Seven months and a few days after our wedding, John and I set off on our longest trip together to date. Our honeymoon destination? Nevis — a tiny island in the Caribbean that neither of us could pronounce (for the record: KNEE-viss), that no one we talked to had ever heard of, and that I thought sounded a bit like a skin condition. Despite this somewhat uncertain beginning, the end result was clear: Best. Decision. Ever.
John and I split our week away between two resorts on the island: Montpelier Plantation and Nisbet Plantation. Montpelier, and, actually, Nevis, had originally caught our eye in a post from our friend Meredith Perdue. If Meredith, a bonafide globe trotter, was describing her experience there like this (“It was, without a doubt, the most memorable (and delicious!) dining experience I’ve ever had”), we knew Montpelier was worth a second look.
Of course, Montpelier has plenty to recommend it aside from a personal recommendation. It’s a member of Relais & Chateaux, a distinction given only to the most charming and exceptional properties around the world, and has received AAA’s Four Diamond award.
Despite such high expectations going in, we were not disappointed. From the minute we pulled into the property and caught sight of the massive tree outside reception that grounds the whole property, we were a bit in awe. Luxury, seclusion, attention to detail, intimacy — all perfect descriptors for Montpelier.
There are just 19 rooms on Montpelier’s 30 acres, and all are nestled into lush vegetation, making any neighbors seem very far away indeed.
Our room had a gorgeous view out over the water, and we enjoyed sitting on our back porch and watching the sun set before heading to dinner every night.
The room itself was beautiful, with dark wood floors and furnishings, airy white walls, and a high peaked ceiling.
Montpelier definitely has a European air to it (and, in fact, many of our fellow visitors lived overseas), and everything is permeated with a quiet sophistication. This is not loud and raucous Caribbean, it’s rest and relaxation Caribbean. Aside from one other couple who appeared to be about our age, the guests were definitely a good twenty years older than us, so if you’re hoping to find other honeymooners to pal around with, Montpelier might not be your place.
The quiet suited John and I just fine, though! We ate breakfast on the terrace every morning with a beautiful view of Mount Nevis, the large mountain in the middle of the island. This was our walk to breakfast:
Just beautiful! We kept busy (if you can call it busy…) by lounging by the pool (SO gorgeous!)…
…venturing down to Montpelier’s private beach (it was pristine, and we had it to ourselves the entire three hours we were there!)…
…and hiking nearby Saddle Hill with Ziggy, the yellow lab belonging to one of Montpelier’s owners.
We also loved just walking around the property, delighting in the gorgeous flowers, the cavorting goats (they’re all over Nevis!), and the plentiful hammocks.
With only three nights at Montpelier, we knew we wanted to take advantage of every dining opportunity possible (see Meredith’s review above), so we stayed on property for all of our meals. The first night we actually had the incredible experience of dining in the Mill Privee, a 300 year-old sugar mill that’s been preserved for modern use.
From Montpelier’s website
The Mill serves a prix fixe menu of five courses, and though some of the selections were things I never would have picked out myself, they were all delicious. Our favorite was the fish course, which was a pan-seared salmon wrapped with spinach over a shitake mushroom ragout and cilantro foam. We were dining by candlight with just two other couples, and it’s a night we will not soon forget. Here’s a peek at the Mill from the outside:
The next two nights we ate at Restaurant 750, on the terrace of the main house, and we also ate lunch each day at Indigo, the casual poolside restaurant. Each meal was as delicious as the one before it! Because it’s so expensive to bring things over from the U.S. and because Nevis is so naturally abundant, everything possible, from fruits to fish, is sourced from the local environment. Aside from tasting great, that meant we got to try lots of local specialties, like yellow watermelon!
If you’re looking for a sophisticated, stylish getaway with a European flair for rest and relaxation, Montpelier Plantation is a perfect pick. It was easy to see why many of our fellow guests were on their third, fourth, or fifth trip back to the property! The staff is warm and knowledgeable, and clearly takes great pride in what they do. As they should – Montpelier is an amazing place to honeymoon, and one John and I would both heartily recommend!
For more details on Montpelier, be sure to check out their website. I’d be happy to answer any questions in the comments about Montpelier or Nevis, as well!
Finally, be sure to check back this afternoon for the scoop on Nisbet! In the meantime, I’d love to hear — where did you honeymoon, or where are you planning to honeymoon?
All photos are my own except where noted!
I had never heard of Nevis before you went but it sounds amazing. It’s so great that the resort wasn’t crowded like I imagine a Sandals would be. The sugar mill looks so romantic. What a unique restaurant. Did you have a chance to interact with the locals at all?
Hi Lauren! Almost everyone who works at the resorts is a local, so in that way, we did. Half of the hike to Saddle Hill was actually along the road, so we waved to lots of locals while walking, as well! :)
Beautiful pictures, Emily! The Mill Privee looks and sounds amazing. Glad y’all had a great time!
Looks Amazing!
Loved reading your post. I am thinking of taking my honeymoon here in November. One question – is there food and beverage service or any place to get drinks at least on the private beach? I worry about being so secluded and not having any place to get drinks on the beach. Thanks!
Hi Kara! Great question! There is definitely a bar and bartender at the private beach, but I’m not sure about food. However, I do know the resort would be happy to pack you something to take with you, if you were planning to spend the day! Hope that helps!