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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.

Tags: Four Seasons Hotels / Caribbean Hotels / Hotel Pools / Luxury Hotels / → All Tags

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]

Tags: Warm Weather Hotels / Warm-Weather-Hotels-Map / Marriott Hotels / Caribbean Resorts / → All Tags

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]

Tags: Hotel Deals / Four Seasons Hotels / Caribbean Hotels / → All Tags

'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.