Montpelier Plantation Inn
Celebrity travelers--and weddings--are nothing
new at this former plantation house.
By Paris Permenter & John Bigley
Traveling in the footsteps of celebrities is nothing new in the Caribbean,
where resort guest lists have boasted some of the most recognized names
in the world. For one small hotel on the island of Nevis, though, celebrity
visitors have been an especially long-term phenomena. Over two centuries
have passed since the first well-known name called on this island -- and
for his own destination wedding, no less.
On March 11, 1787, Admiral Horatio Nelson married Fanny Nisbet in front
of a royal audience right on the grounds of Montpelier Plantation. Like
many couples who choose a Caribbean wedding, Nelson and Nisbet exchanged
their vows outdoors, in the shade of a massive silk cotton tree. Prince
William Henry, who eventually would become King William IV of Great Britain,
gave away the bride, a well-known Nevisian widow, to the officer whose
naval career was legendary.
Although much of the original plantation fell into disrepair, the silk
cotton tree remains a testament to the regal wedding. Today the stately
tree still greets visitors at this elegant, 17-room renovated hotel, a
place where brushes with royalty did not end with the Nelson wedding.
The late Princess Diana and her sons once opted for Montpelier's quiet
seclusion on the lower slopes of Mount Nevis.
Whether seeking a break from the limelight or just a few days of peace
and quiet, the quiet elegance with a dignified British air is appreciated
by all Montpelier guests. The property provides shuttle service to its
private beach, but the mood at this hotel is designed for those seeing
tranquility rather than just a tan. Activities include a freshwater pool,
tennis, and hikes led by local ecologists for a look at the island's rainforest
and former sugar plantations. Golf can also be arranged at the Four Season's
Robert Trent Jones II championship course; activity buffs can also enjoy
windsurfing, horseback riding, water skiing, scuba diving, deep sea fishing,
and sailing. And for nature lovers, just a five-minute walk from the inn
stands the Botanical Garden of Nevis, located on the grounds of the original
plantation. Today the garden is an excellent introduction to the many
flowers and trees which dot this island paradise.
Spa Treatments
For pure relaxation, guests schedule a visit
to The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Nevis, with treatments ranging from
a mango sea salt glow to the "rum tonic", a cocktail of a treatment
which begins with a sugar cane exfoliation before a slathering of rum,
ginger, and honey glaze.
Guest Rooms at Montpelier
The 17 guest rooms at the resort echo the mellow
style of the property, a tropical decor interpreted with contemporary
touches including pencil post beds and rich fabrics. Tucked off each room,
a private verandah invites travelers to savor the tropical tranquility
for which this island is known. All guests receive a full breakfast and
afternoon tea, complete with fresh scones. Accommodations include 16 guest
rooms and one suite, each with a large tile bathroom featuring a shower
and tub, overhead fan, in-room safe, and elegant touches such as Gilchrist
& Soames amenities. All guests can choose to cool their room with
a tropical breeze but some rooms also have the option of air-conditioning.
To preserve the peace and quiet, no room have telephones.
Dining at Montpelier
At dusk, the call of island frogs echo in the air,
accentuating the quiet. Most evenings are focused on the fine dining the
resort promises, beginning here in the stone-walled Great Room with cocktails
and canapés while guests mull over the evening's dining options.
Guests have two dining options on site. The newest is The Mill, housed
in the hotel's original 18th century sugar mill. Now an intimate restaurant
lit by floating candles on table, The Mill can be set for two to 18 diners
and showcases a four-course prix fixe menu.
A longtime favorite in the Nevisian fine dining world is The Terrace,
adjacent to The Great Room. This open-air eatery offers just 15 tables,
and features Classical cuisine using many island ingredients from the
hotel's herb and market gardens with selections accompanied by choices
from the restaurant's extensive wine cellar. Entrees include creations
such as seared fillet of mahi mahi, five spice duck, or grilled polenta
in a parmesan basket, all followed by tempting options such as crème
brulee or Cape Brandy pudding with crème chantilly.
The sweet end to a meal, and to the day, is a natural
one for Montpelier Plantation Inn. Part of the resort's 30 acres is still
used in the production of sugar cane, harvested as it has been for centuries
to give guests a sweet taste of the good life on Nevis.
If You Go
Montpelier Plantation Inn
Near Charleston, Nevis
Telephone: (869) 469-3462
Facsimile: (869) 469-2932
www.montpeliernevis.com
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