Behold a gardener’s paradise at Golden Rock Inn, Nevis

Hotels are rarely famed for their gardens, but the Golden Rock Inn, on the exotic island of Nevis in the Caribbean, has some of the most stunning grounds imaginable. Exotic flora and fauna grow all around the 40-acre grounds that are fertile with rare species of flowers and plants found nowhere else on the island. This landscape is magical and a place you can really let your imagination run wild.

Lovers can wander through the paradisiacal gardens of Golden Rock Inn’s grounds, gaze out over the top of the dormant volcano and be transported back to the land that time forgot. Couples can spend infinite intimate moments in this top romance destination. Dominated by the 3,232ft Nevis Peak, the island is a paradise for lovers. The hotel is perfectly located for guests to explore the best of Nevis’ natural attractions from waterfalls and hot springs to Nevis Peak. Walk hand with your beloved or ride horseback together on the pure white beaches with the roar of the wild Atlantic Ocean in your ears.

The gardens are astounding and are undoubtedly a muse for the owners of the four-star boutique hotel Helen and Brice Marden who happen to be artists. One of the reasons for the owners choosing this island was these gardens which only are they inspiring to paint, but the green-fingered artists Helen and Brice personally rolled their sleeves up to help Miami-based designer Raymond Jungles cultivate it. Helen tended to the plant selection and Brice placed lava boulders that were unearthed during excavation throughout the property.

The hotel itself is very bohemian inside. It features 11 rooms, making it the perfect romantic bolthole for you and your partner. Of all the accommodation, the Sugar Mill is the most unique property on the island, its tower rising majestically out of the lush foliage. The cut-stone mill dates back to the 19th century and is suitable for a couple with two children, or three adults with two bedrooms, one double and one with two single beds as well as living space. There is a courtyard and garden which overlooks the mountain and the ocean. Sprawling across 630sqft it has two floors one room with one king-size bed and another with two twin beds making it perfect for families. There’s also a sitting area and a terrace where you can enjoy the views of Windward Beach whilst enjoying a Caribbean rum on ice. Design accents include bright red shutters which strike harmoniously against the antique stone walls.

Paradise Cottage is set back in nature amidst massive fig trees and has wonderful sea views. With a king-size bed and bath, Paradise is perfect for two. There are also eight private terrace Hillside rooms: Coco Walk cottage (free-standing), Winward cottage, and three duplex cottages: Scarborough, Mt Pleasant, and Morningstar.

Tours of the gardens 

During your stay, you will be given a personal tour of the gardens by the head gardener. He will show you some of the hundreds of species of plants that were lovingly planted by the owners. Now Golden Rock is home to more than 60 species of palms, including the rare Talipot Palm (Corypha umbracullifera), Yaray Palm (Copernicia fallaensis) and Guano Palm (Coccothrinax borhidiana). You can also find the Pagoda flower (Clerodendrum paniculatum, native to tropical Asia). You’ll also find an impressive collection of cycads, seed plants bearing a resemblance to palms and ferns that date back approximately 280 million years.

A striking feature that struts out of the jungle foliage is a pavilion designed by Edward Tuttle. This is a striking center piece at the helm of an over sized freshwater swimming pool and alfresco dining area. As they feast on delicious clam chowder and lobster sandwiches from the award-winning Rocks restaurant they can enjoy the calm reflection of the spring-fed pools, surrounded by the flora and fauna and the sounds of nature. Up in the trees, you’ll hear the chatter of verdant monkeys and spot hummingbirds flitting between the branches. You might also happen to chance upon a local donkey on your walk. Golden Rock Inn is a place to relax and enjoy the natural health benefits associated with immersion in nature, and the chance to reset, are prime reasons guests choose this property.

Stroll the meandering paths and get lost under a canopy of foliage as you overlook the islands of Montserrat, Redondo, and Antigua and turn your head towards the inactive volcano of Mount Nevis. This is a wonderful place to behold the sunset over its peak which casts a brilliant glow over it and gives the hotel its name.  You’ll spot green vervet monkeys swinging in the trees and hummingbirds flitting between the branches. There are many avian species like the Purple Throated Carib, the Bananaquit, Bullfinch, Kestrel, Zenaida Dove, as well as numerous small amphibians and reptiles. There are so many sights and sounds to enjoy at Golden Rock, from the earthy musk that hangs in the air after passing rain, to the rustling of palm fronds. Birds chirrup in the trees and tree frogs (Antilles coqui) begin a chorus that reaches a crescendo by night’s fall. With a glass of Golden Rock’s renowned Rum Punch and you will feel completely relaxed as you surrender your senses to nature which is abundant in these gardens and on the wider island.

Eat in the lush landscape of Golden Rock at The Rocks

Foodies will be awed by the incredible dining options curated by James Eaton at The Rocks. It is well known that food is the language of love, and you can enjoy a romantic meal together under the stars or lunch beneath a jungle canopy as verdant monkeys skittle around you and birds sing above you. The Rocks, which is mentioned in the Michelin Guide, is one of Nevis’ best-kept secrets, visited by celebrities and locals alike. The head chef James Eaton worked at the Four Seasons before joining Golden Rock Inn and his menu already offers a range of exciting gourmet choices to suit all guests' paletes. Every year, Trip advisor celebrates restaurants that consistently deliver amazing experiences with a Travelers' Choice Award. This year it has been named in the top 10 per cent of restaurants worldwide. Dine al fresco and enjoy the wonderful gardens in all their glory. 

Wellness

The hotel can arrange poolside yoga for the ultimate in-resort wellness as well as excursions to explore the natural beauty of the island. Enjoy activities such as horse-riding on the beach or a thrilling journey off-road in a Funky Monkey all-terrain vehicle (ATV). Take a hike through the rainforest to reach the summit of Nevis peak and then when you are ready to unwind return to the 11-bedroom boutique hotel for some R and R. Whether you choose the honeymoon suite in the sugar mill or a paradise cottage you will be surrounded by nature. What are you waiting for? Make sure you book an exotic break here and enjoy the beautiful tropical gardens.

If you are interested in finding out more about Golden Rock visit https://www.goldenrocknevis.com/.

The Golden Rock Inn is offering seven nights for the price of five.

Rates start from $260USD in a garden room based on two people sharing.

For more information and to book, please visit https://www.goldenrocknevis.com/

Package prices, including flights and transfers are available upon request.

Liv& Travel is offering 7 nights at Golden Rock Inn from £2025 per person with breakfast, including British Airways flights to St Kitts departing London Gatwick on 17 May 2023 and private airport transfers including your very own private water-taxi. This offer is based on 2 Adults sharing a Deluxe Hillside Room and is available on a deposit basis of £75pp. Email info@livand.travel to book.