Labor Day Weekend is symbolic with the West Indian Day Parade in New York, but regardless of where you are, if you want to truly experience the warmth, beauty, and joy of the Caribbean an escape to Nevis is what you need. This exclusive island jewel only measures 36 square miles. Despite the island’s narrow scale, its lush landscape is mountainous and sits stunningly around stunning beaches. Travelers seeking to relax on a hilltop retreat, bask in a beachfront oasis, or discover the majestic culture of the Caribbean quickly realize Nevis has it all. It’s no secret that there’s always something to do.

Here’s a guide to some of Nevis’ must-dos:

Adventure Themed Activities:
Nevis Island’s 3,232-foot volcano appears to be a hardly daunting rolling hill. Located at the very center of Nevis, the stratovolcano rises to 985 meters and is the highest point on the island. Hills & Valleys Hike and Tours offers a hike up to the Nevis peak for travelers seeking the ultimate scenic adventure. In hospitable Nevis fashion, the island provides guides to lead you to the top, while exploring the native flora and fauna, such as bamboo, tropical fruits and vervet monkeys.

A taste of history is discovered through a walking tour to The Saddle Hill Battery, which was used by British Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson as a lookout point in the late 1700s. Other tour packages include tranquil hikes around the island’s natural water falls. For travelers with a need for speed, Queen City ATV tours provide all-terrain vehicles to steer the way through the trails.

The Around The Garden Tour takes place at a 5-acre fruit farm in Cades Bay built on a park model, with picnic benches. Guests enjoy the full farm experience, which includes a sampling of a wide variety of in-season fruits such as starfruit, passion fruit, watermelon, pineapple — and, of course, mangoes, the island favorite.

For travelers with dreams of riding horseback through the Caribbean, Nevis Equestrian Centre has been guiding travelers through beach and sunset trail rides for nearly two decades. This adventure is unmatched because of the center’s highly experienced trainers to help lead the way.

For sea lovers, Leeward Island Charters includes a relaxing sail to the southern end of the bordering island of St. Kitts with frequent stops to swim and snorkel in the protected waters of the Caribbean sea. Catamarans are provided in an array of sizes for ultimate comfort and to suit the amount of guests.

Nevis also offers a world of possibilities for scuba diving, with dozens of reefs, wrecks, and volcanic vents to explore just minutes offshore. Biking tours are also another wonderful way to spend a morning or afternoon along Nevis‘ coastline, giving a unique perspective on the island’s green landscape and the towering Mount Nevis.

Culinary Experiences:
On Nevis‘ beaches, there is a diverse selection of excellent restaurants and lively bars, all offering delectable meals and stunning views of the sea. Sunshine’s Beach Bar & Grill on Pinney’s Beach is arguably Nevis‘ liveliest beach restaurant. The fresh seafood, jerk chicken and Sunshine’s famous Killer Bee rum punch add to the traditional island vibe.

Sunshine Bar

For a more upscale taste of the Caribbean, The Four Seasons Resort Nevis, West Indies offers seven gourmet restaurants with a diverse range of fresh, locally sourced, and delectable dining experiences that capture the culture and flavors of Nevis with modern and international cooking techniques. On The Dune is a beachside favorite and features delectable bites along Pinney’s Beach shoreline. The restaurant offers an eclectic blend of locally sourced Caribbean and American cuisines, as well as a bar with a notable selection of wines and cocktails. The Rocks restaurant at Golden Rock Inn, offers an al fresco dining experience with lively and fresh cucine options for breakfast, lunch and dinner and signature cocktails to indulge with a meal.

The Golden Rock Inn

Those visiting the island to explore local offerings, can indulge in many of Nevis’ local culinary gems. Wilmar’s Diner, is a true local spot serving authentic Caribbean cuisine, and known for once hosting Princess Diana during her trip to Nevis. At Passion Bar & Grill travelers can find Caribbean, seafood dishes, vegan and vegetarian options with authentic local flavors, and hidden away above the historic Hamilton Estate, Bananas Restaurant & Boutique is surrounded by acres of lush tropical gardens, and features international comfort food with Caribbean flavors.

Alexander Hamilton birthplace

History:
History lovers will be excited to learn that over two and a half centuries before his portrait graced the U.S. $10 bill and a wildly popular Broadway show about his life took the nation by storm, Alexander Hamilton’s formative years on the island of Nevis shaped his spirit and his resolve. Hamilton’s legacy remains vibrant on Nevis, where visitors today can literally walk in Hamilton’s boyhood footsteps. The Hamilton House, Hamilton’s birthplace in 1757, is located in the island’s capital city of Charlestown. This two-story, Georgian-style stone building now houses the Museum of Nevis History on the first floor and the meeting place of the Nevis House of Assembly on its second level.

Several of the Caribbean’s leading travel specialists have teamed up to create Nevis Sun Tours, the newest tour operator and destination management company based in St. Kitts and Nevis. These visionaries have pioneered an “all-inclusive island” concept by curating travel packages. With tour options like a Village Food Tour, Historical Cycling Tour, Cooking in a Rastafarian Farm, and a Rum Tasting Experience, to mention just a few, there is something to delight everyone.

Wellness: 
A vacation on Nevis will leave you relaxed and at ease with the world. The island is blessed with an abundance of geothermal energy, with visitors traveling to bask in the hot springs of the Bath Village for centuries. The power and therapeutic benefits of the springs still thrive today.

For more wellness experiences, the spa treatment at one of the island’s excellent spas heightens the sense of relaxation and well-being. At the Four Seasons Resort and Spa, travelers recharge with an array of massage services incorporating locally infused blends of Caribbean oils, scents, and spices, like The signature Nevisian Massage. Your own private paradise is offered in the Spa Under the Stars massage, which includes a romantic, outdoor, candlelit dinner in a private spa. The relaxing Ocean Breeze Beachside Treatments use the gentle breeze and the calm, crashing sound of waves to ease guests into a tranquil state of mind.

Back 2 My ROOTS SpaTique is located within the Hamilton Estate’s lush green heights near the Nevis Peak. They offer a holistic approach through organic skin care services, including: massage therapy, herbal facials, hydrotherapy, thalassotherapy and heliotherapy treatments. Guests relax in nature, as all the treatments take place outdoors, and enjoy organic refreshments from the onsite juice bar. Mountain breezes, wind chimes, and water fountains are sure to create a sense of true calm and serenity.

Montpelier Plantation Spa, surrounded by tropical gardens, is the ideal setting to revitalize the spirit. Visitors can choose from a wide range of body and facial treatments performed by certified therapists. Located on a lush plantation, the soothing sounds of nature accompany guests throughout every treatment.