Hill Rise House - Information about Nevis

What are the beaches like?

Caribbean coast:
Long stretches of white sand, normally calm waters, palm trees, a few hotels and beach bars, many deserted spots, water sports. Nearest point 15 minutes by car.
Atlantic coast:
A good sandy beach with wilder waters, no shade or facilities but often deserted. 15 minutes drive near the Horse Race track.
North coast:
Soft powdery coral sand at the Nisbet Plantation Inn. Reef for snorkelling. Other deserted beaches near the airport. 30 minutes.

What is the climate like on Nevis?

Typically 85°F most of the year. Can be much cooler at times in the winter. The tropical rainfall occurs all the year round (less in the first half of the year). It is usually in short bursts and is more of a pleasure than a nuisance. On rare occasions, and throughout the Caribbean, you can be unlucky enough to encounter periods of still, overcast drizzly weather which last for days on end. From August to October, there is a slight chance of a big tropical storm or even a hurricane.

Where can we eat out?

The Montpelier Hotel (a few minutes walk) has good food and a great deal of charm and ambience. All the hotels welcome non residents for all meals, and there is an increasing number of independent restaurants which are less expensive than the hotels.

For quick and inexpensive meals to eat in or take away, see the map and try:-

Mems Pizzaria - 5 minutes down the road.
Water Department barbeque on Friday evenings in Pump Road.
Tea Garden Chinese Restaurant upstairs in the square in Charlestown near the Court House and Library.

What is night life like on Nevis?

Don't come to Nevis for a hectic night life. The hotels and some of the beach bars offer occasional evening entertainment in the winter season.
There are no tacky discos, bars and strip joints. Away from genteel entertainment provided by the hotels (non residents welcome), night life is designed specifically for the locals, but visitors are welcome to join in.

What is the currency on Nevis?

Eastern Caribbean Dollars, currently fixed to the US$ at approximately US$1.00 = EC$2.65. US$ accepted most places, and often quoted in tourist establishments. Make sure you understand which type of dollar goods or services are quoted in.

What water sports are available ?

Scuba Diving, sailing, skiing, deep sea fishing and snorkelling trips. Facilities may not be available in low season.

Providers of water sports are mainly found at Oualie Beach (about 20 minutes drive).

Can I play golf?

The Four Seasons Resort has an excellent 18 hole course, open to non residents except at busy times. Or have fun on one of the two minor golf courses operated by local expats.

Other activities on the Island ?

Hill Rise House has its own tennis court for the exclusive use of rental guests. The better hotels have tennis courts, some of which are made available to non-residents if they are not busy.
There is hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking through the tropical scenery for the more energetic. If you wish to climb all or part of Nevis Peak, a local guide is strongly recommended.
If you prefer the comfort of four wheels, you will be free to explore every road or track and every village where you are bound to see a friendly wave or smile. Don't miss the fascinating relics of Nevis' wealthy plantation age of the 18th and 19th centuries. Visit places like the old Georgian period Bath Hotel and hot springs, the old Jewish Cemetary in Charlestown, Hamilton Mill, New River Mill and lime kiln, haunted Eden Brown Estate and the unique, charming and tranquil ruins of the little Cottle Church.
British naval hero Horatio Nelson married a local lady, Fanny Nisbet, on Nevis in the late 18th century. The ceremony took place under the silk cotton tree which stands to this day on the site of the old Montpelier Great House. The marriage is recorded in the archives of the local parish church St. John Fig Tree. One of the island's two museums is dedicated to Lord Nelson. Other places to visit are Nelson's Lookout and Nelson's Springs.
The two museums have some fascinating exhibits and where you can spend many days looking into archives if you wish.