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A Land
to
love

About St. Kitts

BE AMAZED

Behold an island of awe-inspiring vistas and mystifying experiences. Where canopied rainforests expand with life, and towering mountains meet sun-swept beaches of black and gold. Where a proud culture and vibrant city center coexist with wondrous, uncrowded landscapes. Where the highest of adventures meet the most blissful moments of zen. This is St. Kitts—explore at your leisure.

a body of water with houses and trees

Warm.
Welcoming.
Proud.

At the heart of St. Kitts’ magnetic allure lies her people. Our rich culture and traditions are a testament to our history and national pride.

From the very moment you arrive, the island's vibrant nature reveals itself in every aspect of daily life: the energetic beat of a soca tune playing at a beach bar, the rich flavors of homegrown fruits and vegetables in dishes like goat water stew, stewed catfish, and coconut dumplings, and the bright costumes and raucous revelry of our annual carnival. As you explore the island, you'll collect these moments of joyful discovery, uncovering the soul of St. Kitts.

Speaking Kittitian

Our true Caribbean flavor and laid-back energy are best understood through our local expressions. Here’s a quick guide to some of the phrases you might hear in St. Kitts.

Kittitian

(pronounced Kittishun)

The name for locals, born and raised in St. Kitts.

Nevisian

(pronounced Neeveeshun)

The name for locals on our sister island, Nevis.

Limin’

(Pronounced Lie Men)

Hanging out, kicking back, chilling. The art of having a good time.

Me Aarm

(pronounced Mee Ahrm)

Oh my! Really?

Wuk Up!

(Pronounced Wawk Up)

Gyrating dance, specifically to sweet soca music.

Donkey Years

(Pronounced Donkey Years)

A long time.

M’ain Know

(Pronounced Main Know)

I don’t know.

Picki Nyehga

(pronounced Pickee Nayga)

A child.

A Lord Doh

(Pronounced Ah Lord Doe)

What a pity.

Quick Facts

stkitts ourisland quick facts compass 1st English Colony in the Caribbean
stkitts ourisland quick facts mountains Originally named Liamuiga ("fertile land”)
shape, circle Home to 44 Unique Varieties of Mango
stkitts ourisland quick facts cricket National Sport: Cricket
stkitts ourisland quick sugar city Nicknamed “Sugar City”
stkitts ourisland quick facts poinciana National Flower: Poinciana
stkitts ourisland quick facts greenhouse Site of the Largest Greenhouse in the Caribbean
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Limin' 101

Here, we take the art of enjoying life seriously—we call it limin’. To lime is to feel the sun’s warmth as it bounces off your skin, and the tug of waves as you dive into the water for a midday swim. It’s as simple as a hammock tucked between two palms, or an evening spent bouncing between bars on De Strip with a new friend.

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Limin' 101

Spend a Day on The Farm

Daily

Belle Mont Sanctuary Resort | (869) 465-7388

A pool, fitness center, and other facilities invite you to explore 400 acres of lush farmland. Experience Belle Mont Sanctuary Resort — and enjoy a welcome drink and three-course signature lunch — for only USD$75. Please note: Passes must be booked 24 hours in advance.

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Limin' 101

Lime on De Strip

Fridays

Singularly spirited, De Strip is where St. Kitts goes to have fun. Hop from beach bar to beach bar, and learn how to lime firsthand.

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Limin' 101

Live Music at Shiggidy Shack

Thursdays

Mr. X's Shiggidy Shack
(869) 663-4578

There's no better place to catch an island vibe than Mr. X's Shiggidy Shack. A traditional gathering spot for expats and tourists, this Strip favorite sits right on the beach. Enjoy live local music with a view on Thursdays at 6:00 p.m.

two glasses with a red drink and flower decals and a straw with the ocean and sunset in the background
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Limin' 101

Dive Into Palm’s Court

Daily

Palm Court | (869) 465-6060

Take a break from all that salt water, and go for a leisurely swim at Palm's Court. Make a reservation, and save a little, too: Students and children are eligible for a 10% discount.

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stkitts ourisland limin 101 dive into palms
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Limin' 101

Lobster Fest

Fridays

Reggae Beach Bar & Grill
(869) 762-5050

Barbecue shrimp. Grilled mahi mahi. Okra, plantains, and pumpkin fritters. Savor the best of the West Indies at this outdoor, all-you-can-eat buffet. Make your reservations ahead of time, though — this is one popular dinner.

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Limin' 101

Sunbathe at Spice Mill

Sundays

Spice Mill | (869) 762-2160

Spice Mill’s reputation for delicious, island-fresh cuisine and refreshing craft cocktails is just the beginning. Plan on lounging under a beach umbrella and soaking up some of the best views on the island.

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Limin' 101

Waterfront Stage

Sundays

The Dock Beach Bar | (869) 465-8597

Don't let the weekend pass you by: Every Sunday, Timothy Beach Resort's Dock Beach Bar turns into a waterfront stage for some of St. Kitts' best bands and DJs.

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History

stkitts ourisland history Helena Quintero
stkitts ourisland history 02 delanie garcia
stkitts ourisland history 03 Helena Quintero

Discover &
Early Times1493 - 1712

For most of its early history, St. Kitts was inhabited by the Kalinago, who called it Liamuiga (“fertile island”). The island’s formally recorded history begins in 1493, following the arrival of Christopher Columbus during his second voyage of discovery. The island was originally named St. Christopher—a nod to the patron saint of travelers—and later shortened to the one we know today. By 1623, both British and French forces had settled on the island, making St. Kitts the first non-Spanish European colony in the Caribbean.

The Mother Colony of the West Indies1713 - 1983

In 1712, St. Kitts was ceded to the British through the Treaty of Utrecht. Sugar production skyrocketed under British rule, and by 1776, the island had become the richest British colony in the Caribbean. The production of sugar continued to play a crucial role in the island’s economy, even after the abolition of slavery in 1834. In 1983, independence was granted, and a new chapter began for its citizens as well as its economy.

A New Horizon1983 - Today

In the years that have followed St. Kitts’ independence, the smallest country in the Caribbean has matured into a thriving cultural hub, worthy of its location on the global stage. Visitors arrive from all over the world, allured by its deep sense of history and tradition, its rugged landscapes, and its novelty that remains unrivaled among islands in the Caribbean.

“This island here, St. Kitts - the Richest of them all. This was the icing on the cake."

- Leonard Stapleton

Local Historian & Tour Guide