From Undeveloped to Developing
St. Kitts is widely considered undeveloped for the tourist industry. This is despite that between November 1 and April 30, at least 1 (and up to 5) cruise ships dock here for the day. Typical cruise ships carry 2500 passengers but it varies between 300 and 4,500 passengers depending on the ship. A single day can bring bring 10,000 tourists to an island of 40,000. Cruise ships are here for the day and those passengers that come on shore have about 6 - 8 hrs to get their sight-seeing completed. "Undeveloped" also means that when a passenger leaves the cruise ship port (mall), there are really no retail businesses set up for visitors. They are just regular stores that you would find in your town and they really don't carry souvenirs. The cruise ship port (mall) area is a large collection of jewellery stores and t-shirt shops. Of the 80 businesses, 65 are jewellery stores and 15 are t-shirt shops. I am not sure how that jewellery store business model works with 5 and 6 stores right next to each other.
Currently, on St. Kitts itself (ignoring Nevis) there is one big resort hotel, the Marriott, and it is quite nice and one could just spend an entire week there without leaving the property. Excellent beach front, excellent and elaborate pool, casino, some shopping, and lots of restaurants. There are some mom and pop places too [Timothy Beach Resort, Ottley's Plantation (superb!), Ocean Terrace Inn, and Bird Rock Beach Hotel]. Ottley's is really it's own category.
However, St. Kitts has struck deals with some large business groups to develop unused land into luxury destination resort hotels and residences. One lists their room prices at $800/night and Sunday Brunch at $70/person. I know people who spent less on a whole cruise. However...
these resorts are not about value, they are about atmosphere and a level of service that is superior. You can purchase a residence within one of the resorts for as little as $400K.
The map below outlines where the new luxe resorts are being built.
Kittitian Hill - On the north end of the island, built next to the rain forest, Kittitian Hill is nearly complete and looks lovely. The views are exceptional. They have taken a different approach than the other luxury resorts as they are not beach-front, nor even close to the water. However on St. Kitts, with it's tiny size, everything is near the water.
Kittitian Hill Youtube Video
Christophe Harbour Marina and Village
This is where the superrich and famous will be docking. It looks like they are planning to build a whole upscale village there.
Christophe Harbour Youtube Video
Koi Resorts
Being built facing the Atlantic without a cove is a bold move. I would expect they will bring in some boulders to create a sea break so that the beach is swimmable, much like the Marriott has.
Koi Resort Youtube Video
Park Hyatt
Located on Banana Beach, this resort/residence hotel will likely be the most exclusive for the non-yacht crowd.
Park Hyatt Youtube Video
Pelican Bay
There actually is no bay around St. Kitts called Pelican Bay, however the Pelican Bay Resort is being built on Potato Bay.
This is being constructed right next door to our home and I am documenting it's progress each week.
Pelican Bay Youtube Video
While it is unlikely that I would stay at any of these resorts as I have a home here, I do plan on taking advantage of the many restaurants that will accompany them.
St. Kitts is widely considered undeveloped for the tourist industry. This is despite that between November 1 and April 30, at least 1 (and up to 5) cruise ships dock here for the day. Typical cruise ships carry 2500 passengers but it varies between 300 and 4,500 passengers depending on the ship. A single day can bring bring 10,000 tourists to an island of 40,000. Cruise ships are here for the day and those passengers that come on shore have about 6 - 8 hrs to get their sight-seeing completed. "Undeveloped" also means that when a passenger leaves the cruise ship port (mall), there are really no retail businesses set up for visitors. They are just regular stores that you would find in your town and they really don't carry souvenirs. The cruise ship port (mall) area is a large collection of jewellery stores and t-shirt shops. Of the 80 businesses, 65 are jewellery stores and 15 are t-shirt shops. I am not sure how that jewellery store business model works with 5 and 6 stores right next to each other.
Currently, on St. Kitts itself (ignoring Nevis) there is one big resort hotel, the Marriott, and it is quite nice and one could just spend an entire week there without leaving the property. Excellent beach front, excellent and elaborate pool, casino, some shopping, and lots of restaurants. There are some mom and pop places too [Timothy Beach Resort, Ottley's Plantation (superb!), Ocean Terrace Inn, and Bird Rock Beach Hotel]. Ottley's is really it's own category.
However, St. Kitts has struck deals with some large business groups to develop unused land into luxury destination resort hotels and residences. One lists their room prices at $800/night and Sunday Brunch at $70/person. I know people who spent less on a whole cruise. However...
these resorts are not about value, they are about atmosphere and a level of service that is superior. You can purchase a residence within one of the resorts for as little as $400K.
The map below outlines where the new luxe resorts are being built.
Kittitian Hill - On the north end of the island, built next to the rain forest, Kittitian Hill is nearly complete and looks lovely. The views are exceptional. They have taken a different approach than the other luxury resorts as they are not beach-front, nor even close to the water. However on St. Kitts, with it's tiny size, everything is near the water.
Kittitian Hill Youtube Video
Christophe Harbour Marina and Village
This is where the superrich and famous will be docking. It looks like they are planning to build a whole upscale village there.
Christophe Harbour Youtube Video
Koi Resorts
Being built facing the Atlantic without a cove is a bold move. I would expect they will bring in some boulders to create a sea break so that the beach is swimmable, much like the Marriott has.
Koi Resort Youtube Video
Park Hyatt
Located on Banana Beach, this resort/residence hotel will likely be the most exclusive for the non-yacht crowd.
Park Hyatt Youtube Video
Pelican Bay
There actually is no bay around St. Kitts called Pelican Bay, however the Pelican Bay Resort is being built on Potato Bay.
This is being constructed right next door to our home and I am documenting it's progress each week.
Pelican Bay Youtube Video
While it is unlikely that I would stay at any of these resorts as I have a home here, I do plan on taking advantage of the many restaurants that will accompany them.
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