Perched in the warm Caribbean waters, the little island of Nevis is a lush, mountain-swept gem ideal for those seeking both adventure and serenity. At just 36 square miles, it packs in rainforest trails, volcanic peaks, and vibrant marine life—all without the feel of being overrun by tourists. Dom, my fellow yogi and travel companion for this trip, and I arrived with ease: a smooth flight into the small airport, a calm and organized tarmac drop-off, quick immigration and luggage collection, and a well-organized ground taxi to the boat taxi from the larger island of St Kitts over to Nevis.
The island’s pace immediately felt different—much more laid-back yet polished. Our beachfront hotel, Oualie Beach Resort, offered cozy cabins, brand-new mattresses, a screened-in porch with ocean views, and just a short walk from lounger to sand. The staff was incredibly friendly, and everyone was quickly on a first-name basis. We joined our group of four other amazing retreat guests and our leader Amanda for an evening yin session and group dinner to get to know each other and prepare for an exciting week ahead.
Dom spotted the monkeys first, and on the way to dinner we stumbled across our first cows. Throughout the week, we delighted in seeing more monkeys and cows, along with donkeys, sheep, and goats roaming freely around the island, adding to Nevis’s charming, pastoral vibe.
Consider staying at Oualie Beach Resort—your water taxi from St. Kitts will drop you right at the resort’s private pier, making arrivals and departures seamless and stress-free.
Our first full day on Nevis started slow — just as it should on an island like this. After breakfast (the eggs were excellent, and their house hot sauce became a fast favorite), we set out to explore the area. The road in one direction led through lush greenery and glimpses of mountain views, while the other was dotted with local homes. It quickly became clear that taxis or rental cars are the way to go here if you want to venture beyond your resort — everything is spread out and wonderfully unhurried.
Amanda and her husband Derrick introduced us to local juices they make from scratch — from Noni juice, known for its immune-boosting properties, to Mauby, a lightly fizzy bark-based drink, and Sea Moss, the thick, creamy “superfood” shake that’s practically a wellness trend in a bottle. Following the delicious juices, Derrick served a traditional Rastafarian stew—a hearty blend of vegetables and beans served with crispy fried bread. It’s traditionally cooked without salt, relying on herbs and local hot sauce for flavor, and it captures the authentic, earth-to-table essence of island cooking.
Our road trip around Nevis gave us a deeper glimpse into the island’s story. We stopped at one of the island's historic churches, built by enslaved people for both Black and white worshippers, a powerful reminder of the island’s layered history. At the Hamilton Estate, we toured the remains of a former sugar plantation and learned about the island’s colonial past before visiting Alexander Hamilton’s birthplace, now a museum celebrating one of America’s founding fathers and his Nevisian roots.
Between the history, the warm locals, and the unbeatable island scenery, Nevis proved that you don’t need a big island to find big experiences.
Nevis may be best known for its beaches, but its wild interior is where the island truly shows its spirit. Mount Nevis dominates the skyline, its peak almost always cloaked in clouds — and we decided to climb it! This hike is no walk in the park; ropes, mud, and steep climbs make it a real adventure. But our guide was fantastic, and every bit of effort was rewarded with the surreal experience of standing in the misty clouds above the island. It’s a challenging trek for experienced hikers, but absolutely worth it for those craving a true wilderness experience.
Later in the week, we tackled Russell’s Rest, a lush jungle trail leading to a series of cascading waterfalls. The route starts gently before turning into a proper climb, with slippery stones and roots keeping things interesting. A few brave souls even took a dip in the cool waterfall pools! It was a beautiful contrast to Mount Nevis — still adventurous, but more meditative, with the sound of rushing water setting a peaceful tone.
Afterward, a soak in the Charlestown Volcanic Hot Springs felt incredible. These natural pools bubble straight from the earth, and are authentic and deeply restorative — especially after a long hike.
Nevis is the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. You can still visit his childhood home and see several sites dedicated to his life on this small, historically rich island.
Beneath the calm Caribbean waters surrounding Nevis lies an underwater world teeming with life. The island’s volcanic origins have created dramatic rock formations and coral-covered slopes, perfect for both beginner and experienced divers. We explored a shallow reef between St. Kitts and Nevis known for its vibrant corals and curious schools of tropical fish. Sea turtles, stingrays, and the occasional nurse shark are common sights, and visibility often stretches over 80 feet. Though we were not lucky enough for the excellent visibility due to the recent tropical storm, we did spot a sea turtle, a huge puffer fish, and a lionfish! Whether you’re certified or trying diving for the first time, Nevis’s warm waters and relaxed pace make it a fantastic place to discover what’s below the surface.
As a bonus adventure, our boat did not quite make it back to the resort as planned. Fortunately, our captain, Michael, and Derrick handled a boat break-down with ease and after a mere few minutes anchored off shore with no engine power, a couple of locals stopped to check and gave us a quick tow back to Oualie Beach. If I'm being honest, I didn't mind the extra time on board and the ride back being towed was calm and peaceful. Once in the bay area, the experienced boaters quickly got us moored up and Teale and I, feeling adventurous, opted to jump in a make the short swim ashore rather than the dingy ride the rest of the group opted for.
Nevis, with its calm and grounding energy, proved to be the perfect setting for a yoga retreat. Our retreat, expertly run by Amanda, offered incredible value in every session — from traditional and restorative yin to Myofascial Release, sunrise beach yoga, and slow flow — each practice brought its own unique benefits. Amanda hosts several retreats throughout the year, including on Nevis, and occasionally offers scuba-intensive retreats on nearby islands like Bonaire, where participants can even become yoga scuba certified. Having Derrick, a local Rasta, involved in the retreat added an authentic cultural element that truly elevated the experience. If you’re interested in exploring yoga or wellness retreats in the Caribbean, I’d be happy to connect you with Amanda and help plan your next rejuvenating getaway.
Wilton Manors, Florida
(919) 943 8918
cara@wolftravels.com
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