Many travelers to the Caribbean come for the azure waters and skies, soft sand and nearly perfect climate. From water sports to land adventures like zip lining and rainforest hiking, the islands are a prime draw for outdoor enthusiasts. St. Kitts, lying to the southeast of Puerto Rico just past the Virgin Islands, is certainly no exception to this – but this British island has so much more to offer in its rich history and culture.
For those who love to explore an island fully, while having every activity and amenity available at your resort, there is the St. Kitts Marriott Resort & Royal Beach Casino. This is actually the only full-service resort on the island, enjoying a prime location at Frigate Bay wedged between a pristine beach and championship golf course.
Onsite Facilities
One of the best aspects of St. Kitts Marriott Resort is the abundance of facilities and activities; there is likely something for every guest, from romantic couples to families to groups of friends. A major draw is the Royal Beach Casino, with 35,000 square feet of gaming tables, slot machines and professional tournament tables. One of the things I liked about the resort, when compared with other casino hotels I have visited, is that the casino is completely unobtrusive and absolutely no noise escapes it; you would never know it’s there until you enter.
For the opposite of gambling excitement there is the serene relaxation of the Emerald Mist Spa, 15,000 square feet of beauty, health and therapeutic facilities. The spa features separate men’s and women’s locker rooms, eight oversized treatment rooms including two wet rooms, five dry rooms and one couples’ room with private Jacuzzi and dual- head shower. A full range of services from body treatments to facials, manicures, pedicures and hair services are available. The specialties are the Kittitian Massage and a new bamboo massage, which I had. This was one of the absolute best massages I have ever gotten in my life; using oils and thin bamboo sticks, the therapist warmed the sticks in her hand and then used them like mini rolling pins on my body. So much heaven that I had to take a nap afterward.
Next to the spa, a state-of-the-art health club features cardiovascular equipment, free weights and complimentary fitness classes including yoga and “East Meets West” which combines stretching, resistance and Tai Chi. Personal training sessions and one-on-one yoga instruction is available for an additional charge.
Three brilliant newly resurfaced freshwater swimming pools, Jacuzzis and a swim-up bar provide a refreshing oasis amidst the resort’s lush landscaping. There is also a casual poolside restaurant, Bohemia. While this resort caters to guests of all sizes, there’s also an adults-only pool for when moms and dads need some grown-up time.
Boasting holes on the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, Royal St. Kitts Golf Club is a beautiful 18-hole, 71-par championship “links”-style course. The course’s 83 sand bunkers, 12 lakes, wide fairways and large putting greens make it enjoyable and challenging for players of all levels. The signature hole, Hole 15, is a downhill par-3 that showcases the Caribbean’s natural beauty with dramatic views of the sea and neighboring islands, and has been described as a “660-yard monster.” Golfers can often catch a glimpse of the local wildlife, which includes egrets, lizards, and green tail monkeys that occupy the surrounding landscape.
Guest Rooms
393 guest rooms and luxurious suites are situated in numerous buildings spread throughout the property. The main building, The Frigate Bay House, features guest rooms and one bedroom suites with traditional West Indian accents. One and two bedroom suites are available in three-story garden houses. Well-appointed rooms and suites combine comfort with convenience and most include large private balconies with ocean, pool or garden views. Each guest room has individual climate control, high-speed internet service, dual-line speaker telephones with voice mail, an alarm clock, cable/satellite TV, safe, iron/ironing board, coffee/tea service, shower/tub and hair dryer.
Dining
No one could ever go for want of food or drink here. St. Kitts Marriott Resort boasts four full-service restaurants, three café/grills, a pizza shack and three bar lounges. Blu is a terraced oceanfront restaurant features fresh seafood in an airy setting that captures the romance of the West Indies. The Royal Grille Steakhouse is a city-style traditional steakhouse with an international wine list. La Cucina specializes in the dishes of Northern Italy. Enjoy a nightcap at the Keys Cigar & Rum Bar, or Blue Martini piano lounge.
For Kids and Teens
The “Princess for a Day” package is designed for girls age six and older and includes a manicure, pedicure, glitter make-up, up-do, lip gloss and sunscreen. A “Teen Escape” package for 16-18 year olds consists of a classic pedicure and herbal deep cleansing facial. Special children’s yoga flow classes are available free of charge, and there is a video arcade onsite.
Neighborhood/Nearby Attractions
The island is 23 miles long and 5 miles wide at its widest point. Despite its size, St. Kitts has a diverse and stunning terrain. The island’s central region is made up of volcanic mountains lush with rainforest that reach 3,792 feet at Mt. Liamuiga, the island’s highest peak. In the north, foothills form a rolling landscape of sugar cane plantations and grasslands, while uncultivated lowlands are covered with thick tropical woodland and exotic fruit trees.
The St. Kitts Scenic Railway provides guests with a relaxing and unique way to tour the island. Hop on the sugar cane tracks to experience spectacular ocean, mountain and village views.
A visit to Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is a delightful trip back in time where visitors can explore one of the best preserved historical fortifications in the Americas.
Once owned by ancestors of President Thomas Jefferson, Romney Manor is a striking estate rich in history and is home to the Caribelle Batik factory, which produces unique, dyed fashions and wall hangings.
Located on St. Kitts’ northern side, the picturesque lava formations known as Black Rocks are a reminder of the island’s volcanic past as well as a popular tourist site.
Canopy zip lining is yet another popular attraction in St. Kitts. This highly advanced course consists of five lines ranging from 500 – 1,350 feet long, and approximately 250 feet high.
Details
St. Kitts Marriott Resort and The Royal Beach Casino
858 Frigate Bay Road
Frigate Bay, St. Kitts & Nevis
Reservations: (800) 223-6388
www.stkittsmarriott.com