Nevis Peak, last erupted more than 100,000 years ago!
NEVIS, CARIBBEAN — When history takes a back seat to creative storytelling, the results can be bittersweet. Such is the case for Nevis, the small but captivating sister island of St. Kitts. While Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit musical Hamilton made Alexander Hamilton a global household name, it left Nevis — his birthplace — curiously unmentioned. Yet for travelers seeking authentic Caribbean charm, this tiny island deserves center stage.
A Forgotten Jewel of the Caribbean
Nevis (pronounced Nee-vis) is part of the Leeward Islands and home to just around 10,000 residents. Often overshadowed by its better-known neighbors like Barbados and Jamaica, Nevis remains one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets. The island’s lush hillsides, covered in ferns, orchids, and calabash trees, stretch toward the turquoise sea, offering a tranquil setting rarely found in today’s fast-paced world.
Amid the beauty, remnants of old sugar and cotton mills still stand — a sobering reminder of the island’s history as a slave colony. It was here, sometime in the mid-18th century, that Alexander Hamilton was born. Despite his extraordinary rise to become the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, his birthplace has remained largely un-celebrated outside the Caribbean.
The Challenge of Nevis Peak
One of the island’s most iconic features is Nevis Peak, a 3,232-foot dormant volcano that dominates the landscape. Unlike Montserrat’s active volcano, Nevis Peak poses no threat — except, perhaps, to the legs of those who try to climb it.
The trek begins gently, winding through dense jungle paths lined with moss-covered trunks and wild orchids. Accompanied by local guides like Devito and the sounds of tree frogs and vervet monkeys, hikers quickly find the terrain steepening. Ropes secured to trees assist climbers in scaling the muddy, slippery inclines. It’s a physically demanding challenge, but the reward is worth it.
Even without reaching the summit, the view from the mid-point is breathtaking. Through breaks in the cloud forest, one can see the island’s Gingerland Parish below — dotted with tin-roofed cottages and framed by emerald-green plantations that fade into the deep blue sea separating Nevis from St. Kitts.
Relaxation at the Golden Rock Inn
After a day of exploration, tranquility awaits at the Golden Rock Inn. Tucked into the lower folds of Nevis Peak, this boutique hotel is built around an 1801 sugar mill. The property is surrounded by gardens filled with palms, succulents, and flowering plants designed by acclaimed landscape architect Raymond Jungles.
- Eleven charming cottages hidden amid tropical foliage
- A shaded swimming pool perfect for unwinding
- Peaceful walking paths that invite quiet reflection
- An on-site restaurant offering fresh lobster sandwiches, grilled snapper, and mahi-mahi
Life here follows the island’s unofficial motto: rush, slowly. Time seems to move differently, and guests are encouraged to savor each moment — whether lounging by the pool or exploring the gardens.
Island Spirit at Sunshine’s Beach Bar
No visit to Nevis would be complete without a stop at Sunshine’s Beach Bar, located beside the Four Seasons Resort. Known across the Caribbean for its lively atmosphere and its owner, Sunshine, this beach bar is famous for its legendary cocktail — the Killer Bee.
With its blend of rum, lime juice, and grenadine, the Killer Bee goes down easily, but locals warn that drinking more than two can lead to a hangover fiercer than a tropical storm. The bar’s reggae soundtrack, colorful decor, and welcoming crowd make it a perfect spot to experience Nevis’ friendly, laid-back vibe.
As the sun sets over the Caribbean Sea, casting magenta hues across the horizon, it’s easy to understand why Nevisians are proud of their home. One local summed it up best while sipping a cold Carib beer: “Hamilton’s only mistake was leaving Nevis. I’m not planning on leaving anytime soon.”
Why Nevis Belongs on Your Travel List
Nevis may not have the glitz of larger Caribbean islands, but it offers something far more valuable — authenticity. With its mix of natural beauty, history, and warm hospitality, the island remains one of the last places in the region untouched by mass tourism and cruise ship crowds.
Whether you’re hiking a volcano, enjoying fine cuisine, or simply soaking up the island’s unhurried rhythm, Nevis offers a rare glimpse of the Caribbean as it once was. Perhaps Lin-Manuel Miranda’s omission was a blessing — preserving this peaceful island’s charm for those who take the time to discover it.