I’ll be honest, I never intended to create content during my time in Nevis. I came to the island for work as a property consultant (I know, surreal, completely unrelated to what I do back home in London) — head down, focused, and fully immersed in the task at hand. But as the weeks passed, something began to shift. After almost two months of island life, I realised it would be a shame not to share even a slice of the beauty, culture, and charm that this little-known gem has to offer.
You’ve probably heard of St. Kitts — Nevis’ more famous sister island — but how many people can say they’ve truly experienced Nevis? Not just the beaches and rum punches (although yes, I did have the infamous Killer Bee at Sunshine’s — and it did live up to the hype), but the soul of the island: its people, its history, its artistry.
So when I reached out to the Nevis Tourism Authority to explore the idea of documenting a bit of my stay, they responded with warmth, generosity, and a beautifully curated island tour that felt less like a checklist of tourist stops and more like a true introduction to the heartbeat of Nevis.
What a Typical Nevis Itinerary Looks Like
For most first-time visitors, a typical Nevis itinerary includes beach-hopping between Pinney’s Beach and Lover’s Beach, snapping photos at the famous Sunshine’s Beach Bar with a Killer Bee in hand or a sing-along on Wednesdays in Cotton Ground at the popular From da Heart Bar for karaoke night (shout out Justin!), and perhaps a round of golf at the Four Seasons Resort. History buffs often make their way to the Bath Hotel, the first hotel in the Caribbean (and the Western Hemisphere!), or the Cottle Church, the first church in the region where enslaved and free people worshipped together. Nevis is also home to the first integrated primary school and, of course, the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton — whose story predates the Broadway musical by a couple of hundred years.
It’s these “firsts” woven into the island’s colonial past, natural beauty, and proud independence, that make Nevis so unique. However what made this itinerary so special was how it veered off the beaten track…
Here’s what my Island Tour looked like:
Clifton Estate Rum Distillery
“There are no traffic lights on this island, for one!” Mark shared on why travellers should visit Nevis.
We kicked things off the way every Caribbean morning should — with a bit of rum! At Clifton Estate Rum Distillery, I met South African-born Mark Theron: the owner, the blender, the bottler — basically the one-man powerhouse behind the brand. Not only did I learn about the intricacies of this Nevisian rum and gin brand, I also got to bottle and wax-seal my own Clifton Estate rum to take back to London. A one-of-a-kind souvenir with my fingerprints (and perhaps a drop or two of Nevisian sun) sealed into it.
Watch my Interview reel with Mark here.
📍Book a tour here: www.cliftonestaterums.com
Alexander Hamilton Museum
Next stop: The Alexander Hamilton Museum, where I stepped into the birthplace of one of America’s Founding Fathers. Though the museum is modest in size, it’s a powerful reminder of the island’s place in global history — and how a tiny rock in the Caribbean shaped a man whose influence echoes centuries later.
It also serves as the Museum of Nevis History, featuring an exhibition that provides a thorough exploration of Nevis’ history, including Emancipation and Independence, while offering an insightful exploration of the African influences present in Nevis today.
📍49RC+856, Charlestown, St Kitts & Nevis (Street names aren’t commonly used in Nevis, so utilising a Google tag is the most effective method for locating specific areas.)
Around the Garden Tour – Cades Bay Fruit Orchard
Next on the tour, we stopped at Cades Bay Fruit Orchard, just off the main road near Chrishi Beach. With my NevisNaturally tote bag in hand (ready for whatever goodies I could pick), we strolled through a tropical wonderland of edible plants and fruit trees.
The best part? Sampling the fruits straight from the source — sweet, sun-ripened treats as we walked. It wasn’t quite mango season yet (still gutted to have missed the Mango Festival earlier this month — did anyone attend?), but I did spot two perfectly ripe mangoes just waiting to be claimed. Naturally, they ended up in my tote and on my breakfast plate the next day!
CLICK HERE to swipe through my IG post for a short reel of this lush little tour.
📍More info and how to book a tour can be found here.
Artisan Village
Nevis isn’t just about beaches — it’s a living, breathing cultural landscape. At the Artisan Village, made up of brightly painted colourful huts, I met local creatives and small business owners proudly showcasing their crafts. It was tempting to buy everything, but more meaningful still was the opportunity to hear their stories — of heritage, sustainability, and keeping Nevisian traditions alive.
This is also the place for your St Kitts & Nevis (and Nevis specific) souvenirs… And don’t miss the chance to get a pic by the huge #NevisNice sign located in front of the village.
CLICK HERE to swipe through my IG post for a short vids
📍49XG+9GQ, Pinneys Rd, Charlestown, St Kitts & Nevis
Lunch at Passions
When most visitors are directed to Sunshine’s (home of their iconic Killer Bee), I was instead taken to Passions Bar & Grill, a hidden gem with heartfelt hospitality and rich, home-cooked flavours. Run by the incredibly warm and talented chef Karen Belle, Passions felt like an invitation into someone’s home — and that’s exactly what I wanted. Real Nevis. Real people. Real food.
Located in Cox Village, the greenery inner island of Nevis, near Montpelier Estates and the Botanical Gardens of Nevis
CLICK HERE to swipe through my IG post for a short reel of that delicious cheesecake!
📍4CF8+F3G Pond Hill, St Kitts & Nevis
Stone Art with Marvin Chapman
“Carvin’ Marvin,” as I now affectionately call him, was a highlight of the day. A self-taught sculptor with a quiet intensity and a deep love for his island, Marvin Chapman transforms raw rock into expressive, emotional art. In under 30 seconds, I watched him carve a monkey out of stone — no template, no hesitation, just instinct and skill. Visiting his soon-to-open gallery felt like being let in on one of Nevis’ best-kept secrets.
“To own a piece of the rock is to own a piece of Nevis,” Marvin told me. That line has stuck with me ever since.
CLICK HERE to scroll through more images and vids of Marvin in action sculpting!
Nevis Hot Springs – Wind Down
We ended the tour the Nevisian way — at the Nevis Hot Springs. Natural thermal waters bubble up just steps from Charlestown, offering visitors a healing, grounding soak. After a full day of new experiences, it was the perfect way to reflect and reset.
More Than Just a Tour
What made this tour special wasn’t just the stops. It was the people I met – from Mark and Marvin to Karen and all the talented artisans. It was their passion, pride, and generosity that made the day unforgettable.
This experience reminded me why I started Travelmakerkai in the first place: to spotlight destinations through the lens of local connection, culture, and curiosity.
I’m so glad I didn’t leave Nevis without doing something that stays true to my passion for travel. This tour — arranged so thoughtfully by the Nevis Tourism Authority — has not only reawakened my love for storytelling, but also marked the start of a new chapter for this blog.
Watch this space. More travel tales are coming! And as always, follow my adventures over on Instagram: @travelmakerkai… Where the stories continue, one reel at a time.
For more about Nevis visit: www.nevisisland.com
📍Nevis Tourism Authority, A. L. Evelyn Building, Main Street, Charlestown, Nevis, St Kitts & Nevis
With love and wanderlust,
Kai x
All photos and content credit: Kai Lutterodt @travelmakerkai
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