From: Diana, smyrnadi@sol.com
Date: 1/6/03 7:04:37 AM
Remote Name: 152.163.188.4
Nevis Trip Report - December 22 through January 3
Approximate Cost: $300 per day for MAP, $235 for B & B.
We arrived at the Golden Rock Plantation Inn late at night. It is located about 30 minutes from the airport in the mountains. What a trip up there. We rode up small roads and lush vegetation and through two beautiful old stone columns up to the inn. At 10:30, we arrived at the top and Pam Berry, owner, was waiting for us with a light supper of lobster and chicken salads and rum punches. I could tell we were going to like this place very much.
There are seven cottages plus the sugar mill. Each cottage is a duplex. They all have king sized four poster beds, a wardrobe, desk with drawers, shelves to put your clothing, table and chairs and a verandah to sit out on.
Most of the inns do not have air-conditioning -- you do not need it in the mountains as there is a wonderful breeze and actually gets cool at night. If you stay down at the beach, it will be warmer. We did not watch television, read a paper, talk on the phone or use a computer for twelve days. You know what? We did not miss much.
The first morning I arose to the most magnificent sight -- the sea and rain forest and lush flowers.
Breakfast is served at 8:15, lunch around 12:30 - 2:30, dinner around 7:30. We opted for the MAP plan: breakfast and dinner. If you tell them you will be out for dinner, they will make the reservation for you and charge you for a B & B night.
Meals are taken in the outside courtyard surrounded by flowers, a view of the sea and rain forest. One cannot help but relax. The beauty of the restored mill and house took us back to a different time.
You have your choice of a full breakfast or can request cereal, etc. There is always fresh fruit. For lunch there are lobster sandwiches (wonderful!) chicken, salads, hamburgers. Dinner is always a surprise. We were served sea food, lamb for Christmas dinner, and a New year's Eve Buffet down at the beach with an entertainment.
Most of the food is imported from other islands, therefore, it is quite expensive -- I'd say New York prices. Fish and lobster is local and always fresh. Lunches at all Inns average between $8.95 - $22.00.
At the Golden Rock you can start your day with a 30 minute hike into the rain forest. There is also a three hour hike you can take up to the "source." Good to get you going! There is tennis and a beautiful swimming pool.
Mrs. Barry assists her staff every day. In addition, she goes down to her beach pavilion on Pinney's Beach to set up for the lunch crowd. She always joins her guests for dinner inside the dining room. Cocktails before at the bar and or library. Great rum punches and a nice selection of wines. Her staff is friendly and accommodating.
We opted to rent a car for the entire time we were there. This gave us a lot of flexibility to explore.
We visited Oualie Beach Hotel, Old Manor Hotel, Nisbet Plantation, The Hermitage, The Four Seasons, Montpelliar and will report on our experiences at a later date.
Diana in Florida