Embracing the Art of “Rushing Slowly” in Nevis
Charlestown, Nevis—What does it truly mean to rush slowly? I had never considered the phrase until I found myself hurrying down a quiet pathway lined with yellow cottages and tall palms at The Four Seasons Resort. Despite the peaceful surroundings, I was anxiously trying to make it to my appointment for a signature Nevisian massage. That was where I met Marvella Wallace, a massage therapist whose calm presence matched the island’s tranquil pace.
A Lesson in Slowing Down
As I settled in, Ms. Wallace told me about the natural ingredients she would be using: essential oils, lemongrass-infused water, and coconut milk for a cleansing foot scrub followed by an exfoliating massage. While I worried about being a few minutes late, she gently reminded me that the experience was designed for relaxation, not rush.
She looked at me and said, “When I sit here to do your service, I’m not in a hurry. You get to relax. It’s a massage with a difference. Here in Nevis, we’re not in a hurry. We take time. So, rush slowly.”
Her words were more than instructions for the massage. They reflected a philosophy woven into daily life on the island—an invitation to find balance between moving forward and taking time to breathe. Talking with Ms. Wallace felt like speaking with a wise aunt who understands life’s pace better than anyone.
The Nevisian Motto: Rush Slowly
As I continued my visit, I learned that “rushing slowly” is a local motto in Nevis. It encourages visitors to shift their mindset, to experience the island not through hurried itineraries but through presence and awareness. Wellness here is not defined by trends or exclusivity; it is grounded in nature, community, and intentional living.
This 36-square-mile island in the Eastern Caribbean attracts travelers seeking rest, connection, and renewal. Known alongside its sister island as The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, the nation combines serene landscapes with a rich cultural spirit.
Wellness Experiences Across the Island
During my stay, I embraced the relaxed rhythm of Nevis and discovered a range of wellness opportunities that highlight the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
- Yoga sessions and sound healing in open-air settings
- The soothing Nevis Hot Springs, known for their mineral-rich waters
- Farm-to-table dining with fresh, local ingredients
- Wandering through The Nevis Botanical Gardens
- Conversations with locals who gently reinforced the reminder to “rush slowly”
Each encounter and experience added depth to my understanding of what makes Nevis special. It is not only the scenery or the activities but the intentional pace that encourages visitors to truly unwind.
A Sanctuary of Natural Healing
One of the island’s most transformative wellness spaces sits at the foothills of Nevis Peak. The Eden Life Rejuvenation Centre offers a wide range of holistic therapies rooted in nature and Caribbean tradition. Surrounded by lush tropical greenery, the center provides an oasis for deep healing and restoration.
Holistic Practices at Eden Life
- Meditation sessions that emphasize grounding and mental clarity
- Hydrotherapy treatments using the island’s natural resources
- Chakra balancing and energy-focused practices
- Traditional bush baths created with local herbs
- Therapies designed to reconnect visitors with the natural world
Whether it was a spa treatment, a conversation with a healer, or a quiet moment in nature, every experience in Nevis echoed the same message: life doesn’t have to be rushed to be full. Sometimes the most meaningful journeys happen when we slow down.
In Nevis, “rushing slowly” is not just a motto—it is a way of living that invites every visitor to pause, breathe, and rediscover themselves in the process.