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A Few Words about Nevis and Banyan Tree
Nevis is a small island (36 square miles) and mountainous. Mount Nevis rises
to 3600 feet above sea level. One's first impression is that it is a green and
unspoiled island. Donkeys, sheep and chickens roam the streets and in the
higher elevations wild vervet monkeys can be seen in the trees and scampering
across the roads and hiking paths.
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Banyan Tree is in the foothills of Mount Nevis at 700 feet above sea level.
At this elevation there is usually a nice breeze and views
of both the mountain and the sea. It is a perfect spot to begin some interesting
walks. We are about 2 miles from the Botanical Gardens, 1/2 mile from the Hermitage
Plantation, and 3 miles along the upper Round Road Walk to Golden Rock Estate. More
rigorous hiking is also possible; beyond and above Golden Rock is a spectacular
3 hour scenic hike to the water source of the island. Other challenging hikes
can be arranged with a guide and include a rain forest walk, a hike to the summit
of the mountain and a hike into the crater of Mount Nevis. Our favorite guide,
Jim Johnson, has a list of about 20 different trails, some easy and some difficult.
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Other activities for visitors include swimming at more than 8 beaches, all
public and all quite "private" in feeling, snorkeling, diving, boating, going
to several small museums and renting a jeep to tour the island. On Saturday
there is a picturesque fruit and vegetable market where one can find familiar
and some exotic produce. One unique attraction is Nevis Pottery where pottery
is being made as it has been for hundreds of years, coiled and fired over coconut
husks.
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In the evenings there is little formal entertainment. Reservations can be
made to dine at one of the plantation hotels or other island restaurants. On
Thursday night there is a seafood buffet with music and dancing at Nisbet
Plantation. Another favorite night out is at "Bananas" located nearby.
Nevis is full of surprises and we recommend exploring the island on your own.
You can do it by foot or you can rent a jeep, either way, you'll need a map, a
camera and maybe a pair of binoculars. We can't wait to hear what you have
discovered!
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For a look at Nevis alone, independent of its sister island
St. Kitts. The site below is excellent and is the personal effort of
Michael Maxson. It is full of information, especially the Activities
page. There is also a Nevis links page.
www.nevis1.com
This is a compact site with lots of good data on
Nevis, particularly on the British system of government.
www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/sc.html
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