Do you know what the smallest country in the Western hemisphere is? It is St Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean Sea. Even though the country is small, it is extremely beautiful and vacationing there is very comfortable.
The country consists of two islands, as its name suggests. The larger island of St Kitts resembles a chicken leg in shape. The capital city of Basseterre, the airport, and the center of things in the country are located in the narrow part of the ‘leg’. In the wide part of it, you will find mostly small villages sitting at the shore and impenetrable jungle forests growing in the inland areas. The island of Nevis is tiny but the beaches are simply fantastic there.
Both islands are children of volcanoes and there is a dead volcano peak on each of them. The country is officially called the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis. Some historians claim that Christopher Columbus who discovered the islands was vain enough to name the larger one after himself. We don’t believe it’s true and when the country became a British colony, the name of the island was shortened to St Kitts anyway.
The name of the second island means ‘snow’ in Spanish because Columbus took the cloud sitting at the top of the mountain for a snowcap. According to the residents of St Kitts who can see Nevis every day, the cloud never leaves the mountain top. Is that true? Below we will tell you how you can find out if it is. In any case, you should not ignore visiting Nevis after taking a tour around St Kitts. Among other things, you could register an LLC in Nevis while you are there. This is what many foreigners (especially Americans) do because a Nevis-based LLC is a wonderful asset protection instrument.
Tour around St Kitts
When you arrive in Basseterre (by ship or by plane), you will be surprised at the level of friendliness that locals demonstrate. Residents of some other Caribbean countries are not as friendly to foreign tourists as residents of St Kitts and Nevis are. They will gladly show you the way to the nearest ATM where you can exchange euros, francs or pounds into East Caribbean dollars. Please note that if you are bringing US dollars, you don’t need to exchange them. Wherever you go, they will accept US dollars in St Kitts and Nevis.
You will be surprised to see how clean the streets in the country are. St Kitts and Nevis is not a poor Caribbean country and neither is it a cheap one. You can find quite a few top-quality hotels there sitting at the beaches, as is normally the case in the Caribbean.
After you check in at the hotel, you should take a tour of St Kitts. We recommend that you opt for a guided tour because the tour guide is going to tell you many interesting facts about the history of the country. On the other hand, the transportation network is well-developed in St Kitts and Nevis and you can travel around the place on your own if you want to save some money.
You will find some amazing samples of colonial architecture in Basseterre. The city is not big at all and it does not take much time to explore the whole of it. You are going to have a cozy feeling inside when you walk along the streets of Basseterre.
You can also explore the western part of St Kitts and drive along the Caribbean shore. This is where you will find thick jungles and tiny villages with nice little houses. Along the way, you will see the ruins of old planters’ houses and sugar factories. You will also find that wildlife is plentiful and diverse in St Kitts and Nevis.
As you roam through the mountains, you will find a number of observation platforms that give fantastic views of the neighborhoods. Please rest assured that you will find a souvenir shop at each place that gives a good view. The tourist industry is important for the economy of St Kitts and Nevis. At the same time, nobody is going to force you to buy a souvenir: the shop owners are rather discreet there.
Standing at the top of a mountain you will be able to compare the nature of the Caribbean Sea in the west and the Atlantic Ocean in the east. The Sea is calm and blue while the Ocean is rough and dark.
From an observation ground, you can also spot a beach that appeals to you. The beaches are well equipped in St Kitts and Nevis but the entrance is free. Moreover, you will find free Wi-Fi at many beaches.
The water is warm on the Caribbean side but it is refreshing anyway. At some beaches, you will find white sand, while in some other places you will find black volcanic sand. The sea bottom is sandy, which makes it comfortable to enter the water. Treat yourself to a Pina Colada at a beach bar: it’s going to taste amazing.
Apply for citizenship of St Kitts and Nevis
We are certain that you will feel so great in St Kitts and Nevis that you will want to stay there forever or at least spend your ‘golden years’ in the country. Did you know you could do so? You can legalize your infinite stay in St Kitts and Nevis if you are prepared to pay for it. The country has been administering a citizenship-by-investment program for nearly 40 years now. In plain words, it has been selling its citizenship to foreigners.
The country’s administration has raised the required investment amount recently. As things stand today, you have to make a donation of US$ 250,000 to qualify for citizenship of St Kitts and Nevis. ‘Making a donation’ literally means ‘buying’ citizenship of the country.
Alternatively, you can make a true investment in real property in St Kitts and Nevis, which will also make you eligible for citizenship of the country. By ‘true investment’, we mean that it is returnable: after 5 years, you can sell the property back and keep your passport of St Kitts and Nevis. You have two investment options to choose from. First, you can buy a share of property ownership for US$ 400,000. Second, you can become the sole owner of a house in St Kitts and Nevis if you invest at least US$ 800,000.
The cover of a St Kitts and Nevis passport carries a world map where the location of the country is highlighted. It is a good idea because the country is small and finding it on the map may appear a difficult task. But it’s so beautiful and peaceful!
You don’t have to trust us, however. Instead, pack your suitcase and go to St Kitts and Nevis. You have to see its beauty with your own eyes!
