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Nevis


Tourism is Nevis's economic mainstay so islanders take special care to make visitors feel welcome. Don't miss the elaborate sugar plantations for which the island is known.


Activities

Garden Tours
The seven-acre Botanical Garden has the rare Jade vine and a rainforest conservatory with 200 species of palms. Details: $9 entrance fee; +1 869 469 3509.


Educational Trips
Take a night trip to learn about the island's nocturnal critters (think bats and toads), and hear tales about African and Chinese mythology while sitting around a bonfire on the beach. Or go on a rain forest hike to learn about local plants and how they're used as medicine and food. Outfitter: Top to Bottom offers stargazing and rainforest tours. Details: from $10 to $20 per person; +1 869 469 9080.


Hotels


Hermitage
At this 1680s plantation turned inn, guests sleep in antique beds with wispy white canopies. Try the pan-seared red snapper in a ginger and orange sauce at the Hermitage restaurant. Details: from $180 to $790 , including breakfast; +1 869 469 3477.

Golden Rock Plantation Inn
The rainforest adjacent to the18th-century plantation provides glimpses of wild vervet monkeys and tropical birds. Don't miss this hotel's world-famous lobster salad sandwich. Details: from $125 to $300 ; +1 869 469 3346.

The Four Seasons Resort
Guests are pampered with chamomile oil wraps and bottles of Evian mist by the pool. Details: from $325 to $665 ; +1 869 469 1111 or 800 332 3442 (U.S. and Canada).


Restaurants


Montpelier Estate
Try the lobster and mahi mahi chowder, roasted rack of lamb in a honey glaze, and passion fruit mousse. Details: dinner seating at 8 p.m. only; reservations required; $65 for a prix fixe menu of three courses; +1 869 469 3462.

Miss June's Cuisine
Miss June, a native of Trinidad and award-winning cook, opens her home once a week to serve a buffet of Asian, Caribbean, and West Indian dishes. Try the leg of lamb in a Grand Marnier sauce infused with orange, and the baby back ribs in mauby, a local aphrodisiac. Details: reservations essential; $100 for all you can eat and drink (wine included); +1 869 469 5330.


Editor's note: Hotel rates are European Plan (EP), no meals, unless otherwise indicated. Tax and service charges are not included. Rates are subject to change during promotions and peak seasons. Restaurant prices are for an average three-course dinner, nonalcoholic drink, tax, and tip.


For more information, visit the Nevis Tourism Authority online.


*Additional reporting by Julie Dugdale.