Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/471511
ST. KITTS First spotted in 1493 by Christopher Columbus, it must have been with a twinge in his heart that he left St. Kitts, an island he named after the patron saint of travelers. With more than a quarter of its landscape designated as a national park, this island is a veritable treasure of wildlife. Untouched dive sites, marked by massive beds of coral, teem with fish of every stripe and color. Mongooses, frigate birds, cattle egrets and actual cattle, along with goats and black-bellied sheep, roam this rare American oceanic rainforest—one of the only growing rainforests in the world— with charming vervet monkeys chattering above. Hikes to Carib Indian petroglyphs; Sofa Rock, at the cap of the dormant volcanic rim of Mt. Liamuiga; and journeys through the Valley of Giants satisfy adventurers. For all travelers, a 17.5 mile scenic train ride—on the only train in the Caribbean outside of Cuba—over narrow-gauge tracks from sugar fields to the factory is an experience visitors won't forget as they get up close, but not too personal, with the land from October through May. Nine forts, including UNESCO World Heritage Site Brimstone Hill Fortress, add even more character to the salt pond-specked landscape just minutes from the capital of Basseterre. With all of this, it's a wonder guests of this lovely island even make it to the countless swimmable golden and black beaches that add to St. Kitts's allure. Basseterre Charlestown Frigate Bay Golden Rock Airport S T . K I T T S Newcastle Airport Caribbean Sea A T L A N T I C O C E A N T he Na r r o w s N E V I S 0 10 miles 0 10 km 6 5 3 2 4 OTTLEY'S PLANTATION INN OOOO H Escape to paradise, plantation style. Situated at the foot of majestic Mt. Liamuiga, Ottley's Plantation Inn is a magnificent hideaway for travelers seeking a retreat from the hectic pace of daily life. Island breezes; panoramic ocean and garden views at every turn; and seclusion just 15 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes from Basseterre invite guests to unwind in luxury. 1 ALL-INCLUSIVE AVAILABLE 1 St. Kitts 71 ST. KITTS MARRIOTT RESORT & THE ROYAL BEACH CASINO OOOO H St. Kitts Marriott Resort & the Royal Beach Casino captivates you from the moment you see it, immersing you in the culture and atmosphere of this most relaxing and romantic of Caribbean Islands. The resort offers eight restaurants and two lounges, a 35,000-square foot Royal Beach Casino, the 15,000-square-foot Emerald Mist Spa and boasts a championship golf course. AAA Four Diamond. 2 ALL-INCLUSIVE AVAILABLE OCEAN TERRACE INN OOO Situated near spectacular natural habitats and 300-year-old sugar cane plantations, the Ocean Terrace Inn is a living embodiment of the old world charm that makes the St. Kitts way of life so special. Accommodations include 65 balconied or patioed, comfortably furnished guestrooms with complimentary WiFi. A manmade lagoon—the inn's centerpiece—accented by three pools winds lazily through the grounds. 3 These fine hotels are also available: 4 BIRD ROCK BEACH HOTEL OOO 5 SUGAR BAY CLUB SUITES & HOTEL OOO 6 TIMOTHY BEACH RESORT OOO