A Local Shares His Top Travel Tips in Nevis

The Caribbean island of Nevis is just 36 square miles in size. There are no traffic lights, and large cruise ships do not dock here. Intimate and serene, Nevis draws a certain type of traveler, one who aims to avoid crowds and to settle into a destination as if it were home. 

And Four Seasons Nevis, West Indies has welcomed such guests since its debut in 1991. It was the luxury hotel brand’s first-ever property in the Caribbean, and today it offers 189 rooms and suites, 3 miles of pristine beach and countless activities to help travelers get to know local culture, history, flora and fauna.

Few people may know the resort better than Ignacio Ottley, a Nevis native who has worked on-site since 2000. 

Ottley holds the title of purchasing manager for Four Seasons Nevis today, but he’s also a de facto concierge who knows the hotel and the island like the back of his hand. Following are his pro tips to pass on to clients heading to Nevis’ top property. 

What is your personal connection to Nevis?

I was born in the Federation [of Saint Kitts and Nevis], and I grew up here in Nevis — a small, quiet place where everyone knows everyone. We always say it takes a village to raise a child, and that’s what we are, a village.

I started working at Four Seasons Nevis on Oct. 25, 2000. I was a bellman first, and then I showed interest in being a concierge. I loved working as a concierge; on the weekends, I covered for the business center, as well. When I tried to come to the purchasing department , my director of guest services talked me out of it — at first.

Eventually, I did join purchasing, and I love it because it’s challenging and all about planning. We're in such a remote location that you have to plan ahead, you have to control your volumes, and you have to meet the guests’ requirements. It's nonstop, but it's fun.

In October, you will have been with the resort for 25 years. What’s kept you here that long?

After so much time, you are working alongside friends. We respect each other, we treat others just as we love to be treated ourselves, and we support each other. We’re positive. We are always ourselves. And every year, we have a lot of return guests because of the warm and hospitable service. It’s a family culture here.

Every year, we have a lot of return guests because of the warm and hospitable service. It’s a family culture here.

As a resident and an experienced concierge, where do you send guests when they venture off property?

I always recommend a full island tour. These take you to different old plantations, museums and the beaches. Sugarcane was grown here from 1642 to 1956, and the beauty of some of the old sugar plantations is that they're now renovated into restaurants, bars and hotels. For instance, Golden Rock Inn was once a plantation; it has a suite in the sugar mill. The Montpelier was a plantation, as well. The Botanical Gardens of Nevis are also great to see. 

Then, the longest stretch of beach (which is right where we are located at the Four Seasons) is Pinney’s Beach. The famous Sunshine's Bar — which everyone must go to — is here. It’s famous for its rum punch, and it’s the home of the Killer Bee [cocktail] as well.

What other points of interest make your must-see list?

There’s the Museum of Nevis History, also known as the Alexander Hamilton Museum. Alexander Hamilton, the first treasurer of the U.S., was born there. 

Guests should visit our hot springs, and lots of people are curious about Nevis Peak. It's very vertical, so hiking the mountain takes about four hours roundtrip, or four-and-a-half hours, depending on your pace. The hike starts at about 900 feet above sea level, and it’s about 20 minutes by taxi from the Four Seasons [to the trail]. Hikers get partial views of different parts of the island and some villages, and it's lush as you go. Most of the time, the peak is covered with clouds, but on a clear day you see our neighboring islands of St. Kitts and Antigua. I've been up there hundreds of times.

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Then, I also recommend a catamaran or sailing trip, or a snorkel trip, where you go to the south end of Nevis and stop to snorkel for one hour in 10-15 feet of water. Horseback riding is also popular here. Once you're staying at the Four Seasons, we make it all happen for you.

Let’s talk about dining — a very important aspect of any trip. Where should guests eat?

Bananas Restaurant, located on the mountainside, is a must. And you definitely want to try a local, plantation-style restaurant, too. The Hermitage should not be left out, being the oldest wooden structure in the Caribbean. Golden Rock is elevated in the mountains as well, so you don't even need any air conditioning. It’s very green here, so you can walk around and have a nice nature walk, too.

If you want to eat local food, have the fresh fish of the day. That might be mahi mahi, for instance, which are caught locally and filleted, or some nice snapper or conch.

Can you eat this way on-site at Four Season Nevis?

Yes. When you come to Mango Restaurant, we have a lot of local dishes. It's located right on the ocean, and you can see the fishing boats next door. We always work with local fishermen, and guests will actually see when they're going out to fish and coming in. They go out daily for lobsters, fish and more. 

How accessible is Four Seasons Nevis?

We are a unique small island, and it's not difficult to get here. Normally, it takes three hours [to fly] from Miami to St. Kitts, which is our sister island. From there, you take a 5- to 12-minute boat ride, depending on the location, over to a resort. It's seamless. We will know your flight arrival time, and our staff and boat crew will escort you from the airport to the pier to the water taxi to the resort. It is personalized service, and we take care of you.

Is the resort family friendly?

Yes. We have a children's club and activities that cater to children of all ages; if the children are happy, you will be happy as well. We offer babysitter services.

And, everyone loves our turtle program.

Every year, from October to February, we have our charity turtle program, where we partner with the Sea Turtle Conservancy. We go out in groups at night, exploring the beaches and looking for nesting turtles. We use red lights so we don’t disturb them much. Once we catch a turtle, we bring just the one turtle to the resort and monitor it overnight. We [attach a satellite transmitter by] with resin on its back — it's not harmful — and now everyone can track and see the turtle’s movement. We’ve seen some turtles go to Nicaragua. It's a good experience for families. For any guests who don't go out on the beach at night, we release it in the morning, so they can still see the turtle walk down the sand and get back into the water. Then, they can track it online.

Are there any other resort perks that guests love?

Some people ask about monkeys, because there are green vervet monkeys on the island. We offer an afternoon monkey tour, but if guests might miss it, they can do it on their own. 

The monkeys are usually on the golf course in the afternoons, and while they don’t come close to you, they don’t run away, either. You'll be able to take some great photographs of them. The monkeys eat mangoes, so that's where they always gather. Where there’s food, there are monkeys.

You’re so proud of your island that I’m told you’ve written a poem about it. Can you share a couple of verses?

Welcome to Nevis, Queen of the Caribees
Beautiful sandy beaches and tropical fruit trees
The most genuine, friendliest people you’ll ever meet
Don’t take much effort but sweep you clean off your feet
Before I proceed, we’ll exceed your expectations and every needs
We’re simple, loving, caring human beings

Easily accessed via air and sea
Everyone! Nevis is the place to be
We are 36 square miles with five parishes
Approximate population of 12,000 people
And traditional finger-licking dishes
A taste of our meals you might even eat utensils
But if you’d like, we can create edible stencils
Exotic beaches, coconut and palm trees
Relax on the beach, drink some Killer Bees

Mountain biking, horseback riding, deep sea fishing, liming, snorkeling,
scuba diving, romantic dining, the island’s very inviting
That’s just a few; even hiking and mountain climbing
Our highest point is called Nevis Peak, it’s 3,232 feet high
So refreshing being amidst the clouds in the sky
It's warm and sunny, with a tropical cool breeze
Relax under a tree, put your mind at ease