Many elements differentiate a nice hotel from a GREAT hotel. It’s the difference between a nice, clean room and one that makes you WOW. The difference between a pleasant staff and smiling, friendly, always going over-the-top to please and out of their way to chat. The difference between “all-inclusive (…except for…)” and ALL-inclusive! The difference between crowded and just the right amount of people that no one gets in your way when you’re looking for a pool chair or beach cabana, but you’re not wondering “where is everyone?” The difference between a rainy day and St. Kitts’ version of a rainy day; a five-minute downpour followed by eight hours of pure sunshine. The difference between other vacation destinations and The St. Kitts Marriott!
I recently visited the St. Kitts Marriott with my own family and, needless to say, we had a fabulous time. This month’s all about romance (and I’ll get to that!) but first, Macaroni Kid Family Travel’s about…family travel, of course, and St. Kitt’s Marriott sure knows how to please! It’s the best of both worlds; a sweet culmination of romance for the perfect couples-getaway and endless family activities; from bingo by the pool to scuba diving and near-by horse-back riding. A fabulous golf resort, super fun casino and night-life, a kid’s club, local shopping and cultural experiences, and more! We were caught off-guard by how kind and friendly the staff is, they aim to please from the moment you arrive and are offered “fresh fruit juice or a cold Carib?” (the native beer we became quite accustomed to). We stayed in the main hotel; however, they also have on-site condos and timeshares. They offer many pricing packages, from a-la-carte to all-inclusive. The food was delicious and kids under five eat free on the all-inclusive plan.
Ok, let’s talk romance. From twenty-something’s starting a life together, to those celebrating their thirtieth, fortieth, or fiftieth wedding anniversary, there’s love in the air for everyone with couples snorkeling to pina coladas at the swim-up bar, romantic private dinners on the beach or catered in your own room, almost anything can be arranged at the St. Kitts Marriott. Active couples keep busy with everything from hiking the local terrain, (it’s gorgeous!) cruising the island in a catamaran, taking a morning spin or water aerobics class, experiencing the beautiful golf facility, playing tennis, volleyball, snorkeling, shopping the town, visiting local plantations or manors, and more. Experience the culture by visiting local hot-spots, such as Reggae Beach Bar, where you’ll share an afternoon cocktail with their mascot, a 600 pound pig named Wilber.
Looking for relaxation? Set aside time for a couples massage at the Emerald Mist Spa. Offering full salon and spa services, the Emerald Mist Spa offers great deals and discount packages. From the second you enter the couples massage room, (picture red flower petals, warm Jacuzzi and candles) you’ll feel pampered, relaxed, and rejuvenated, just what you’ll need to reconnect with your other half. Not to mention the fabulous massage itself, the spa’s skilled masseuses will take great care of you.
If you’re like me, you might be reluctant to escape the tranquility, but there’s a whole night of fun ahead of you! Start with a quick drink or appetizer in the lobby (fresh sushi and lots more) followed by one of the delicious on-site restaurants: from Italian at La Cucina, fresh seafood at Blu, the fabulous Royal Grille steakhouse, and a festive outdoor buffet offered at a different restaurant each night. You can get a bite any time of day or night at Calypso Café, featuring a full all-inclusive breakfast, or the Pizza Shack and the Bohemian Beach Bar, both right at the pool. We found that there’s no reason to leave the resort with everything right at your fingertips, but if you want a change of scenery, there are many highly-recommended restaurants nearby.
Ahhh, St. Kitts. The sunshine was enough to put a smile on my face…oh, and the massage, delicious meals, fun activities, beyond-delightful staff, welcoming and spacious accommodations weren’t so bad either! The endless supply of all-inclusive ice-cream, pizza, and drinks certainly kept the troops happy! The St. Kitts Marriott gets two thumbs up from me; it’s an ideal spot for couples and families alike!
