Sponsored by St. Kitts Tourism Authority

This winter, your clients are dreaming of an escape to an island with warm tropical breezes, sandy beaches and innumerable things to discover. It’s somewhere countless beach bars serve tropical delights and a warm smile greets at every turn. A place where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea in a thousand shades of blue. Some call it paradise. We call it St. Kitts.

For those who like to have their adventures in the water, St. Kitts offers even more to explore on or below its sparkling blue seas. Divers and snorkelers will be mesmerized by the pristine underwater environment of the island, with plentiful wrecks, reefs, and shoals that are teeming with colorful marine life beneath the surface. Above it, fun can be found on catamaran sails, stand-up paddleboards, jet skis, and even windsurfing and flyboarding for the ultimate in exhilaration.

From towering mountain peaks to sandy shores, the scenic natural landscape lends itself perfectly to a wide variety of activities. Visitors will find it easy to reconnect with nature and become immersed in the sights and sounds of St. Kitts’ rainforest. Many a thrill-seeker has let out an ecstatic yell when flying high above the rainforest canopy on ziplines up to 1,000 feet long. Others may prefer to get their kicks by bouncing along in an open-air Jeep safari through the rolling hills and fields outside Basseterre or to drive their own ATV, dashing down dirt roads and laughing aloud when splashing through the occasional mud puddle.

If thrill seeking adventure is not your preference, experienced guides can take you through the rainforest and point out plants like the touch-sensitive “shy lady” along with certain tree barks and leaves often used by locals to make home remedies or teas. Tailored to suit a guest’s desired activity level, scenic hikes range from strolls along the winding trails to more challenging climbs up the island’s tallest peak, which rises 3,792 feet above the sea.

However, what makes St. Kitts truly unique is its history and rich culture. Kittitians are a warm, friendly people who are proud to greet visitors with their biggest smiles. For passengers riding aboard the St. Kitts Scenic Railway, they’ll see schoolchildren run excitedly toward the train and wave hello as it passes by. Lovingly nicknamed the “Sugar Train,” it is also a piece of living history, as it travels clickety-clack along the track initially built to carry sugar cane from the plantations to the factory in Basseterre.

History buffs will also delight in the majestic Brimstone Hill Fortress. Set high atop a volcanic outcropping, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site known as one of the largest and best-preserved forts in the Caribbean. The climb to the top is well worth the effort, as panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and neighboring islands unfold. Nearby, watch batik being handmade by local artisans using the traditional wax and dye method dating back hundreds of years, then shop for the fabrics in the gift shop at Caribelle Batik factory.

To truly experience St. Kitts’ culture, the best thing to do is to sample the local food. Pick a restaurant frequented by the island residents and order an authentic West Indian dish such as roti, freshly grilled lobster or conch chowder. The delicious combinations of flavors reflect ingredients grown locally, sourced by the restaurant’s owners in the market or bough straight from a fishermen’s catch. Visitors just need to be prepared if they try the local hot sauces, since they’re known to be quite potent!

In addition to dining out, another great way to meet and interact with the local people is to visit the Frigate Bay Strip at night. Set on a half-mile stretch of beach, this stretch of beach bar after beach bar is a popular hangout for both locals and visitors alike. Here, everyone sips on their cocktails with their toes in the sand and enjoys a good “lime” – which is the local term for kicking back, relaxing and just enjoying the island life.