Montpelier Plantation & Beach

Stylish plantation inn on the slopes of Mt. Nevis with a welcoming atmosphere, excellent food and service, and beautiful gardens

A long-standing favourite with travel writers, Montpelier is a breath of fresh air in the sultry Caribbean heat. Of the several sugar plantation houses that have been converted into intimate hotels on the unspoilt island of Nevis, Montpelier is the most exclusive. Perched 750ft above sea level in a 60 acre estate, it's famed for hosting the wedding of Horatio Nelson to Fanny Nisbet in 1787. These days it is a beautiful hideaway with a graceful and welcoming atmosphere, making it ideal for those in need of rest and recuperation, and for couples seeking a romantic retreat.

The house feels like a tropical version of the English country manor, with a blend of traditional charm, stylish décor, informal luxury and gracious hospitality. In the evenings you are invited to join the other guests for drinks in the Great House, before dining on delicious local food served on the candlelit veranda. Walk, read or just simply relax in the sunshine. For the energetic, there's a tennis court and a large freshwater swimming pool; golf, riding and mountain walks can be arranged nearby.

Highs

• The service is among the best in the Caribbean - nothing is too much trouble
• The food is fabulous
• Just 18 beautifully appointed guest rooms with wonderful views of the gardens and distant sea
• A recently re-vamped private beach offers secluded cabanas and a shaded beach bar with dazzling ocean views
• Easing yourself into the island's slower pace of life - the atmosphere is extremely peaceful and relaxed

Lows

• The hotel's private stretch on Pinney's sandy beach is a 20 minute drive away (a complimentary shuttle is provided)
• Guests come to Montpelier to get away, so there are no TVs or internet connection in the rooms - if you need to get online you can do so at reception and there is a TV in the library
• Don't come expecting wild nightlife, Nevis is a sleepy island and Montpelier, as with the other plantation inns, is located in tranquil countryside