Nevis

There's something special about this small, volcanic island that grabs you. The charm and tranquility takes you back to a time when things were simpler, when life was more peaceful, when stress was just a word, not a way of life.

This 36-square-mile island lies near the top of the Lesser Antilles archipelago, about 200 miles south of Puerto Rico, and just west of Antigua. This island jewel is approximately 7 miles long and 5 miles wide, with natural vegetation that is unparalleled.

Green and serene, Nevis is truly one of the remaining unspoiled places. In 1493, Columbus spied the cloud-crowned Island on his second voyage to the New World. He named it Nieves, the Spanish word for snow, since it reminded him of the snowcapped peaks of the Pyrenees. From the top of the 3,232-foot Nevis Peak to the depths of the clear waters offshore, there is a world of flora and fauna to be explored. In the hills, the comical green vervet monkeys' chatter and scamper and whales can often be seen cruising close to shore. Stroll around and see the architecture of eras gone by: churches, windmills, and refurbished Great Houses.

Lobster Burger

Its 10,000 residents are friendly and helpful, ready to make new friends and welcome back regular visitors. The Four Seasons Nevis Resort is a splendid place to forget about the world and escape into luxury. Guest rooms are beautiful and the grounds exquisite. Dining options vary from the opulent, more formal Dining Room, with cut-stone fireplace and vaulted ceilings to The Cabana poolside restaurant famous for its Lobster Burger and innovative style of Executive Chef, Cyrille Pannier.

The Island of Nevis has a history of being known for rejuvenating spa treatments. As far back as the 19th century, when the Bath Hotel offered "taking the waters" in volcanic thermal springs, Europeans relaxed on Nevis after the two month crossing from England.

The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Nevis is a sanctuary of well-being, offering an irresistible range of services, all of which have been created to reflect the rhythms of nature, the beauty of the island, the strengths of the elements and the energies of the seasons. The Spa offers rejuvenating body treatments and a selection of massage therapies, all with a personalized Four Seasons touch. A special beach-side massage situates you just steps from the waves, where you will be lulled by the sound of the surf and an incredibly relaxing treatment.

Marble Cooling Pool

Facilities are wonderful, as are the spa specialists. Surrounded by lush gardens, the entire spa at Four Seasons Nevis is an experience of sensual escape. The black marble cooling pool is shockingly refreshing and set against a dramatic backdrop of the islands' volcanic peak. A well known haunt for celebrities, we sat in the outdoor garden waterfall chatting with athlete, Carl Lewis of Olympic Gold Medal track and field fame.

The Island of Nevis and this Four Seasons Resort are well worth consideration for your next Caribbean escape! For more information, log onto

www.fourseasons.com

St. Barts

If there was a place in the world truly identified with the "Rich and Famous", Saint Barthelemy, French West Indies, would have to be it.

As we tendered into the island's main port, Gustavia, the line up of private yachts at dock along the Rue de Bord de Mer was astonishing (at least, for those of us without a private yacht.) Stores on the other side of the Street include Cartier, Tiffany, Hermes, etc... no 7-11's to be found on this main drag! Of course, the town is very well kept, thanks to the, shall we say, stable economy resulting from some of the most wealthy visitors to any island in the world.

In its own right, St. Barts and its beaches are dazzling. Unlike most Caribbean vacation destinations, almost half the beds available to St. Barts' visitors are in privately owned villas, cottages, and apartments.

There are a handful of full service hotels, with all the usual amenities, but even among these, the largest has only 76 rooms. The others have half that. Many hotels are quite small, often family run: personal, rather than professional, in character.

This is not an accident. Local authorities, to their credit, have long recognized that excessive development is bad for everyone, and have severely restricted the size and style of hotel construction.

Most of the beaches on St. Barts are still commercially undeveloped, which explains why you will have more choices among hillside accommodations. This will happily provide you with more breezes, less bugs, more privacy and, most of the time, nicer views than the beach side locations. Keep in mind that, on the beach or in the hills, you will probably want a car, and that from anywhere on the island, you can drive anywhere else in less than 20 minutes. Beach side accommodations are the most likely to be found in St Jean, Lorient, Cul de Sac and Flamands, and, of course, you will have the advantage of being able to jump from your bed into the sea.

I fell in love with Hotel Saint Barth Isle De France. Located on the most perfect white sand beach at Flamands, the view and the water are spectacular. It is chic, yet at the same time warm, welcoming and friendly... the ultimate "haute couture" B&B.

Hotel Isle de France

The beach front residence offers a variety of spacious rooms, each with its own private terrace overlooking the sea. Alternatively, across the road from the main house, several private luxury cottages nestle among shady palm trees hidden from view by the lush vegetation.

Each room or cottage is uniquely decorated with antique mahogany furniture, and includes air conditioning, a private safe, satellite TV, DVD, VCR, a CD player, and a refrigerator stocked with complementary beverages. Isle de France offers a wide variety of activities in addition to its location on one of St. Barth's most spectacular beaches. Two swimming pools, a tennis court, and a fully equipped gym are on the property, and arrangements are easily made for nearby horse back riding, hiking, boat trips and a full range of water sports including SCUBA diving.

Hotel Isle de France

Created by Molton Brown, the Spa at Hotel Isle de France is a sanctuary devoted to the "Harmony of Body and Mind." Treatments are adventurous, healing and therapeutic. La Case de L' Isle, serves traditional French cuisine, elegant and light, for lunch and dinner. It is one of the most popular restaurants on St Barts due to the ruggedly handsome French Chef, Bruce Domain. (See Chef Notes) Lunch is served in the restaurant, while relaxing by the pool or literally, on the beach.

This intimate hotel by the clear, sparkling waters of St. Barts is simply paradise found!

For more information, log onto:

www.isle-de-france.com.