New and Noteworthy
By Ava Rosales
This summer, the Caribbean offers up more than just a “room with a view.” Nevis presents a “home away from home” with panoramic scenery atop and across the Caribbean Sea and St. Maarten provides an eco-adventure that takes your breath away.
Nevis
Greet the morning in Nevis’ new luxury two-bedroom Beach House perched above pristine white sands, overlooking clear blue waters with unobstructed views to the neighboring St. Kitts. The whitewashed bedrooms enhance the Bohemian feel of this well-appointed thatched roofed retreat, nestled on the west side of the island at the end of a foliage filled trail. With only five to select from, Paradise Beach Resort has designed a one-of-a-kind experience for guests on Nevis. With private concierge and private chef, you will be afforded the same luxurious amenities fit for nobilities, after all, the resort boasts an impressive list of former dignitaries such as Prime Minister Trudeau and members of the Royal family. Clearly a testament to the resort’s ability to cater to the most discerning guest and its adherence to privacy for their clientele.
The resort exudes a refined glamour and elegance that is uncompromising in maintaining a tropical tranquility that seamlessly connects the indoors with the outdoors. British interior designer, Naomi Cleaver, cleverly creates the ambiance of the Caribbean within the indoor spaces by strategically placing mirrors that capture sunsets and seascapes from any vantage point, which extends to the architectural genius of the copper plunge pool adorned with tiles of teal, azure, and opal reflections of the sea. Even the wraparound balustrades with carefully placed cutouts provide views with the illusion of hovering far above the sea. As tempting as it is to lounge around in the Beach House for the duration of your respite, you may want to catch a sunrise yoga session, followed by a guided hike. Be sure to be back home though for the spectacular sunset as the backdrop for dining on your private wraparound deck or a romantic sunset swim in your plunge pool. Turn in for the night with a push of a button, as your drawbridge staircase raises until you are ready to head out for the next day’s adventure.
Although the five Beach Houses are the newest addition to the resort, they join seven sophisticated two, three, and four-bedroom thatched villas. With only 12 dwellings available on the entire Paradise Beach Resort property, exclusivity is within the reach of any guest or their families who desire pampered seclusion in a serene, tropical setting. Beach House rates start at $1495 per night. https://paradisebeachnevis.com
St. Maarten
Eco-adventures await outdoor enthusiasts and those who want a bird’s eye view of the island and magnificent surroundings. Soar on the world’s steepest zip line at the newly opened Rockland Estate Park. Known for their activities in rainforests across the Caribbean, Rainforest Adventures delivers its signature thrills coupled with a cultural immersion and educational experience for all patrons. Strap your helmet on and prepare for the rush of “zipping” through the jungle with the greatest of ease, without sacrificing speed, on the Sentry Hill Zip Line – a 1,600-foot line that traverses the mountain ridge. Equally thrilling, and also not for the faint of heart, is the Flying Dutchman, an exhilarating flight that spans more than 2,000 feet and takes adventurers to an elevation slightly over 1,000 feet. Without having to defy gravity, grab an inner tube and hit the 657-foot Schooner Ride course, as you sit back and relax along the meandering curves and straightaways. Round out the day with feet firmly planted on the ground for a tour of the Emilio Wilson Museum and discover the customs, traditions and history of St. Maarten. The day’s adventure is bound to work up an appetite. So, it’s back to the top of the mountain to indulge in cuisine and cocktails at the signature restaurant, Emilio’s, where dining with 360-degree vistas allows for a relaxed survey of the dual-nation and surrounding islands. Dubbed as the “Big 3”, these dynamic experiences in air and on land, at the Rockland Estate Park, will have you viewing St. Maarten from a completely different perspective this time around. www.rainforestadventure.com
