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What Celeb Went by Codename 'Cherry Cola' at the Four Seasons Resort Nevis?

Where: Charlestown, Saint Kitts and Nevis

Today we finish our coverage (see the other stories here) of the Four Seasons Nevis’ re-opening. Finally we'll reveal the first celebrity to test the place out:

Funny-man Jon Stewart may have been a recent guest at the Four Seasons’ residence villas, but instead we got distracted by news that a Tinseltown lass was visiting the hotel itself and was going by the codename of "Cherry Cola." Most intriguing. So...who's that girl? None other than Mary-Louise Parker of Showtime “Weeds” fame (and two of our favorite chick flicks, Fried Green Tomatoes and Boys on the Side).

Many on Twitter guessed that "Cherry Cola" was Rihanna, but although RiRi is from Barbados and therefore would have good reason to be relaxing in the Caribbean, it was actually a huge surprise to find fair-skinned Parker hitting the beach instead.

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Beaucoup Beach Amenities at the Newly Reopened Four Seasons Resort Nevis

Where: Charlestown, Saint Kitts and Nevis

Today we continue our coverage (see yesterday's story here) of the Four Seasons Nevis’ re-opening. Tune-in tomorrow for detes on the resort's recent celebrity guest—a Showtime-series star whose new hotel code name is Cherry Cola.

Poor Four Seasons Nevis. The resort has had beacoup bad luck. Hurricane Lenny slapped the hotel silly in 1999 and in 2008, the hotel shuttered for two years after Hurricane Omar "mash it up" as locals called it. When the announcement came that the FS was definitely reopening in December 2010, at the tail end of a recession, we wondered if all would be the same. But, rather than cheap-out on amenities, treats, and services like other depressed hotels, the luxe keeps going, with a few new perks tossed in. We love a happy ending to a sad story.

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Cabana Time: Peaking Inside the Renovated Four Seasons Resort Nevis

Where: Pinney’s Beach, Charlestown, Saint Kitts and Nevis

For the next few days, we'll give you the skinny on the re-opening of the Four Seasons Nevis in the Caribbean, and our favorite—and not so favorite—things. Be sure to tune-in Friday for the lowdown on the resort's recent A-list guest—a very cool lady who goes by codename at the resort.

At one point—oh, say the fourth time there was a reopening date on the Four Seasons Nevis’ website—we swore it was never gonna happen. Hurricane Omar put the hotel out of commission in 2008, and after several notices of rebound netted zero, we sorta lost interest. In fact, on a flight home from the island in 2009, several FS employees, including chefs and engineers, were boarding our plane en route to an extra-long vacation. They didn’t know if the hotel would ever come back. That is not a good sign.

It would be a pity too, since Nevis is one of those islands few know much about. It's a paradise unspoiled by crowds, but without the Four Seasons’ island revenue, it seemed like the island had lost its mojo, partially also because other local hoteliers depend heavily on FS traffic to their restaurants and business.

So, when the news broke last fall that the FS would definitely (though softly) swing open its doors in December, we did a little jig. The island would be saved! And we're happy to report that the hotel has reopened after an extensive renovation, and we've got some of the very first pics:

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The Four Seasons Nevis Will Indeed Reopen on December 15 But at 'Limited Availability'

Where: P.O. Box 565, Pinney’s Beach, Charlestown, Saint Kitts and Nevis

It's been a tough couple of years for the Four Seasons Resort Nevis in the West Indies which closed back in October 2008 after Hurricane Omar ripped through the resort.

Initially the hotel tried to reopen in February of 2009 but that got pushed back until November. Then November came and went and still no hotel reopening. Finally, we got word in July of this year that the hotel would reopen on December 15 and we're happy to report that date is still very much on.

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Four Seasons Nevis Will Reopen on December 15

Where: P.O. Box 565, Pinney’s Beach, Charlestown, Saint Kitts and Nevis

The Four Seasons Nevis closed back in October 2008 after Hurricane Omar tore through St. Kitts and Nevis islands. The hotel had hoped to reopen in February 2009 then again in November 2009 but the tough economy forced the property to stay closed until things got better.

Well, things must be better now as the resort is planning to open on December 15. Even better the hotel's website is already accepting and confirming reservations for that date. We found rooms for $345 USD for a deluxe mountain side room which offer partial views of Nevis peak and the nearby old sugar mill. Rooms also promise loveseats, a balcony or patio, deep soaking tubs and marble dining tables for two.

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Four Seasons Nevis Opening Gets Delayed

Where: Pinneys Beach, Nevis, Saint Kitts and Nevis

We've warned before about springing for trip cancellation insurance if you vacation at the Four Seasons Nevis and our tip turned out to be right on the money: the resort has been closed since October 2008 after Hurricane Omar stormed through.

Damage assessments and inspections have had quite a few delays and now, for the third time, the Four Seasons Nevis has pushed back its re-opening date. Now they're talking November 1, 2009, more than a year after they shut up shop. This date seems more confident than the previous predictions though and bookings are open from that date on.

Apparently this single resort usually accounts for 70% of tourism spending on Nevis so the local economy is suffering badly; until now, they haven't laid off workers but say they might have to do so temporarily over the summer. If you want to take an economy-boosting vacation there next winter, rates are currently being quoted at $525 a night; we guess there'll be some please-come-back packages released closer to the time.

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Will Private Beach Cabanas Get Us Excited About Four Seasons Nevis?

Where: Pinneys Beach, Nevis, Saint Kitts and Nevis

The Four Seasons Nevis has never really wowed us when we're considering Caribbean destinations, and guest reviews are really split too, between super luxury resort and expensive, poor service. So we're still not sure what to think, but something new might tip us into positive territory.

Four Seasons Nevis now has "ultra-exclusive" beach cabanas to rent during the day. There are four of them, each 200 square foot in area, and they're located on the beach next to the Garden Pool (pictured). They're suitable for couples or a family of up to five people, and you can rent them from sunrise to sunset if you're planning a hang-out day near the water.

Check their package deals to find one to suit--they look like they're always better value, as standard rates start at US$490 per night and packages with all kinds of extra start from $540. Let us know if you try out the cabanas and we'll know whether to get excited or not.

[Photo: MnJ_102007]

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Warm Weather Hotels: Top Spot on St Kitts Held By Marriott

Where: 858 Frigate Bay Road, BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts and Nevis

We might not be super-impressed with the Marriott Bear, but that doesn't mean we'll hold it against the St Kitts Marriott Resort in St Kitts and Nevis. After all, TripAdvisor reviewers have decided it's the best place to stay in St Kitts, and who are we to argue.

Well, we probably won't argue with all the previous guests, but you shouldn't forget that there aren't really more than a dozen resorts on St Kitts, which hasn't been in the tourist game that long. The St Kitts Marriott has its good points--convenient location close to the airport, a fantastic beach that's rarely too crowded, and the food is tasty.

But on the flip side, the tasty food is also rather pricey (and there's not a huge amount of other choices), and the uncrowded beach can get pretty windy, too. Enough of our complaining, though: when you get to the pool you'll be happy again. It's one of those daydreamy lagoons of a pool, with beautiful water matching a cheery blue sky ... that's probably all we need (plus a good cocktail or three) to enjoy a day at the St Kitts Marriott.

[Photo: THED'S]

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'West Indian Summer' Deal at Four Seasons Nevis

Where: Pinney's Beach, Charlestown, Saint Kitts and Nevis

[Update: This Four Seasons resort has included the deal on its website. You can find more info here.]

This "West Indian Summer" deal didn't wow us with its undeniable value when it landed in our box, but we'll take what we can get when it comes to a well-regarded Caribbean hotel like the Four Seasons Nevis.

The package is available from August 25 to November 10, 2007, with no minimum number of nights. It includes a $100 resort credit per night, which can be applied to their golf course or spa, plus a guaranteed upgrade to ocean accommodations at time of booking. As a bonus for parents, this promotion can be combined with the resort's Family Plan, which offers a second room for children at a 50% savings.

In an all-too-common error, this package does not show up in the online reservations system if you try to book it on the Hotel's site, so call it in on the phone. The bed and breakfast rate showing up there now is $412 per night, which means the family plan should give you a second room for $211, which is definitely a deal.

You might want to spring for trip cancellation insurance if you head to the Caribbean that time of year though. Nevis doesn't get hit as often as some islands, but in 1999 Hurricane Lenny gave it a good whollop.