- Visit Nevis. When in St Kitts, you can also enjoy a quick Nevis honeymoon. Accessible via a 45-minute ferry ride, the island has its own pristine beaches: Pinney’s Beach, Oualie Beach, and Lovers Beach. You can also hike Mount Nevis, explore iconic Alexander Hamilton landmarks, or wander around the island’s central hub, Charlestown.
What Is the Best Month to Visit St Kitts?
Newlyweds will experience warm and sunny weather from December to April, the island’s dry and peak travel season. If you don’t mind some rain and prioritize having thinner crowds, it’s best to visit between May and June.
Is a Honeymoon in St Kitts Expensive?
A Saint Kitts honeymoon for one week can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,500. This is inclusive of airfare, accommodations, and food expenses.
How To Plan a Budget Honeymoon in St Kitts
- Go when it’s not peak travel season. You’ll find many great deals on airfare and lodging from May to June.
- If you want to be more cost-effective, consider looking for all-inclusive packages. Make sure that the resort you book offers the excursions you want. Also, look out for special offers.
- For a more inexpensive trip, you may also book guesthouses and vacation rentals instead of hotels. Be sure to set aside a budget for your food and travel.
5 Best Areas to Stay In St Kitts
Basseterre
The bustling Basseterre is St Kitts and Nevis’ capital and biggest city. Located on St Kitts’ southwestern coast, it’s a place to find colonial-era buildings, vibrant Caribbean-style structures, and major tourist attractions such as the Romney Manor, National Museum of St. Kitts, and the Berkeley Memorial Clock. If you want to hit the water, head to South Friars Bay, Banana Bay Beach, or Firgate Bay South.
Kittian Village
This resort area on the eastern side of St Kitts is a mere 20-minute drive from Basseterre. If you stay in any resorts here, you can try various water sports—from sailing to jet skiing to kitesurfing. While it lacks the local culture you can find in the island’s capital, its coastline’s golden, sugary sands and pleasant waters are enough to keep you busy and fascinated. Catching the sunset at the Timothy Hill Overlook is also rewarding.
Cockleshell Bay
St Kitts’ southern tip boasts this stretch of remote coast. On Cockleshell Bay, you’ll find a beach bar or two where you and your significant other can unwind. Reggae Beach Bar is one of the most popular bars, and it’s the best spot in the area to enjoy upbeat music. Since this area is near Banana Bay, you also have another option for a place to try out water activities like swimming or snorkeling.
Sandy Point Town
This is St Kitts’ second-biggest town. If you and your partner are big history buffs, it’s a great area to stay in because it’s home to commercial buildings and warehouses from the 17th century and the iconic Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park. For postcard-worthy panoramic views, visit St Kitts Eco-Park. The 20-acre park has lush landscaped gardens, with verdant mountain ridges as its background.
Dieppe Bay Town
If you’re looking for another historical town, Dieppe Bay Town might fit the bill. It’s the first settlement on St Kitts and was rebuilt by the French in the 1600s. Since it’s located in the island’s northern area, near the Atlantic, it’s an excellent hideaway for honeymooners who want to escape the hustle and bustle of major tourist hubs.
What Is the Best Way to Travel to St Kitts?
For your Caribbean getaway on St Kitts, you can book non-stop or connecting flights to the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport, half a mile northeast from the center of Basseterre.
Traveling Within St Kitts and Nevis
Since St Kitts and its sister island, Nevis, experience little traffic; it’s easy to get around the Caribbean islands. You can hire a taxi or rent a car or a moped/bike. If you want to enjoy the views of St Kitts on a train, St. Kitts Scenic Railway will take you through a scenic 30-mile loop. To get to Nevis, hop on a ferry (travel time is around 45 minutes).
What Types of Honeymoon Accommodations Are Available in St Kitts?
St Kitts offers a diverse range of honeymoon resorts and accommodations to cater to various preferences and budgets.
If you’re looking for beachfront luxury resorts or all-inclusive resorts, your options include Four Seasons, Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino, Park Hyatt St. Kitts, Montpelier Plantation & Beach. Accommodations like these have decadent amenities, including a golf course, pools, and cabanas, complete with hammocks.
Meanwhile, if you’re searching for a boutique mountainside resort, Belle Mont Farm is one of the most popular choices.
There are also vacation rentals, guesthouses, and bed and breakfasts that offer a more inexpensive and locally authentic experience.
What Type of Food Should You Try in St Kitts?
- Salt Fish. St Kitts’ national dish is made with stewed salt fish, usually served with breadfruit, spicy plantains, or coconut dumplings.
- Pelau. This savory rice dish uses multiple types of meat, including salt fish, beef, and chicken. It also has pigeon peas and various colorful vegetables and spices.
- Johnny Cakes. The Caribbean’s take on these “cakes” is a must-try. Made of baking powder, flour, sugar, and salt, these small bread circles are then fried in hot oil.
- Goat Water. This is not a drink but a stew made with goat meat. It utilizes fresh, local ingredients such as papaya, yams, tomatoes, and chilies.
Are There Any Cultural Experiences to Include in a St Kitts Honeymoon?
If you want to appreciate better the cultural heritage of one of the best honeymoon destinations in the Caribbean region, you and your loved one can explore various cultural activities.
The Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases 17th- and 18th-century military architecture built by enslaved Africans and designed by British colonizers. It’s one of the landmark sites highlighting St Kitts as the first island in the West Indies to be conquered by Europeans.
Plantation tours are also available if you want to learn more about the sugar industry, slavery, and the island’s dark period of history.
When you embark on a St. Kitts Scenic Railway tour, you will see scenic views and a glimpse into the island’s history. Also, visit Caribelle Batik at Romney Manor to witness the intricate and traditional art of batik-making (printing on fabric).
What to Pack For a Honeymoon in St Kitts
St. Kitts observe a generally conservative casual attire. You can see locals and tourists donning informal wear, but if you’re dining at more elegant restaurants, wearing fancier clothes is a good idea.
Apart from your day-to-day and dressier outfits, swimwear is a must. St. Kitts offers plenty of beaches, so don’t forget to pack swimsuits, beach towels, and cover-ups. A waterproof bag is also a wise investment. Bring comfortable shoes, and a pair of hiking shoes is vital if you plan to hike or walk through the rainforest.
As with other tropical destinations, pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to protect yourself from the sun—plus an insect repellant to keep mosquitoes at bay. Bring light layers and a rain jacket for cooler evenings and in case it rains.
Is St Kitts Safe to Visit?
Generally speaking, St. Kitts is considered a safe destination for honeymooners. Here are some safety tips to help you avoid encountering unpleasant scenarios:
- Always be aware of your surroundings.
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash or flashy jewelry pieces.
- Don’t wander off isolated areas. At night, only stay on well-lit and crowded streets.
- In your lodging, secure your valuables in a safe place.
- When doing water activities or any other excursions, follow safety guidelines. Always know your limits.
- Protect yourselves from the sun and heat by wearing sun protection and staying hydrated.
- If you want to self-drive, you must get a temporary driving license. Always take extra care, especially when driving in rural areas, as roads are narrow and blind corners can cause accidents. Cars in St Kitts drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit St Kitts and Nevis?
US citizens don’t need to apply for a visa for their romantic getaway in St Kitts and Nevis. You can stay for up to 90 days if you have a valid US passport and can present return tickets and lodging confirmations.
Bonus St Kitts Honeymoon Travel Tips
- Drinking tap water in main towns is safe, but it may be contaminated if you’re in rural areas.
- While the island follows a 230-volt system, most hotels offer a 110-volt supply.
- Tipping on the island is discretionary. Most hotel bills already include a 10% gratuity.
- While US dollars are accepted, US coins are not. It’s safer to have Eastern Caribbean Dollars on hand. As of writing, $1 is ECD$2.70.
- Locals communicate in English. They are cordial, so expect them to greet you with “Good morning” and “Good afternoon.” It’s cultural etiquette to do the same.