Villa Paradiso: Nevis, West Indies

Imagine strolling through your own private Garden of Eden nestled on the glistening sands of the island of Nevis' Pinney Beach. The crystal blue Caribbean Sea surrounds you, as you dive into your private waterfall pool. The tranquil island setting offers exclusive privacy, allowing you a sense of freedom, while at the same time you are pampered by a house staff that anticipates every your every wish or whim. Private Chefs prepare mouth-watering, tropical fare, in your own villa and the concierge service assists in your exploration of the exotic island. At night, the lullaby of waves softly caressing the shore, combined with the gentle trade winds rustling through the palms, eases you into a state of sheer relaxation.

You have entered the world of Villa Paradiso, a new luxury Tanner & Haley resort, located on the beautiful island of Nevis. Select your accommodations from either three or four bedroom villas, each one with their own private pool and fabulous Caribbean ocean views. These Balinese inspired villas, created by world-renowned designer Adam Tihany, blend seamlessly and naturally into the fantastic landscape. The peaked, hand woven palm frond roofs mirror Nevis' lush mountain peak, while dramatic tropical foliage and winding paths combine to make Villa Paradiso a truly exceptional resort. At days end, the view from the neighboring island of St. Kitts sparkles like a diamond necklace of lights, creating an indelible memory that will be long remembered with a smile.

The walled perimeter of the villas, naturally integrated into the design of the Balinese house, guarantees total privacy for villas, gardens, thatched outdoor dining pavilions, and waterfall pools. Each villa offers a comfortable living room, dining room, gourmet kitchen and bar, large screen TVs, wireless internet, central AC, ceiling fans. The master suite provides a garden tub and rainfall shower, while each additional guest room has its own luxurious private bathroom.

Once you step outside of your private enclave you may enjoy endless activities, including life-affirming days of snorkeling, windsurfing or diving. Or, cycle and explore the green foothills that support tropical rain forests, secluded valleys, historic plantations and the remains of sugar cane fields. Horseback ride along the palm-fringed beaches. Partake of rainforest hikes offered by experienced tour guides, introducing the explorer in you to magnificent waterfalls, hidden ruins, flora and fauna, and the famous Green vervet monkeys. Golf aficionados are just minutes away from a championship golf course designed by Trent Jones.

The island of Nevis is situated in the Leeward Islands of the West Indies. The Spanish explorers called Nevis "Nuestra Señora de las Nieves" (Our Lady of the Snows) as a tribute to the white clouds surrounding the island's central volcanic peak. Its green foothills support tropical rain forests, secluded valleys, historic plantations and the remains of sugar cane fields while its turquoise waters lap palm-fringed beaches. Here visitors can enjoy some of the best sporting activities and eco-adventure in the Caribbean or simply indulge in doing nothing at all in this tranquil island paradise where relaxation is raised to an art form.

Villa Paradiso is managed by noted hotelier Jeff Gram, owner of the exquisite and distinctive Cayo Espanto resort off the coast of Belize. With every conceivable amenity at your disposal and a staff aiming to please, Villa Paradiso becomes your own private paradise, where rapture and luxury meld together as one.

Villa Rentals start at $795 USD per night for a three-bedroom villa (6 guests max). For information and reservations, please call 1-888-666-4282 or 910-323-8355 or email info@aprivateisland.com. Visit the website at www.villaparadisonevis.com.

Things to Do in Nevis

• Stop in at the Fothergill's ARCHITECTURAL VILLAGE which is near to the Golden Rock. Mr. Kelly will be your guide to the Carib Indian dwelling houses and the old time Chattel houses. He also makes wines from local fruits.
• Spend a day visiting ART GALLERIES. Take a tour to meet the craftsmen and local artists in their homes. Don't miss the Eva Wilkin Gallery & Print Shop in Gingerland and the Cafe des Arts Gallery & Restaurant in Charlestown. It costs US$50 for a taxi tour.
• Take an evening ASTRONOMY LESSON on the beach at 9 pm with Jim Johnson from Top to Bottom. US$15 per person.
• Pick from 10 different BEACHES. Some are for walking, shelling, swimming, body surfing, or snorkeling. Many have restaurants but some are even deserted. You'll find the beaches on your Journey Map also on the www.nevisisland.com website.
• Go mountain BIKING. Owner Winston Crooke (once a Shakespearian actor) has formed an island bike team and has created some off-the road trails for you to try. He also has windsurfing equipment for rent. Visit his website www.mountainbikenevis.com
• See the Nevis BOTANICAL GARDEN. Enjoy their gift shop and the great view from Martha's Tea Garden Restaurant. It's worth the $8 US entrance fee.
• Go scuba DIVING with owner Ellis Chaderton of Scuba Safaris. You leave from Oualie Beach at 9 am or 4 Seasons at 9:30 am. One of the best Double Tank Dives is Monkey Shoals & Coral Gardens. For the Resort Dives you leave at 2 pm.
• Have a drink or two at EDDY'S Restaurant on Wednesday night where you can watch the passersby and meet a mixture of people living & working on Nevis.
• Play GOLF at one of Nevis's 3 courses. The 4 Season's Trent Jones Course costs $175 per person and is challenging with breathtaking views. There are 2 executive golf courses. The Nevis Golf Course costs US$15 and has 2 holes, but 6 different approaches. The Cat Ghaut Course is only US$10 & just opposite the entrance to the Mt. Nevis Hotel. The Staigers often give you a botanical lesson while you play golf in their back yard.
• Go HIKING in the Rainforest, learn bush medicine, explore many ruins, or climb to the top of Mt Nevis with Jim Johnson from Top to Bottom or Lynell Liburd from Sunrise Tours. Cost is US$20 to US$35 per person.
• The most popular HORSEBACK RIDE takes you on a rural village road & then on to Pinney's Beach. Cost is US$55. Choose from Western or English saddles. All different levels of riding are available. Hermitage Plantation Inn also offers a breathtaking ride up to the top of Saddle Hill with a guide. Hang on.
• Don't miss the Nevis Turf and Jockey Club HORSE RACES. They happen once a month usually on a Sunday. Go to the www.nevisisland.com website and check the Calendar of Events.
• HOT MINERAL SPRINGS are just the thing to try if you have aching muscles or a sore back. They are very hot but can do the trick. Ask Mrs. Barry or Sarah about it.
• Try ocean KAYAKING, snorkel over reefs and observe the birds on nearby rocks.
• While staying at Golden Rock watching and photographing troops of Vervet MONKEYS is a must. If you look early in the morning or from 4 to 6 pm around the hotel or on the Nature Trail, you can observe some of their habits.
• Visit the two MUSEUMS. The Alexander Hamilton Museum has a mini shop that features books. The Lord Nelson Museum has several interesting displays & the archives. Open to 9 to 4 pm Mon thru Fri and 10 to 1 pm on Sat. Closed on Sun.
• Explore the most interesting RUINS of New River, Coconut Walk, Lime Kiln & Carib Indian Dig. It's like a treasure hunt, all in one place.
• SAILING and SNORKELING can be done on a catamaran called the Caona and your host is called Lennox who helped to build the boat. He plays great music and your glass is never empty. US$55 pp for half a day. Or try a single hulled sailboat with Captain Les Windley on Sea Dreamer.
• Enjoy SNORKELING WITH MARINE BIOLOGIST Barbara Whitman and handle the live sea animals. Mon thru Sat 1 to 4 pm at Oualie Hotel.
• From the beach spot walk to the 4 Seasons. Try one of their SPA TREATMENTS. Pamper yourself. Call 469 1111.
• For SPORT FISHING or SNORKELING you can go on the Sea Brat with Captain Julian Rigby or with the English chef named Matt.
• If you want to improve your TENNIS work with Stephen Webbe. He was a great geography teacher but now he is even better as a tennis teacher.
• WHALE WATCHING is very seasonal but exciting if they are running during Dec. to May.