The Mount Nevis Hotel's Haute View!

Solitude is sometimes elusive unless you journey to a place where it captures the essence of peace and serenity. On my recent trip to Nevis, West Indies, I was introduced to a place that harmonizes with the landscape and energy of the Caribbean Sea.

The Mount Nevis Hotel sits on 17 acres of the Roundhill Estate, back in the 1800s it was a lime plantation. Although, it’s not where you would typically find a Haute Travels girl, it is a place to reconnect with your soul. There’s nothing glamorous about the property, it’s simple, tropical and serene just what soul searchers dream about. The intimacy allows for a bit if introspection, while you enjoy stunning views of Nevis and nearby St. Kitts. Each day during sunrise, I sat on the balcony to meditate taking in the magic surrounding me. In my opinion, the views from The Mount Nevis Hotel are a force to be reckoned with… it just may have the most amazing views of the Nevis peak and surrounding sea than any other place on the island.

The owners of the property abandoned their life in Tarrytown, New York for the peacefulness of the Caribbean about 23 years ago. And as fate would have it, they fell in love with the view. I suppose in many ways, they are no different than a Haute Travels girl in search of solitude away from city life and the crowds. There are amazing five star resorts and then there are small, intimate properties that offer something that money can’t buy—a soul renewed.

To learn more visit http://www.mountnevishotel.com/ourstory.php#

Glam Nights in Paris!

When in Paris, glam dinners, fashionable nights out and beauty appointments make travel haute! If you're jetting off to the "City of Lights" with your friends or meeting them in Paris, spend time making the scene wearing something that blings. There are many places to go but two are hot on my list.

I've always dreamed of spending time at some of the city's most exclusive properties located in the "Golden Triangle" such as the Four Seasons Hotel, George V, Paris near the Champs-Elysees and Le Bar at Plaza Athenee on Avenue Montaigne bringing those "Sex and the City" moments to life. I'm equally as excited to make my way from one beauty appointment to the next, at the world's most exclusive spas. But first, here's a look at my photos from fun, fashionable nights in Paris with my friend, Fashion Designer Kate Mack.

Glam Dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris is something that every haute travels girl must experience. The fine dining experience at Le Cinq may put a dent in your haute couture bag, but it sure is worth it! Rare black truffles, exquisite champagne and dinner to die for makes the Four Seasons in Paris a Haute Spot.

Headed to Le Bar du Plaza Athenee… there’s a mix between fashion and classic modern style. The bar glows and the fashion crowd calls this place their home away from home during Paris Fashion Week. When in the capital of couture, you must stop by to try a chic cocktail wearing camera-ready fashions. You never know who you may see while sipping a glass of sparkling champagne.

Where is your favorite GLAM spot in Paris?

Bee Plantation Chic in Yellow!

The Hermitage, a Plantation Inn in Nevis, the West Indies, inspired a bee chic in yellow photo shoot. The Hermitage is a place where the past meets the present with stunning views and acres of garden spaces. Classic Nevision Colonial cottages scattered among mango trees and hibiscus witnessed trade winds gently cooling off the land and people who live there.

Photo Credit: Haute Travels-Devon Lilburd

The Four Seasons Resort Nevis is Haute!

The Four Seasons Nevis is my kind of place. This 5-star luxury resort offers the kind of exclusivity that a haute travels girl craves. Infinity edge pools, villas, amazing restaurants, dramatic ocean views and a beautiful spa… makes this the place for me. They even have private jet service, plus they have their own boat with a bar for transfers to St. Kitts where you can access the airport.

The accommodations range from ocean view suites, storey cottages and luxury villas or private residences for rental. The Four Seasons Resort Nevis is in a class all by itself. It’s the ideal destination for those who indulge and enjoy the best that life has to offer. My junior suite was beautiful with yellow accents, lots of pillows a spa bath and sitting area with a view of the Caribbean Sea.

There are some who want to play golf, tennis or explore the rainforest, but not me, I’m a beach girl and the service that the Four Seasons Resort Nevis offers extends to the beach! While relaxing by the sea, the attendants bring cool towels and cans of Evian water to spritz you while sun tanning along with ice cold drinks. They really attend to every need while you take in the view. It was hard to leave but the thoughts of my return will keep me smiling.

Here's a look inside a 7-bedroom Villa:

Welcome to the Villa 

Family Room

Master Bathroom

Kitchen

Master Bedroom

Guest Bedroom

Pool with a View

The Pool House 

Haute Spot: Nevis

My new favorite haute spot is the tiny, unspoiled island of Nevis. It’s located just six miles by boat, from St. Kitts in the Caribbean. Nevis is made up of rainforests, reefs and ruins. It’s a lush tropical paradise with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and the Nevis Volcano peak at the center of the island. The island is cone shaped and no matter where you go, you can see Nevis Peak surrounded on the coast by beautiful blue water.

Nevis is the place to get away and reconnect with nature… but it’s the Caribbean Sea that always takes my breath away. The energy of the water is soothing and tranquil. The moment that I arrived, and boarded the water taxi to the island was the start of a beautiful week. Although, I didn’t disconnect totally from the world that I left behind, it’s easy to understand why you might in a place where there are no street signs or postal addresses. The people of the island all seem to know each other and as they told me, “You’re only a stranger once in Nevis.”

As I toured old churches, plantation ruins and downtown Charlestown, I came away with a sense of appreciation for an island that remains unspoiled by the modernization of the world beyond its shores. Yes, they have WIFI and modern amenities at most of the hotels and resorts, but they also have a sense of calm

and peacefulness that you can only receive when you let go of things that you can’t control. 

Nevis has been a place of refuge to both the famous like Oprah Winfrey and everyday people who simply go about their daily life free of the stress that comes with living in the big city. If you want to visit a place that causes you to pause to let a crab cross the road, where farm animals are free to roam massive acres of land, and where the sea greets you with a cool breeze daily, then Nevis is the place for you. I have seen many islands in the Caribbean but Nevis is very special. I can’t wait to go back, it’s truly a hidden gem. 

My tips on where to stay, eat and spa in Nevis...

My favorite property is the Four Seasons Resort Nevis. The service

is exceptional and the accommodations are amazing. It's luxury and exclusivity at its best. If you're with family and friends, you must try the private villas; they are haute! The suites are also posh with floor length mirrors and ocean views that haute travels girl love. But, the spa is where the pampering begins with peace and tranquility calling your name.

 If you're looking for a place to dine with a bit of American and Italian flavor, you must try the Yachtsman Grill. Their grilled lobster tail and handmade Italian pizzas are delicious. When it comes to scenic views, while you enjoy an afternoon lunch, there's no better place than the Golden Rock Inn. On a clear day, you can see neighboring islands in the distance like Montserrat. 

If you love a great beach bar and grill, you must try LIME for live

music on a Friday night. It's sure to be entertaining with a lively crowd. The choice of food options range from salads and chicken wings to grilled fish. LIME is just down the beach from The Four Seasons Resort Nevis along the ocean's edge next to a few other beach bars. Its down home feel reminds me of a southern juke joint with lots of hospitality. When in Nevis, you must check it out.  

When it comes to glam dining there are two places that you'll enjoy. My favorite is the Montpelier Plantation blending the past with art deco design giving Miami flavor around the pool bar. The property offers seclusion and elegance with breathtaking beauty that even a princess would love. In fact, the late Princess Diana vacationed there many years ago with her two sons. I had the pleasure of visiting the suite where she stayed.

The Nisbet Plantation Beach Club is also a great choice for dinner.

The atmosphere is plantation chic since you'll be enjoying dinner in the great house. Menu options vary but the grilled lemon mojo marinated chicken breast topped with Mexican salsa is delicious. The cherry apple crumb pie with a side of  strawberry ice cream is a wonderful way to end an unforgettable evening.

Photos Belong to Haute Travels: St. Kitts with Nevis in the background, Cottle Church Ruins, The Hermitage Plantation Inn, Private Villa at the Four Seasons Nevis, Lime, Montpelier Plantation and the Nisbet Plantation Great House