St. Kitts: Everything to Know Before Your Island Getaway

Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, St. Kitts (officially known as Saint Christopher Island) is a romantic isle full of possibilities. Together with sister island Nevis, from which it's separated by a shallow channel called “The Narrows,” they form a single, two-island nation that gained full independence in 1983.

Lush, tropical, and magical, St, Kitts inspired our women's eau de parfum of the same name—and is one of our favorite relaxation destinations in the world.

Located about three miles from Basseterre, the capital of St. Kitts and Nevis, Frigate Bay is one of the island's most popular destinations. Featuring the nation's best selection of hotels and restaurants, as well as a harbor for regularly docking cruise ships, it's a fine starting point for any adventure.

The surrounding natural beauty is simply breathtaking. Mountain rainforests, dormant volcanoes, and lava formations define the topography of the islands' interiors. The relatively uncrowded beaches feature black sand in the north and golden sand in the south. And thanks to an abundance of crystal-blue lagoons and coastal waters, there's plenty of sailing, fishing, diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, and more for aquatic enthusiasts to enjoy.

Man-made attractions abound as well. There are 200-plus historical sites to explore, including 18th-century sugar plantation homes that now serve as well-appointed inns. Another must-see is the Brimstone Hill Fortress. Built in the 1700s, this massive marvel was once known as “Gibraltar of the West Indies” and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site today.

If you love live music, be sure to check out the St. Kitts summer Music Festival held every June. If you're visiting around the holidays, the Christmastime Sugar Mas celebration offers a spirited dose of local culture and revelry

You'll need a passport. If you already have one, it's a good idea to make sure it's up to date: it should be valid for at least six months past your date of departure.

Though St. Kitts has warm, pleasant weather most of the year, constant sea breezes and occasional rain are also a reality. The best weather occurs from November through May, but hotel rates are higher during this time.

To beat the heat and stave off less-than-perfect weather, pack plenty of lightweight apparel (like our signature linen) and outerwear layers. Of course, don't forget our best-selling swimwear for beach days. And even if you don't end up lying on the sand for hours, it's best to bring plenty of sunscreen.

If golf is part of your getaway plan, your best bet is to find a resort with its own course. Just be sure to ship your clubs to your hotel before your flight. Typically, the resort's green fees are waived if you're a guest.

When it comes to traditional Caribbean dishes, St. Kitts is culinary heaven. The restaurants on both islands offer plenty of seafood and meat: spicy fare, jerk chicken, you name it. And the fruits and veggies are as fresh and succulent as they come. If you're in the mood for other flavors of the world, restaurants serving Asian, Italian, Moroccan, and Spanish cuisine are ready to satisfy your taste buds.

Rental cars, mopeds, taxis, and buses are quick, inexpensive transportation options. (Be aware, though; there isn't a single traffic light to be found.) If you feel like hopping from one island to another, ferries are also available.