The Caribbean islands have a well-blended mix of small, historical towns, European colonial influences, and some of the most modern and high-tech features imaginable. Travel destinations with this incredible level of versatility and variety are perfect for groups who want to enjoy a multitude of different experiences and see how the land has transformed over the years, and with sugar plantations nestled next to luxurious and state-of-the-art cruise ships, the Caribbean is the perfect place to witness the fascinating mix of old charm and new adventure.
Nevis Island
When booking an ‘old meets new’ tour for groups, it’s worth opening up the opportunity to explore different islands in the Caribbean that each have something different to offer. A luxury Caribbean cruise with a relevant itinerary, or a charter, is probably the simplest ways to navigate the islands.
The first stop on this type of tour should be the island of Nevis. Nevis is particularly known for its sugar exports and its vast history that it has successfully retained over the years, but what makes Nevis a particularly good stop is that it’s very easy to see how the island has changed over time. The Nevis Heritage Trail is a designated walking route that takes in 25 of the island’s most historic and important sites – but travelers won’t find tour guides, admission fees, or mass tourism along the way, simply a quiet glimpse into the past. Perhaps one of the most haunting places along the trail is the seventeenth-century Coconut Walk Estate. Built overlooking the sugar plantation and Nevis’ largest sugar mill, the stone ruins of this once opulent building do little to welcome travelers. There’s no tourist information about the estate itself, and it’s relatively unheard of as a tourist attraction. The ruins lay silently as a reminder of the island’s history.
Turning historical Nevis on its head are the many modern features of the island, which attract those looking for luxury, relaxation, and adventure. Pinney’s Beach is one such feature, which differs from the stereotypical Caribbean beach in that it’s one of the most developed beaches across the islands. While there are still the joys of the white sand and blue seas, the beachfront is adorned with 5* resorts, each with their own private beach section with restaurants, cafés, and cocktail bars. One of the resorts overlooking the coastline is the Four Seasons, which is known for having one of the most amazing golf courses in the world, with spectacular ocean views and holes that sit at the base of a volcano.
Nevis Island
This shows both the historical and modern side to Nevis – but how and where do the two sides meet? A great example is the Montpelier Plantation & Beach hotel, and if looking to book group accommodation on Nevis, this hotel really demonstrates what the island is all about. Once a thriving sugar plantation, the estate fell into ruin when alternative destinations began to dominate the sugar export market. In 2002, this historic site was transformed into a modern and lively complex that encompasses both the luxuries of contemporary accommodations and the historical importance of the site on which it stands. And there are plenty of other Caribbean destinations where this same blending of time is evident. Consider adding Puerto Rico, with its traditional rum distillery and state-of-the-art zipline, or Costa Rica with its abundance of haciendas and modern treetop aerial trams, to the itinerary.
