Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis is a two-island nation in the Lesser Antilles, between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic; English is spoken throughout. The islands lie about 3 km apart across a narrow strait, The Narrows, crossed in minutes by ferries and water taxis. Sailing, snorkelling, diving and golf are close at hand. The national dish is stewed saltfish with spicy plantains, coconut dumplings and seasoned breadfruit. Add lobster, local rum and Ting, a grapefruit soda.

St Kitts climbs to the green volcanic slopes of Mount Liamuiga, with rainforest trails to the crater rim. In the capital, Basseterre, colourful streets meet at the Circus, a round square with a clock. Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has sweeping sea views, and a narrow-gauge scenic railway circles much of the island. The Southeast Peninsula has quiet beaches and a marina.

Nevis, a near-round island under the cloud-capped cone of Nevis Peak, is unhurried: Pinney’s Beach, small inns in restored stone estate houses, hot springs near the little capital, Charlestown, and kitesurfing at Oualie Beach. It is warm all year, cooled by trade winds. The drier season is roughly December to April; the wetter one, with hurricane season, roughly June to November. The islands suit couples and honeymooners, families, hikers, sailors and anyone after a quiet Caribbean.