Prince Harry and Meghan Markle still have several weeks to go until their royal wedding, but that isn’t stopping the entire world from daydreaming about where they’ll honeymoon.
Being the high-powered royal couple they are, Harry and Meghan could jet off to just about anywhere. Truthfully, where they end up is anyone’s guess as Kensington Palace hasn't confirmed any rumors. But, one place sticking out as an excellent, and highly royal option is Nevis. The teeny, tiny island hiding in the Caribbean–home to just 11,000 people–could be just the destination Harry and Meghan have been looking for as the ideal spot to get away, go unnoticed, and enjoy a little time together as newlyweds.
Indeed, Nevis has long been a haven for members of the royal family. Following her separation from Prince Charles in 1993, Princess Diana flew to the secluded island along with a young Prince Harry and Prince William. It made such an impression on Harry that 13 years later he took part in Nevis’ conversation programs while on tour of the Caribbean.
So it would be no surprise if Harry returned again, only this time with a new bride on his arm. Here’s where they, and you, should stay, eat and play while vacationing at this stunning Caribbean paradise.
Where to Stay
Montpelier Nevis
If you’re two young royals in love there may be no better place to bed down than the Montpelier hotel. Tucked up in the mountains on a magical stretch of land perfumed by tropical blossoms and lined with palm trees and climbing ivy, these secluded Caribbean-colonial style bungalows once hosted Princess Diana, who stayed in a canopied suit with her children while vacationing on the island.
The boutique hotel, a Relais & Châteaux property, is known for being a singularly romantic destination thanks to its stunning views of both the ocean and the island’s lush green landscapes. It's also the site of one of the island's greatest love stories, that of the wedding between heiress Franny Nisbet and British Navy Captain Horatio Nelson (basically the Caribbean royal couple of 18th-century ). While each hotel room is well-worth the stay, for a pair like Harry and Meghan the Tamarind Villa is pure perfection. Its private location, glass doors that open onto two covered porches, sun deck with chaise lounges, and a soothing plunge pool make it the ideal spot for honeymooners hoping for a little alone time and perhaps even a midnight dip under the Caribbean stars. montpeliernevis.com
Paradise Beach Resort
If Harry and Meghan are looking for a full-service hotel, then Paradise Beach Resort is it. The resort, which offers two, three and four bedroom villas, takes hospitality to a whole new level. While staying at Paradise Beach, guests have almost unfettered access to the resort’s concierge, chef, room service, beach bar and wellness services.
If the pair want a quiet night in, all they need to do is ring the chef who will source local produce and seafood and prepare a gourmet Caribbean dish right in their villa. The hotel’s chefs also provide en-suite tutorials so Harry and Meghan can take the unique flavors of the island home with them. And clearly, these two love to cook, so this may be an activity right up their alley. paradisebeachnevis.com
Nisbet Plantation Beach Club
A picture-perfect honeymoon needs two things: relaxation and privacy. Luckily for Harry, Meghan, or any other would-be Nevis travelers, the Nisbet Plantation Beach Club has both.
The hotel, which is the Caribbean's only historic plantation inn set on the beach, sits on more than 30 gorgeous acres of Nevis landscape that the couple can enjoy from the hotel’s many hammocks dotting the property. There, the royal couple could find themselves in near solitude, as the hotel only contains 36 accommodations and all but unlimited access to crystal-blue waters.
Moreover, the couple wouldn’t have to leave the paradise property for food, as the hotel also offers island-fresh cuisine at three different on-premise restaurants. nisbetplantation.com
Where to Eat
Bananas
Bananas restaurant may be the most charming destination in all of Nevis thanks to its Caribbean-cool shingled walls and wooden shutters. The space may be less regal than Kensington Palace, but its allure comes straight from its shabby chic decor including iron daybeds, chandeliers, and antique kilims. As for the menu, Bananas offers international comfort food with a “good dash of Caribbean thrown in.” Menu items include panko-crusted mahi-mahi, creamy conch gratin, and locally-sourced coconut cake. bananasnevis.com
Coconut Grove
If the newly-minted royal couple is by chance looking to live it up during their time on Nevis then dinner and dancing at Coconut Grove most certainly belongs on their itinerary.
Located right on the beach, Coconut Grove offers up a fusion of French and Caribbean cuisine prepared by Chef Stephen Smith, a Culinary Institute of America graduate and registered dietitian. Beyond the food, the restaurant also offers a wildly impressive wine cellar thanks to owner Gary Colt, master sommelier, who has stocked the cellar with a balance of American, European, and South American bottles bound to impress wine enthusiasts like Harry and Meghan. coconutgroverestaurantnevis.com
The Gin Trap
For a true taste of local flare Harry and Meghan should stop in for a bite to eat and a drink at The Gin Trap.
The bar and restaurant, located just feet from the beach, is both a casual and elegant spot to pop in for locally farmed produce and fresh fish from Nevisian waters (along with the finest cuts of meat from the world over).
Though, of course, the true star of the show is the cocktail menu, all expertly curated by The Gin Trap’s bartenders. Like the food, the drinks too are made from fresh fruits of the island.
Moreover, the bar has 101 varieties of gins to choose from. thegintrapnevis.com
Where to Play
Spend a Night With the Nevis Turtle Group
Harry’s long love affair with sea turtles and Meghan’s admiration for all things charitable means they're more than suited for a volunteer role with the Nevis Turtle Group.
The Nevis Turtle Group, dedicated to the development of a Sea Turtle Conservation Program for Nevis, brings along visitors and volunteers to help monitor the nesting beaches on Nevis, tag the creatures, and collect information about the nesting and movement of the local turtle population. nevisturtlegroup.org
Hike to Nevis Peak
For those looking for an intense workout, the Nevis Peak hike is the ultimate activity to conquer while on vacation.
Though the volcano hiding at the top of Nevis Peak sits just 3,232 feet high, the hike itself is nearly vertical in some spots, making it an adventure fit for only the most athletic among us. Luckily for Harry and Meghan, who first revealed they were a couple at the highly athletic event known as the Invictus Games, this hike should be a piece of cake. roughguides.com
Lounge on One of Nevis’ Beaches
While there are miles of coastline to choose, from perhaps the best option for newlyweds vacationing in Nevis may be Lovers Beach. Not only does it have a highly appropriate name for two people in love, but its extreme privacy makes it ideal for spending time swimming, sunning, picnicking or doing absolutely nothing next to your newly betrothed. nevisisland.com
