Hermitage Plantation Inn

Friendly family-owned 18th century plantation inn with guest rooms in pretty gingerbread cottages and one of the island's best restaurants

Full of history, character and classic style, the Hermitage Plantation Inn is known not only for its beautiful location on the slopes of Mt Nevis but also for its amiable and sociable hospitality. This alone makes it an ideal place for families as well as those seeking a romantic and private destination.

Here you'll find a hint of old Nevis: the Great House, built 250 years ago and said to be the oldest wooden house in the Caribbean, is filled with antiques, oriental rugs, a library, veranda restaurant, sun terrace and a well stocked bar.

The individual guest cottages, some with distant sea views, are scattered in the gardens - a botanist's dream. Mostly planted by the owner Maureen Lupinacci you'll find cocoa, mango and breadfruit trees, spider Orchids, and sandpaper flowers. For animal lovers there are horses, dogs, rabbits, pigs, ducks, geese and even the occasional monkey wandering about. A freshwater swimming pool and tennis court are also on site and in room spa treatments are available.

Highs

• Relaxed, friendly atmosphere - the Lupinaccis are great hosts who welcome children as well as romantics
• Steeped in history and West-Indian charm: gingerbread cottages, polished wooden floors, huge four-poster beds, verandahs with hammocks...
• Tropical rainforest, animals, horseback riding and walking trails make it ideal for nature lovers
• Delicious cooking and fine rum punches.

Lows

• Nearest good beach is a 15-minute drive away (there's a complimentary shuttle to the hotel's beach club and restaurant on Pinney's Beach)
• Not for those seeking glitz, nightlife, casinos or shopping - people come to Nevis and its plantation inns to get away from it all, unwind and do very little amid beautiful scenery.