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My husband gave a contented sigh as he slid into our private infinity pool and closed his eyes.

“Now this — this is paradise,” he said, smiling.

We had just checked in to Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour, a five-star hotel that looks across the sparkling Caribbean Sea to Nevis, St. Kitts’ sister island.

Although St. Kitts is physically larger than Nevis, we found the island to be quieter and more walkable — and brimming with authenticity and warmth. Until 2005, St. Kitts’ primary industry was sugar until the government made the change to tourism, and now, the island offers experiences that simply cannot be duplicated.

For clients seeking a luxurious Caribbean stay that’s unique and accessible, St. Kitts is the perfect happy medium between the poshness of St. Barts and the ruggedness of Saba. Here’s our guide to where to eat, sleep and play on St. Kitts.

Where to Stay

Our stay at Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour provided high levels of luxury and Caribbean charm. The stunning modern resort features beautiful stone architecture that thoughtfully references the island’s rich history, and each room faces the sea, with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the manicured lawns and private beach. Many rooms also feature private pools and sundecks.

No matter what kind of stay a client is seeking, though, St. Kitts has hotels and resorts for every type of traveler. Those in search of a Caribbean family hotel, for example, will love St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino, a great destination for larger groups or multigenerational getaways that offers an all-inclusive plan. Koi Resort, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, is a fantastic option, too, with stylish suites that range from 850-square-foot one-bedrooms to the 3,066-square-foot Koi Penthouse, which can sleep up to eight people.

For eco-conscious clients, recommend Belle Mont Farm, an eco-friendly luxury resort nestled in the rainforest on Kittitian Hill. From the cluster of colonial cottages with outdoor showers and private plunge pools, it’s not unusual to see monkeys hanging from the lush greenery as you stroll to breakfast. Produce is grown on-site or locally sourced to create unique and mouthwatering fare; travelers who want a full farm-to-table experience can opt for the all-inclusive meal plan, which includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Boutique hotel fans will find everything they’re looking for at the exclusive seven-suite Sunset Reef St. Kitts. Built into the cliffside, the resort has an infinity pool, unobstructed views of the breathtaking sunset and a menu that is both sensuous and scrumptious, with locally sourced ingredients and private dining options. The private location makes for quite the relaxing and intimate Caribbean getaway.

And there’s plenty more to come in the way of accommodations: The Ritz-Carlton, for one, has been in discussions with the island to build a $200 million luxury resort on the southwest peninsula in the next few years.

Where to Eat

While St. Kitts hotels offer plenty of ambiance, originality, and excellence in dining, the island’s size, accessibility and options also make it great for off-site dining.

Don’t miss the lobster thermidor at Rock Lobster Seafood & Grill — the mix of the Caribbean’s best lobster and rich buttery sauce highlights the eatery’s deep understanding of seafood. Perfect for high-end group dinners, Carambola Beach Club is located on the water, while nearby Spice Mill Restaurant at Cockleshell Bay is famous for creative cocktails, local brews and breathtaking views of Nevis.

A trip to St. Kitts would not be complete without a meal at Boozies on the Beach, which sits in the middle of The Strip — a collection of restaurants playing live music and serving delicious local food with a relaxed Caribbean vibe. Another must is taking a water taxi to Sunshine’s Beach Bar & Grill on Nevis, a local institution famous for its Killer Bee cocktail and for hosting celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Justin Trudeau, Ellen DeGeneres, John Travolta and even Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson.

Where to Play

Aside from basking in the warm sunshine and floating in the sparkling sea, there is plenty to do on St. Kitts. Clients can enjoy a relaxing stroll through Central Forest Reserve National Park, or if they’re up for more adventure, they can climb the 3,792-foot Mount Liamuiga with O’Neil Mulraine of O’Neil’s Rainforest Tours. The exceptional guide is a charismatic and knowledgeable man who has been exploring the rainforest for more than 50 years. 

Visitors can also spend a beautiful day on the water snorkeling, eating a delicious lunch and dancing with the amazing crew at Blue Water Safaris, or tour the new rum-making facilities at Old Road Rum Co.