Montpelier Plantation & Beach: Boutique Caribbean Luxury in Nevis

Sugar mill

Montpelier history

Montpelier Plantation & Beach is a boutique hideaway nestled 750 feet above sea level amid lush tropical gardens on the serene island of Nevis. Dating back to 1687, the property carries centuries of Caribbean history, having once operated as a working sugar plantation that played a significant role in the island’s early agricultural economy. Many original structures still stand today—including the 300-year-old stone sugar mill, now a magical setting for private dining.

The Great House preserves the heritage of the estate, blending British colonial character with a warm, lived-in elegance that reflects both its storied past and its modern identity.

Great House

Design & aesthetic

The resort’s aesthetic is charming, eclectic, and deeply personal. Décor throughout the property blends antiques and family heirlooms with bright Caribbean artwork, hand-crafted furnishings, and breezy, minimalist touches that keep the spaces relaxed and unpretentious.

The design feels more like a beloved family home than a traditional hotel—an intentional choice shaped by the longtime owner, Muffin Hoffman, who infused the estate with her own spirit, playful details, and hospitality philosophy. Her influence can be felt everywhere: in the layered textiles, the curated art, the welcoming Great House, and the gardens she lovingly tended. The result is a property with personality—a place where history meets whimsy and comfort.

Accommodation

The resort’s 18 charming rooms, including a two-bedroom villa, are tucked into quaint cottages across the hillside. Soft palettes, natural materials, high ceilings, and large windows let the Caribbean light and breeze flow through each space. Rooms look out toward lush gardens, the surrounding hills, or the distant ocean, and the Plantation Room offers the most expansive views.

Plantation Room

Wandering the grounds, guests are surrounded by tropical flowers, old stone walls, and meandering paths that create a serene, almost secret-garden atmosphere.

Experiences & amenities

Guests can immerse themselves in the rhythm of Montpelier’s lifestyle: relaxing by the pool with music drifting from Kaddy Shack, savoring a leisurely breakfast from a curated menu, playing tennis in the afternoon, or enjoying the beloved afternoon tea from 3–5 pm—a nod to the property’s British heritage.

Afternoon tea

Dining is a highlight, with Indigo offering inventive dishes by the pool, dining on the Terrace, or the Sugar Mill serving as one of the island’s most atmospheric dinner settings. Sundays are made for terrace brunch, a favorite among guests.

Indigo

Although Montpelier is nestled in the hills, beach time is always accessible. A short ride brings guests to the hotel’s private beach area, where loungers await and nearby restaurants offer casual seaside dining. The outdoor spa, with its three open walls, allows guests to experience treatments immersed in the sounds and scents of nature.

Terrace

Exploring Nevis

Beyond the property, there’s plenty to explore: hiking Nevis Peak, Botanical Gardens of Nevis, hot springs, horseback riding, bike riding, visiting historic relics around Charlestown, exploring botanical gardens, or restaurant-hopping between the island’s charming plantation inns. The team at Montpelier is always happy to arrange adventures that pair well with peaceful afternoons back at the estate.

Modern history adds another layer of allure. In 1993, Princess Diana stayed at Montpelier during her separation from Prince Charles, cementing the estate’s place in contemporary cultural memory.

In sum

Montpelier Plantation & Beach remains a deeply soulful retreat—shaped by its centuries-old roots, enriched by Muffin Hoffman’s creative legacy, and elevated by its blend of nature, history, and genuine Nevisian warmth. It’s an ideal escape for couples, solo travelers, and anyone seeking a relaxed, meaningful stay on one of the Caribbean’s most charming islands.

Dining inside the Sugar Mill at Mille Privee

• Beach access is limited: Guests must take a shuttle bus to the private beach, and reservations are required in advance. While there is a bar, there is no food service directly on the beach through the hotel, but there are options a short walk away!

• Historic charm with unique quirks: Some spaces, like the 300-year-old sugar mill, have original architecture and features, which may be uneven or rustic, giving a sense of history but differing from modern luxury hotel layouts.

• Inclusive, curated experiences: Many offerings, like afternoon tea, garden tours, and cultural experiences, are scheduled or guided, meaning guests need to check availability and timing to fully enjoy all that Montpelier offers.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Saint Kitts and Nevis page.