Welcome to the fine world of Relais & Chateaux. Anyone who has ever stepped into the rooms of a hotel or a restaurant gathered in the prominent collection of Relais & Chateaux properties, knows that there is a certain standard and style that awaits behind this significant sign proudly positioned on the wall. Relais & Chateaux is not a chain, it is rather a fellowship made of independent properties, sharing the same vision and values for hospitality, quality, lifestyle, art de vivre, and cuisine. 500 luxury hotels and gourmet restaurants has carefully been chosen to be included in this group of extraordinary places scattered all over the world, currently in 60 countries. Both prospective and current members are evaluated by the group's traditional five C motto: Caractère, Courtoisie, Calme, Charme et Cuisine and you can be sure to find a great dose of them all on each and every one of these luxurious facilities. The group has an impressive 300 michelin stars among its members and naturally their wide collection of first class properties has become a renowned reference of excellence in the hotel and restaurant world. Gourmet restaurant Per Se New York, is an excellent example of the standards of this group as well as the many beautiful castles, townhouses and other historical properties in Europe and particularly in France - that's where it all started fifty years ago.
Montpelier plantation that we spent a couple of days at is one of seven Relais & Chateaux properties in the Caribbean. Nestled in lush hills on the secluded island of Nevis and built inside and around a 17th century sugar plantation. Many historical features have been restored giving the property a unique sense of timelessness, charm and elegance. The great fig tree is the first thing that greets you when you enter the grounds of this hotel. Impressive and characteristic just like the inn itself. This plantation is also the place where Admiral Lord Nelson married his wife Fanny Nisbet in 1787.
Everywhere around the property you will find beautiful details and ornaments from the past.
The garden is lush, light and refreshing and everywhere you will encounter the sound of birds singing from the trees.
A very well maintained tennis court area with a beautiful setting surrounded by colorful bloom.
We loved strolling around exploring the gardens. Colorful flowers and an abundance of lush green plants and trees.
What instantly struck me on the first few hours of our stay was that certain kind of energy that urged you to slow down, disconnect from the outside, breath in the surroundings and enjoy the quietness. Not many places has that natural power to automatically slow your body and mind.
We spent lots of time enjoying the tranquility by the pool.
The elegant interior was a fresh melange of new and old, classic and modern.
Colorful flowers all around.
A cup of tea while reading one of the many books from the library.
We got so well looked after by the genuine and hospitable staff. Here's bartender Kaddy, and food and beverage manager Nico.
Details by the pool bar.
Modern design and loads of light and airy spaces in rooms and suites.
Very simple, elegant design throughout.
Beautiful details in the bathrooms.
Relaxing by the private pool.
Sea view from every room and suite.
We loved the afternoon tea by the pool bar with freshly baked scones, cakes and homemade marmalade.
Got served the most amazing apple martini in the evenings before dinner.
Read through the yearly book printed by Relais & Chateaux.
More lounging by the pool.
We enjoyed a healthy breakfast on the terrace.
With an amazing homemade bagel with Norwegian salmon and creme cheese.
We rode the bikes down to the hotels beach for a better view of St Kitts in the background.
Drinks in the bar by night.
And lots of fine wines on the menu.
Drank quite some champagne on the night of our anniversary.
And got served the most fantastic gourmet dinner inside of the old sugarmill, just the two of us, in very romantic settings. The seven course meal was too delicious to be mentioned in only a few words so I will write a post separately in honor of it.
We had the greatest stay and we will recommend this place to everyone we know who are looking for a tranquil and classy holiday in the Caribbean. Perfectly suitable for couples or anyone who'd like to enjoy a few days of utter relaxation in beautiful surroundings. Thank you owners Timothy and Muffin Hoffman for being so welcoming and making sure that we had the best anniversary ever. Unforgettable!
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