"How did it strike you on arrival? When you pull up to the hotel, you'll stop right in front of a long, open-air entry way that leads right to the beach. It's a straight shot of electric blue sea and sky. As far as first impressions go, it's pretty spectacular. Before you even check in, you'll feel instantly relaxed and in pure vacation mode. The good stuff: Tell us about your room. I stayed in room 622, a Nevis Peak Suite named for the fantastic view you'll have of the volcano on Nevis, the island directly facing St. Kitts. Room 622 is on the top floor with its own private patio and infinity pool (there are two pools on the property; one of them is adults-only). The room was lovely and comfortable. And everything was exactly where you wanted it to be. It wasn't filled with furniture (sometimes the bigger the room, the more cluttered it becomes) and it didn't scream "You're in the Caribbean!" with florals and bright, poppy colors everywhere you turn. There was a small marble table with fresh fruit and an always full/always cold bottle of Acqua Panna Natural Spring Water set on it. The wall across from my enormous bed had floor-to-ceiling windows with a perfect shot of Nevis Peak. The bathroom was pretty big with a separate soaking tub and there were plenty of hooks for your towels and robe and in all the right places. That was one of the best parts of this suite: it felt like someone actually put some thought into where light switches and towel hooks should be (and there was a little footstool in the shower so you could shave your legs and not tip over). Between the living room and bedroom was a sliding barn door, maximizing the space. Again, really thoughtful. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase? Wi-Fi was strong and free, though if you're on it too much you're kind of missing the whole point of being here. You're starving. There's a knock at the door. OMG, it's room service! What's on offer there or elsewhere in the hotel? Room service is sort of the play for breakfast, I think, especially if you have a room with a private terrace (there are two buffet options at the Great House, but those will run you $35 or $45 per person, which adds up after a few days). The menu was pretty standard (French toast, variety of eggs and baked goods, etc.) but having a fresh green juice in my pajamas on my patio was a pretty good way to start the day. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you. I favor beaches (always) over pools and the temperature of the water was so warm and perfect (in November) -- it was like being in the womb. The property also had a super cool kids club (it even has a climbing wall!). The spa is a Miraval spa so it's obviously great. The yoga and meditation room is inside a former sugar mill. It's definitely worth checking out even if you're not contemplating contemplating. Bottom line: worth it, and why? Attractive to a variety of vacationing travelers, set on quiet Banana Bay overlooking the twin sister island of Nevis, this Park Hyatt feels like every detail that went in to building it was thoughtfully cared about." - Lauren DeCarlo
