The twin-island nation of St Kitts and Nevis, situated in the
Leeward Islands in the eastern Caribbean, is shaped rather like a
tennis racquet and ball - the larger St Kitts is separated from its
ball-shaped southern counterpart, Nevis, by a two-mile (3km)
channel called The Narrows.
At first glance, the small, sleepy islands appear to be
forgotten in time, a pair of quiet, lush and natural islands that
convey nothing of their former prosperity and turbulent history.
From their wealthy position as the most illustrious sugar colony in
the Caribbean in the early 18th century they became the centre of
conflict as European powers fought for control of the islands, and
the surrounding waters were an irresistible attraction for pirates
who lay in wait for the riches transported on the merchant ships.
Today the population consists mainly of descendants from the slaves
who were shipped from Africa to work the sugar plantations, and
vestiges of splendid estates from their heyday as a playground for
the elite are all that remain as a reminder of the infamously
profligate way of life of the rich and famous of days gone by.
These islands have become the tourist pearls of the Caribbean,
valued today more as a tropical paradise than a major sugar
producer, with clear and inviting waters, sandy beaches and a
natural splendour to stun even the most avid city slicker. Together
with a diverse range of activities, historical sites, and the charm
of their two capital harbour towns, the volcanic islands are a
seductive blend of colour, sunshine and luxurious relaxation.
