It was my pleasure to have inspected most of the major resorts on the island of St. Kitts from November 20-24, 2003, organized by the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. I had a similar opportunity five years ago to inspect the same resorts on this island as well as neighboring Nevis and was glad to see new faces and the enhancements made since then.

This is a destination truly ready to make a significant impact on tourism to the Caribbean. Considered by some as a “boutique” island, St. Kitts has been dramatically changed by the recent opening of the Marriott Royal Beach Resort & Casino. Although there had been a casino already in existence (at the now-closed Jack Tar/Allegro property) the one at the Marriott is not only a full service, American-style facility, but also happens to be the most beautiful casino I’ve seen in the Caribbean. I made three small deposits there which I intend to reclaim at the earliest opportunity.

The beach at the Marriott is the best of all of the island’s properties we visited, especially important if you know that St. Kitts was formed by volcanic action. Therefore, many of the beaches are coarse golden sand, almost black in a few cases. This property and the smaller, newly-renovated Rex Papillon are the best choices for families with children and for those who want to book an all-inclusive package.

The Marriott’s physical facility is excellent as well as the size, quantity, and design of rooms, one of the best new resorts I have ever seen. The spa area and beach equipment are outstanding but the beach is quite barren. Also, their level of service, training and attitude need some upgrading as does the children’s program. The Kid’s Club facility equals or exceeds the quality on most cruise ships but the staff needs direction. This, by the way, is the most notable need I found for family groups visiting the island. There seems to be nothing available for families who want an active, comprehensive children’s program. Most of the resorts offered a play area but none seemed to have a creative, day camp-type program to offer.

The island can boast of having a wide range of excellent venues, good restaurants with decent prices, night clubs, and small to large hotels. Unique to this island are their three plantation properties: Rawlins, Golden Lemon, and Ottley’s – wonderfully different in traditional, gracious Caribbean style. The Angelus, a new upscale EP property adjacent to the Marriott, is poised to open its doors for a soft opening late next month while undergoing construction. With the addition of a SuperClub or Sandals (both of which and the Westin own land options on which to build), there will be something in St. Kitts for almost everyone.

Our group was treated to an island tour including the famous Brimstone Hill Fortress, a catamaran ride to Nevis for a beach lunch (we walked to the nearby Four Seasons for a quick look), and a 4-wheel drive safari ride highlighting the many eco-tourism and soft adventure opportunities on the island. SCUBA, snorkeling, and fishing are excellent on St. Kitts. Golf, hiking, biking, and horseback are readily available and the island is small enough to circumnavigate in an afternoon by rental car easily available at reasonable rates.

The airport is new and more than adequate. There is a Saturday non-stop now available from PHL on US Airways and daily connecting flights on American. Transfers are easily done with little hassle. The greeting is gentle and often visitors will be serenaded by an island band.

I encourage you to learn about, visit and book this exciting, vibrant island. Its people are kind, gentle and caring. They go out of their way to be hospitable and helpful. I will book my clients, friends and family there whenever possible.