Photography provided by Park Hyatt St. Kitts
When Park Hyatt St. Kitts opened its doors in late 2017, trendy travelers clamored to hop a plane to the diminutive Caribbean island to experience for themselves the hot new property that had Robb Report, Condé Nast Traveler, Forbes Travel Guide, and Travel + Leisure all raving. Once there, they started spreading envy-inducing images across Instagram: strolling into the jaw-dropping open-air entrance, lounging by the picturesque adults-only infinity pool, draped atop a mind-bogglingly horizontal palm tree.
Park Hyatt’s first foray into the Caribbean was a long time coming for those who were keeping tabs, but it was well worth the wait. The 126-room property sits on an ideal stretch of serene Banana Bay overlooking sister isle Nevis. It’s part of the emerging Christophe Harbour development dedicated to the yachting lifestyle (you get the picture).
First impressions here are, well, impressive. A glass of bubbly awaits you in the living room (not lobby), where you check in then are whisked away via golf cart to your guest room. The suites (48 of them) are the real appeal here, boasting private plunge pools, outdoor living rooms and ocean views for days. The 5,210-square-foot Presidential Villa is unparalleled, with its infinity pool, wellness area, security service, private butler and chef, and more.
But you won’t want to spend your vacation sequestered in your suite, however lovely it might be. The beach, two pools, three restaurants and beautifully manicured grounds will most certainly draw you out of your room. The thoughtful design behind the pools is evident; the main beachfront one is family-friendly while the adults-only option is tucked away. Both offer ample sunscreen (for before), cooling gel (for after) and service from the pool bar (for during). Beach bums will not be disappointed, as every chaise features unreal Nevis views and regular attention from staff. And of course you can kayak, snorkel and paddleboard to your heart’s desire.
No joke: The food here is worth fasting for. The three on-property eateries offer distinct dining experiences all under the watchful eye of Executive Chef Pankaj Bisht. The casual ocean-to-table Fisherman’s Village dishes up ceviche, grilled prawns and freshly caught mahi mahi. The adults-only Stone Barn offers inventive cuisine from seafood paella to wood-fired lamb rack. And the Great House sits at the heart of the resort and serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as the ultimate gourmand experience: the Chef’s Table. Seated right in the kitchen, you’ll be taken on an incredible culinary journey that’ll end up on your list of top 10 meals.
Paralleling Park Hyatt’s entrée into the Caribbean is Miraval’s debut here with its Life in Balance Spa. You’ll already be über-relaxed, but a treatment from the famed wellness brand will push you over the edge. The vast menu features services like fire-stone massages, after-sun facials and full-blown wellness sojourns. Plus meditation and yoga are offered in the adjacent sugar mill, a nod to St. Kitts’s heritage. If you want to learn more about the island’s history, there are plentiful excursions to take you off property and even an exclusive water taxi to ferry you over to Nevis for the day.
The cherry on top of it all: Sun Country Airlines just debuted seasonal nonstop service between the Twin Cities and St. Kitts. That’s just five and a half hours from wheels up to touchdown. Who could resist?
