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We spent seven enchanting nights at Montpelier Plantation and Beach in Nevis this July, and it’s safe to say it’s become one of our favourite tropical escapes ever. From the lush, meticulously maintained gardens to the serene atmosphere and welcoming service, everything about our stay struck the perfect balance between relaxed island charm and understated luxury.||We arrived at the property with a friendly welcome and cold towels from Mandy. She quickly completed the necessary paperwork, cheerfully told us we had been given a complimentary upgrade from the Premier room I had booked, and gave us a tour of the property. We paused at the bar to be served our delicious (and potent!) welcome glasses of rum punch, and continued on through the thick, verdant gardens toward our room.||We were assigned “Plantation” Room #16, which offered beautiful views over the grounds and down toward the Caribbean Sea in the distance. There was a lovely floral arrangement with handwritten card to greet us—a nice touch. The room had good storage space and plenty of natural light thanks to windows on two sides. However, we did feel the room could use a few updates. The air conditioning struggled to properly cool the space, largely due to older jalousie windows with some glass slats that no longer closed completely. The bed pillows lacked substance, and the bedding included only a top sheet and optional cotton blanket—something slightly cozier would have been appreciated. The bathroom, in particular, was in need of renovation: the caulking, taps, and worn countertop didn’t quite align with the property’s 4-star rating. That said, we were told that five rooms will be redecorated during the upcoming seasonal closure, with plans to continue upgrades next year, which is encouraging.||Despite those minor room shortcomings, the grounds, food, and hospitality were truly exceptional. Montpelier’s tropical setting is nothing short of idyllic, and the atmosphere is wonderfully quiet and restorative. We spent our days lounging by the peaceful pool, walking to the nearby Botanical Gardens, and taking advantage of the included shuttle to the hotel’s private beach, a pristine and uncrowded spot perfect for swimming and snorkelling. We were amazed by the marine life we saw—starfish, parrot fish, crabs, and even an octopus made appearances during our swims. For those looking to stay active, the hotel provides tennis equipment, and we enjoyed a few relaxed (albeit hot!!) matches on the well-maintained court. They provide racquets and balls, if needed.||The culinary experience at Montpelier is truly top-notch. Each morning began with a delightful à la carte breakfast offering ten diverse options, along with a fresh fruit bowl, juice, and any type of coffee or tea beverage. A charming complimentary afternoon tea is served daily from 3 to 5 p.m., featuring a different flavour of scone (all outstanding) or cake. ||We dined several times at Indigo and The Terrace, and every meal impressed. Themed dinners were particularly memorable: Burger Night, Tapas Night, and a Restaurant Week menu that featured tamarind as the star ingredient were all thoughtfully executed. The regular menus were just as strong, with high-quality ingredients and beautifully presented dishes. Cocktails were equally excellent, and service throughout was consistently warm, knowledgeable, and attentive.||One highlight was a dinner at Passion, a local restaurant just a 10-minute walk from the hotel, where we sampled delicious Nevisian cuisine in a relaxed setting—highly recommended for anyone looking to explore the local dining scene.||Montpelier made arrival incredibly smooth by arranging our airport transfer. Upon landing in St. Kitts, we were greeted by a lovely guide who gave us information about both islands as we were driven to the private boat dock. There, two smartly uniformed boat pilots whisked us across to Nevis in a sleek, modern boat in just six minutes. The return journey, however, was considerably less polished: a shared van took us from the hotel to the public water taxi dock, followed by a cramped boat ride back to a very busy pier in St. Kitts, and finally a drive in a poorly maintained SUV with weak air conditioning to the airport. We expressed our disappointment to the hotel, and to their credit, they took the feedback seriously and assured us they would look into improving the return experience for future guests.||Housekeeping was excellent throughout our stay, with our room thoroughly cleaned each morning and turndown service provided every night while we were at dinner. One small disappointment was the absence of a treat at turndown; a couple of cookies or local candies would be a thoughtful (and typical) touch at this level of property.||As it was the low season, we were able to take advantage of their very competitive “Live Like a Local” promotional rate, which seemed like a bargain for this pricey island. And in terms of pricing, do be aware that all bills are presented in U.S. dollars, and 24% in taxes and gratuities is automatically added to each cheque, so costs can add up quickly. Still, for the level of service, cuisine, and ambiance offered, we felt it was well worth the splurge.||In summary, while there are a few areas for improvement, Montpelier Plantation and Beach delivers a truly special experience for discerning adults. The magical setting, warm hospitality, and outstanding culinary offerings far outweigh the minor room concerns. We left incredibly relaxed and already dreaming about returning. We sincerely hope to make Montpelier a regular destination in our future travels.