What is “paradise?” We often define the term by an idea of a utopian destination. For most, the idea of paradise looks like an exotic island in the middle of the ocean. We picture an infinite shoreline of powdery white sand and the ocean waves gently breaking on the land. The picture of a cloudless, crystal blue sky that enhances the colors of the ocean and the green palm trees that sway from the warm ocean breeze, creating a soothing sound as it harmonizes with the waves breaking on shore. Paradise. For me, paradise was found and it wasn’t just a place – but a feeling.
In the physical sense, I first landed in paradise on a sunny Wednesday afternoon at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport, located just northeast of Basseterre on the island of St. Kitts, and thus making it the very beginning of my adventure on the two-island country of St. Kitts and Nevis. St. Kitts and Nevis were among the first islands in the Caribbean to be settled by Europeans. The island is approximately 104 sq mi and has a population of about 55,000. Little did I know landing that these tiny islands in the Caribbean would capture so much of my soul, hence – feeling like paradise.
Walking off the plane, I wasn’t expecting to be greeted by a friendly YU Lounge Concierge. In fact, I didn’t even know what the YU Lounge was, but with the VIP Package provided by the St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino, I was about to find out. YU Lounge is a private airport terminal, with a luxurious lounge, concierge and FBO services, designed for business jet and airline passengers. Upon arrival, YU Lounge guests are picked up in a luxury vehicle, transported to the YU Lounge, and that’s it! The concierge does everything else for you, from picking up your checked in luggage to customs, all while you sit back, relax, catch up on emails using their complimentary Wi-Fi, sip on bubbly champagne and refuel on tasty hors d’oeuvres.
After departure from the YU Lounge to the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, I wasn’t expecting to soon be entering into a luxury, spacious and welcoming hotel lobby where I’d soon be guided to my suite that was too good to be true. From the moment I walked into this extraordinary West Indian themed suite, I felt as if I was walking into a luxurious one-bedroom apartment with a balcony that overlooks the resort pool, which leads out to the infinite Caribbean Sea. Paradise? Yes, I think I found paradise right there sitting on the balcony, inhaling the fresh ocean air, gazing out to the horizon and leaving all the stress and worries of reality far away.
As much as enjoying the comforts of the room was just what I needed, there was a lot of resort and island to see – so off I went to explore this extraordinary property. The St. Kitts Marriott Resort is the largest luxury resort on St. Kitts, offering world-class amenities in a setting of relaxed, tropical elegance. Guests are welcome to enjoy a championship 18-hole golf course, 15,000 sq. ft. full-service luxury spa, eight restaurants and four bars, 35,000 sq. ft. Vegas-style casino, spacious fitness center, three tropical outdoor pools, tennis courts, high-speed Internet in guest rooms, WiFi in lobby and common areas, 18-hour room service, Gift shop, and car rental desk, just to name a few things. You can visit St. Kitts and Nevis without actually having to ever leave the resort property!
However, there’s also way too much to see off property that will give you a whole new perspective on the culture, uniqueness and beauty of St. Kitts and Nevis. When the term “paradise” becomes both a feeling and a destination, it’s most likely going to happen when you’re cruising across the Caribbean on a spacious Catamaran to St. Kitts’ sister island, Nevis. Glide across the sea with the sounds of the island music in the air, an ice-cold rum punch in your hand and the warm sensation on your skin from the Caribbean sun. Getting lost at sea never felt so good – especially when you stop to swim and snorkel in the sea mid-way through the trip!
When the Catamaran arrives at Nevis, guests can enjoy an outdoor barbecue with traditional island sides and flavors prepared for you by locals. After lunch you’ll have a few hours to spare to explore Nevis, and where else would you choose to go then the famous Sunshine Bar to attempt to conquer a few Killer Bees? You might fall asleep on the Catamaran ride back to St. Kitts!
If you want to step back in time and explore some of St. Kitts history, pay a visit to Brimstone Hill Fortress, which offers a journey back in time. Located 800 feet above sea level, this cultural landmark is one of the best-preserved historical fortifications in the Americas, featuring extraordinary panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and neighboring islands of Nevis, St. Eustatius, Saba, St. Maarten and St. Barts that will leave you in awe. Take a moment in time to gaze out to the sea and appreciate the natural beauty of the earth. Why not add a little adrenaline into your St. Kitts adventure with a Zip-Line Adventure through the rainforest? Zip through the picturesque Kittitian rainforest and enjoy an amazing bird’s eye view of the island’s diverse terrain and wildlife. A unique and secure cable system offers a safe and exhilarating adventure above the treetops.
Some days, all I care to do on vacation is relax on the beach and, of course, get a luxurious spa treatment. At the Spa located in the St. Kitts Marriott, I chose their signature treatment, the Bamboo Massage. This unique specialty treatment utilizes a deep tissue technique enhanced with warm bamboo stalks of various lengths and diameters to revive poor circulation and promote wellbeing. I’ve had a hot stone massage before, but the bamboo knocks the hot stones out of the water! I left feeling relaxed and completely rejuvenated. After my treatment, I enjoyed a few minutes in their refreshing Jacuzzi, which was the perfect touch to the end of a world-class spa treatment.
There’s only so much that words can do to bring a destination, such as St. Kitts and Nevis, to life. The only thing left to do is book a ticket and a St. Kitts Marriott VIP package, and get yourself over there as soon as possible! So when you’re looking for paradise, remember that it’s not always a place, but the way a place makes you feel. I can’t wait to get back to the dreamy days gliding along the Caribbean Sea without a care in the world, just a short and easy plane ride away to St. Kitts and Nevis. For more information about St. Kitts and Nevis and the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, visit their website, www.Marriott.com.
