LIMIN’ ON ST. KITTS
St. Kitts There is a word on that perfectly fits the cruise vacation mode. “Limin’” roughly translated means kick back, relax, and have a good time. There are many opportunities to do just that on the scenic island.
One preferred venue is the turquoise bays and beaches, which seem to be around every turn in the road. Some, like, Half Moon Bay and North Friar’s Bay, face the Atlantic. On these stretches you can wander the sands and watch the big waves, sometimes with no one else in sight — a blissfully serene experience.
For a livelier beach scene, head to the Caribbean side and places such as the golden sands of South Friar’s Beach or South Frigate Bay, where your relaxing might include a paddle in a glass-bottom kayak, a stop at a beach bar for a rum drink or Ting soda, and a lunch of conch fritters or barbeque chicken. On the narrow south east peninsula, Cockleshell Bay is a wonderful place to soak in the sun, with its more than two miles of powdery white sand and views of neighboring Nevis. Plus, it’s home to the popular Reggae Beach Bar.
St. Kitts also has beautiful black-sand volcanic beaches including Dieppe Bay and the secluded Sandy Bank Bay, an unusually calm stretch on the Atlantic side.
For a peek under the sea, bring your snorkels and flippers to the secluded White House Bay. In and around the reef, you’ll spot schools of multi-colored fish such as rainbow parrotfish and blue tangs. There’s also the unusual opportunity to explore a shipwreck, with the remains of a tugboat just a few feet below the surface — no diving required.
Out of the water, another way to experience limin’ is with an island wellness experience. St. Kitts has two full-service spas, both open for day visitors and both with island-focused treatments that will turn you to mush. Advance reservations are recommended.
On low-key Banana Bay, with its swaying palms and views of Nevis, is the Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour hotel and the world-class Miraval Life in Balance Spa. Signature treatments include a FireStone Massage using heated local volcanic stones. While you’re there, try a water lily and aloe facial. Half- and full-day packages are available that combine treatments and lunch, with the opportunity to lounge at the pool.
At the St. Kitts Marriott Resort on Frigate Bay North, the Emerald Mist Spa uses local flowers, fruits, and spices in relaxing massage therapies and skincare treatments. You might indulge in body conditioning with concoctions made from mango and passion fruit or papaya, or relieve stress with a signature bamboo massage.
For something completely different, take an escorted hike in the rain forest. Protected since 1902, lush rain forest covers about a quarter of St. Kitts. Tours, such as those offered by Greg’s Safari’s, get you into the jungle … where you’ll be limin’ with a friendly guide while exploring the island’s wild side.