WHEN HORRY MET FANNY - Nelson's Nevis

A silk cotton tree stands at Montpelier Plantation on the Caribbean island of Nevis marking the spot where a young Admiral Horatio Nelsonmarried local beauty and widow Fanny Nisbet
They were married  in 1787. A copy of the marriage certificate is on display at the Saint John Figtree Parish Anglican Church and the cotton tree still stands on Montpelier Plantation, from where it is a short trip to Saddle Hill Fortress, Nelson’s lookout point for spying on enemy ships
Nuestra Senora de las nieves (Our Lady of the snows), was the name given by Columbus to the tiny island of Nevis as he thought the cloud covered peak looked like snow. One of the wealthiest and most prized of the colonies along with its sister island St Kitts, Nevis grew wealthy and became a model for the plantation system based on sugar production and slavery
As well as the fascinating Nevis Heritage Trail, which gives an insight into the cultures and historical influence to be found here, the tiny island of Nevis has all the sights and experiences that one expects from a Caribbean destination, but without the crowds who flock to more sophisticated tourist offerings. Beautiful beaches, hiking trails, water sports and golf are all here.  You will spot the cheeky Green Vervet monkey as you travel around the island, as well as colourful hummingbirds, lizards and mongoose.  In addition to some fine dining restaurants at establishments such as the Four Seasons there  is also a lively vibe and great food at beach bars such as Sunshine’s,  Chevy’s, and Double Deuce at the pretty Pinneys Beach. Try local dishes such as chicken and ribs, or freshly caught fish such as snapper and mahi mahi, washed down with cold beer and the sounds of live calypso
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Plantations

Scattered across the countryside, the stately ruins of old sugar plantations rise from amongst the cane fields, a physical reminder of days gone by when St. Kitts and Nevis was renowned for sugar production.  Many of these elegant plantation houses and their sugar mills have been converted into charming boutique inns, where guests can enjoy serenity and relaxation while sipping a cool cocktail – preferably rum based. Nevis is certainly not the place to come for high rise hotel chains and all-inclusives.

Nevis has a number of such  inns including Montpelier plantation, a Relais & Chateaux property and Nisbet Plantation, an historic plantation house situated right on the beach .