When I think back to our Caribbean cruise, the day that brings the biggest smile to my face is our visit to St. Kitts! Not only is it the most diverse of the islands (in my opinion), but our local guide, Royston, provided a fun and interesting first-hand look at this picturesque, history-rich gem of an island!
Royston was like a ray of sunshine with his friendly personality and pleasant smile. He greeted us just outside the terminal and walked us over to the Royston-mobile (as I like to call it) – a fresh air, windowless van that proved (as we would soon learn) that it could handle any terrain St. Kitts had to offer! Stocked with ice cold beverages and 2 fun married couples from Utah, we boarded the Royston-mobile eager for the adventure ahead!
Basseterre
Our tour began with a drive through the charming capital city, Basseterre.
Built in 1883 and modeled after Piccadilly in London, The Berkeley Memorial is
an ornate clock tower and drinking fountain that sits in the heart of Basseterre.
The stunning Government House.
Did you know that St. Kitts has a Veterinarian school called Ross University?
I had no clue that it existed! And an ocean view too…score!
Around the Island ~ Royston Style!
The thing I think I enjoyed the most was the spontaneity Royston provided on the tour. We already knew what sights we’d see that day, but Royston added something special to it. He sprinkled the day with the unexpected…like for instance, taking us to non-touristy spots that he enjoyed as a child…or gathering sugar cane so we could feed donkeys…or driving us right on the beach! It was moments like those that made his tour better than we could have hoped for!
Royston gathering sugar cane.
Feeding time!
Royston knew exactly where to take us for superb photo opportunities!
My hubby found his Jeep twin in St. Kitts on a random cliff overlooking the ocean!
Did I mention Royston was funny?
He pulled a “photo bomb” with the Royston-mobile while I was taking a photo of hubby!
The Royston-mobile brought us up close & personal to the stunning
beaches of St. Kitts!
As you can see, our tour-mate enjoyed the drive on the beach! 🙂
What’s better than a flock of egrets in a tree?…
A flock of bottles in a tree! 😉
I’d like to introduce the “Rum Tree” – a mango tree adorned with empty
bottles from oh-so-happy men from a nearby bar!
I just loved holding this sweet little monkey!
Bath, anyone?
This oversized “tub” was really used to melt down sugar cane.
The Rainforest
Driving through the rainforest was like entering a different world. The light rain dripping from the canopy of trees created a magical ambiance.
My tarzan swinging on a vine!
The lush rainforest was a sight to behold…
…and so were these cute goats…
…and so was my hubby! 🙂
Black Rocks
On the northeastern coast of St. Kitts is Black Rocks, a picturesque collection of lava rocks adorning the coast from the nearby volcano Mount Liamuiga.
Wingfield Estate
Romney Manor
Formerly owned by Sam Jefferson, this gorgeous 6 acre estate is now home to Caribelle Batik, a shop that sells a variety of popular batik products that are hand-printed in the studio using an old Indonesian wax-and-dye process.
Colorful batik products
Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park
History buff or not, the Brimstone Hill Fortress is a marvel to behold! A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a wonderfully preserved fortification and an architectural masterpiece with unmatched sweeping views in every direction!
Designed by British military engineers and built by African slave labor, this magnificent fortress took over 100 years to construct beginning in the 1690’s.
Looking into the horizon, I could almost see the fleet of 50 French ships coming in to storm the fortress!
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If you’re ever in St. Kitts, put Brimstone Hill Fortress at the top of your list! It’s only $10 to get in…so why not experience this rich piece of history?
Oh, & be sure to bring good walking shoes for those uneven steps up to the fortress!
The Royston-mobile sure got around!
Did I mention the a-ma-zing views?
The Peninsula
Did you know that Royston has an adventurous side? Yep! The Royston-mobile was not afraid to take us off the beaten path and into places other tour companies would not go! We’d be driving along a paved road, and he’d suddenly veer off into the brush and drive us somewhere simply stunning!
NOT the Royston-mobile!
Others may have tried, but only Royston will get you there in one piece! LOL!
You can’t tell from looking, but Royston pulled that van right up to the edge for a simply stunning outlook of the Peninsula!
The parking area for the “other” tour vans was well below us!
Behold – the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea!
Simply stunning!
Happy day!
If this is a dream, don’t wake me!
Lunch at South Friar’s Bay
Lunch was included in the tour, and Royston stopped at his friend’s little eatery to pick up 7 ‘rotis’ – a wrap with potato, mild curry, spices, and a choice of beef, chicken, conch or veggie. With lunch in tow, Royston drove us to “The God Father” – an empty beach bar by day (but not by night!) that acts as the perfect place to enjoy the delicious food and gorgeous views of South Friar’s Bay!
South Friar’s Bay
During the tour, Royston stopped by his dad’s house to pick something up.
As the van pulled away, we could hear his dad shout out,
“You hired the best man!”
We couldn’t agree more!
Our wonderful day in St. Kitts was over, but as our ship pulled away,
there was one more surprise awaiting us…
Until next time St. Kitts…
What part of this tour would you enjoy the most?
St. Kitts is lucky to have Royston represent them!
If you’re ever in St. Kitts, please consider taking Royston’s Tours!
For $45, this is a quality tour that you won’t soon forget!
Filling my passport with family, travel and bliss 
