The Hermitage Plantation Inn on Nevis is an intimate caribbean vacation retreat. Activities include equestrian adventures, rain forest exploration and excellent gourmet cuisine. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Nevis/hermitageplantation/hotel/1446/27/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Sat, 11 Oct 2008 05:50:38 EST The accommodations at The Hermitage are in cottages of historical or architectural interest and designed to catch the prevailing breezes. Every bedroom has an heirloom canopy bed, antique and period furnishing, and full bath with showers and tubs. All rooms have unique and charming views from their private porches. Amenities within each cottage include direct-dial telephones, in-room safes, ceiling fans, refrigerators, irons and ironing boards, tea and coffee making facilities. A major refurbishment and upgrade was carried out at the property in 1997/1998, keeping the level of comfort within our accommodation at its highest. AMENITIES: ACTIVITIES: On Site On site there is an excellent hard tennis court (with complimentary rackets and balls), trailriding on horseback (English style, escorted), carriage rides through historic Gingerland, nature walks and history hikes (the ancient "Heritage Highway" or "Upper Round Road" passes right through The Hermitage). For the child in everyone there is the farmyard with the plantation's pigs, sheep, ducks, peacocks, chickens and horses of all ages, shapes and sizes. Rental cars and Jeeps are available for selfhire exploring (highly recommended, this is a most friendly island) and finding quiet nature spots or secluded beaches. Other Activities - The Museum of Nevis History in Charlestown (at the birthplace of American patriot Alexander Museum) - Captain Horatio Nelson Museum at Bellevue (Nelson married a Nevis widow and was based here ca.1785) - Nevis Horse Races (public holidays) Art Galleries and Special Places - Eva Wilkin Gallery at Clay Ghaut (walking distance) - The Gallery of Nevis Art in Charlestown - The Botanical Gardens and "Martha's" West Indian Tea House (walking distance) - Montpelier Plantation Inn (walking distance) - Old Manor Estate (walking distance) - Golden Rock Estate (a good country walk) Soft Adventures, On Land - Horseriding at Nevis Equestrian Centre (beach rides, western plantation ruins, lessons) - Horseriding at Garners with Ira Dore (beach rides, north island trails) - Horseriding with Fitzroy (Jessups, beach and mountain rides) - Horseriding at Hermitage (historic Gingerland) - Mountain Bike Rental Escorted Nature Walks - Nevis Peak (strenuous, but exciting - weather permitting) - Green Ghaut (lush forest and glens) - Jessups Reservoir (ruins and forest glades) - Night Stargazing (with astronomer, no light pollution) History Walks - Historic Charlestown - New River Plantation - Rain Forest and Ruins (Mount Travers Estate) - The Sugar Trail (Heritage Highway to Hamilton) - Heritage Highway (Gingerland portion) Soft Adventures, At Sea - Daysailing (both monohull and catamaran boats, meals and snorkeling included) - Deep-sea fishing (wahoo, kingfish, yellow tuna, blackfin tuna year round, mahi mahi in the spring and billfish in the summer months) - Snorkeling - Scuba (both PADI and NAUI) "Caves, Reefs and Wrecks" - Windsurfing and Sunfish Rentals Off Island Adventures - Day trips by air or sea to St. Kitts (fortresses, sugarlands, mountain hikes, shopping) - Day trips by air charter to St. Maarten (shopping, casinos) - St. Bart's (restaurants, shopping, celebrities) - Antigua (English Harbour, shopping) DINING/RESTARUANTS: On an island with few people and little nightlife, dining is almost the social event of the day. The Hermitage cooks are unrivaled, particularly under the direction of Maureen Lupinacci and her 30 years of entertaining in the West Indies. One of their secrets is the best quality ingredients available. To be sure of the quality, most is produced on the plantation including home-reared pork and lamb. Much of the fruit comes from our own trees and the herbs from our own kitchen garden. Fresh fish, conch and lobster are obtained from our neighbourly fishermen. All of the baking, ice cream, desserts, jellies and jams are homemade. Breakfast The day starts with Full Planters Breakfast from 8:00am to 10:30am on the verandah. The sausage is from our own piggery, the yogurt freshly made daily. Specialties include West Indian omelets, eggs any style, a variety of breakfast breads (lemon, orange, poppy seed, pumpkin, bran or corn muffins), fresh seasonal fruit, pancakes (banana, pumpkin, oatmeal), or Orangeblossom French Toast. Bacon, ham or flying fish are usually available as well as West Indian saltfish every Sunday. Lunch Lunch is served from Noon to 2:30pm on the Verandah or poolside. Grilled marinated chicken breast, grilled fish of the day (generally mahi mahi or red snapper), lobster, shrimp, chicken or tuna salads are offered along with regional dishes such as pumpkin soup, rotis and curried chicken salads, followed by our sorbets and ice creams and cakes. Afternoon Tea Served in the Great Room or tea porch. English teas or our own local teas such as lemongrass are available along with the famous Hermitage carrot cake and other specialties. Dinner Dinner is always an event at the Hermitage featuring the most amazing creations mixing our fresh local products with classic international recipes. Maureen's menus are a constant surprise and delight. Type: Hotel Beach Location: Off Beach (Tropical Setting) http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Nevis/hermitageplantation/hotel/1446/27/ Sat, 11 Oct 2008 05:50:38 EST