Nestled in the gentle hills of Nevis, Montpelier has always been a sanctuary for those seeking the serene pulse of the Caribbean. On arrival, the island greets visitors with its signature blend of warm, fragrant breezes, lush greenery, and a rhythm that feels timeless yet immediate. For editor and traveler Peta Phipps, born and raised in Jamaica, the sense of place is unmistakable: “The island vibe here is real. Montpelier doesn’t try to impress; it simply is.”
By mid-afternoon, the transfer from St. Kitts has deposited guests at the property’s refreshed gates, where Montpelier’s new look is immediately apparent. The suites have been reimagined with thoughtful attention to both heritage and contemporary luxury. Light floods the spaces through generous windows, illuminating rooms where soft Caribbean hues meet rich wood finishes. Every detail—from the freshly upholstered chairs to the linens handpicked for their tactile elegance—evokes the property’s renewed vitality without sacrificing its sense of history.
The hotel’s exterior, too, gleams softly beneath the Nevis sun, refreshed landscaping highlighting the island’s natural contours while inviting moments of quiet reflection.
Afternoon leisure at the pool allows time to absorb Montpelier’s essence. With the soft lap of water and the distant sway of palms, the resort balances luxury with a grounding authenticity. Later, cocktails at The Terrace provide a first taste of the culinary attention to detail that characterizes the property’s dining. Freshly muddled island-inspired cocktails set the stage for a dinner that feels intimate yet celebratory—a gentle nod to Nevis’s 300-year-old sugar mill, now home to Mill Privée.
The following morning, the plan to cycle to Montpelier Beach evolves into a more adventurous exploration of Nevis’s natural treasures. Guided by Michael Morton of Island Buzz, Peta and David trade pedals for hiking boots. First comes the Saddle Hill Hike, a climb that rewards with panoramic views of the island’s coastline and verdant valleys. Michael, ever the storyteller, offers insight into Nevis’s history and flora, seamlessly weaving in local lore that animates the landscape.
By midday, the duo embarks on the Nevis Waterfalls Hike, a three-hour roundtrip trek that injects adrenaline into the journey. The path, framed by dense tropical foliage, is alive with the chatter of monkeys and the subtle scents of rainforest blooms. At its crescendo, a cascading waterfall appears, a secluded spectacle of natural power. Water churns over sun-warmed rocks, and the surrounding mist offers an invigorating reprieve from the Caribbean sun. It’s a hike that blends physical challenge with immersive, sensory reward—a side of Nevis that feels wild yet intimately connected to Montpelier’s serene philosophy.
Following the adventure, the hotel ensures relaxation is effortless. A visit to the Montpelier Beach Club offers a pause by the turquoise sea, where white sands and gently lapping waves invite quiet reflection. Picnic lunches and leisurely swims remind guests that Montpelier’s approach to luxury is as much about freedom and choice as it is about comfort.
“The island vibe here is real. Montpelier doesn’t try to impress; it simply is.”
-Peta Phipps
Back at the resort, evenings are an interplay of quiet sophistication and sensory delight. Cocktails in the Great Room are followed by dinner in the Mill Privée, where the 300-year-old sugar mill frames a dining experience that bridges past and present. Culinary offerings feel at once inventive and rooted, drawing on local ingredients while honoring the island’s heritage. Later on, meals at Indigo, the poolside restaurant, extend the sense of retreat, where candlelight reflects on water and the horizon melts into twilight.
Montpelier’s refreshed spaces extend beyond design into the pace and texture of guest life. There is a deliberate blending of structured experience and leisure, allowing moments of adventure—like the hikes with Michael Morton—to coexist with languid afternoons by the pool. Peta reflects, “Montpelier’s beauty is not just in its rooms or its view—it’s in the rhythm it offers. You feel the island here, in a way that’s rare and grounding.”
Throughout the stay, the property’s renewed interiors harmonize with its natural surroundings. Carefully curated color palettes echo the sand, sea, and sky, while open layouts and airy terraces create a constant dialogue between indoor comfort and outdoor wonder. The gardens, with their subtle paths and hidden corners, invite discovery, whether on a morning walk or a meditative pause at sunset.
Evenings are framed by the gentle luxury of Montpelier’s hospitality. Drinks at The Terrace, dinner by candlelight, and the quiet comfort of refreshed rooms create a narrative of place that lingers. The resort’s understated elegance allows guests to feel both cocooned and connected, a rare combination that sets Montpelier apart from other Caribbean escapes.
The true magic, however, lies in the authenticity that Peta, as a native Caribbean traveler, notes with admiration: “You don’t need to search for it—this is the real Nevis. The soul of the island is here, in the hills, the water, and the people who guide you through it.” Michael Morton’s presence on the hikes reinforces this sense of belonging, making every step feel purposeful and illuminated with local insight.
Montpelier’s appeal is not only its renewed aesthetic but also its ability to integrate this refreshed look with the island’s enduring character. Whether cycling (or hiking) through verdant paths, savoring the delicate balance of flavors in island-inspired cuisine, or basking in the calm of a private beach, guests find themselves immersed in a narrative of elegance, authenticity, and rejuvenation.
By the final morning, Montpelier’s rhythm has woven itself into the experience of every guest. Breakfast at leisure, a gentle farewell stroll through the gardens, and a final sip of Caribbean sunshine leave a lasting impression. Montpelier is a retreat that celebrates both its heritage and its renewal, offering visitors an intimate, sensory, and profoundly luxurious connection to Nevis.
Montpelier, with its refreshed interiors, timeless island charm, and authentic experiences, stands as a model of how Caribbean luxury can be simultaneously refined and rooted. For those seeking a retreat that blends elevated design with the grounded heartbeat of the Caribbean, Montpelier is a destination where every moment feels both indulgent and unmistakably real.
