Last night I attended a reception with Deputy Premier the Hon Mark Brantley from Nevis, West Indies. I was impressed with him and what he had to say about his Island. He has charisma to the tenth power!  Check him out on Facebook Here!

An Oxford University trained attorney, he is the Minster of Tourism and the Minster of Health. He had me hooked the moment he walked into the reception all dapper and wearing Prada glasses no less. You know I love a well dressed man. LOL Most importantly, he was charismatic, warm, approachable, funny, and had lots to say.  He had our full attention the moment he stepped up to the podium.

When I was invited to this reception last week, I will admit that I had only heard about Nevis in passing. I took to the internet and of course the first thing I wanted to know was what this country is doing about HIV/AIDS. I was impressed.

Not only does it’s leadership understand that HIV/AIDS is a health crisis that must be addressed, with all the right elements, testing, early treatment and prevention, they have also worked toward eliminating stigma around this disease. We all know that stigma is the barrier to early diagnoses, treatment and care. When a country decides that it will make every effort to create an environment where people can live whole and healthy with HIV they have won me over.

This was an event courting bloggers and the media to help them spread the word on this wonderful vacation destination. This is what I learned in a nut shell, Nevis is divine!! The pictures that I have seen makes me think that it’s a little bit of heaven on earth.

Nevis is a destination get away for the person that wants to kick back, relax and rejuvenate. 

They have one flag ship hotel, the Four Seasons. I guess if you only have one hotel, it might as well be the best. Many of the plantations in Nevis have been turned into smaller hotels with fine dinning. Most of the plantations are in the mountains but there is one on the waterfront. Now that sounds extra divine for a person who appreciates history. 

This is not the place for power shopping top designer names but for all things art. As an art collector I wanted to jump for joy when Deputy Premier Brantley explained that Nevis is home to many famous artist. I imagined myself bringing an extra suitcase just for art, that’s exactly what I did when I visited Cape Town, South Africa a few years ago.

Nor is it the place for “typical” tourism. Nevis is a beautiful laid back Island where a person can come relax and enjoy the beauty. Now don’t get me wrong, there is something to do other than lay on the beach and water sports. They also have beautiful mountains where you can take a hike through wonderland. Here’s a list of 101 things to do in Nevis HERE!

I had a lot of conversation with Greg Phillips who is the Chief Executive Officer for the Nevis Tourism Authority. The history lover that I am had to ask about colonization.

Nevis was colonized  by Great Britain and is highly influence by British culture. It is the birth place of  Alexander Hamilton one of our founding fathers. I was intrigued by the slave history of Nevis.


 In 1824, James Cottle a sugar cane plantation owner built the first church for slaves to worship where he worshiped along side his slaves. This Anglican church was never consecrated because it was against the law for slaves to worship. However, James Cottle has been credited as being a big influence on the abolishment of slavery in the British Empire.  In 1834 slavery was abolished in the British empire and the over 8,000 slaves, working mostly small sugar cane plantations were freed. Wouldn’t it be great to tour some of this wonderful history?

 

For sure Nevis is a beautiful place with a rich history. If you are planning a vacation check them out!  Aren’t you tired of the same old Island trips?  Nevis also seems like a wonderful place to have a designation weeding, it’s certainly beautiful. I really want to go! 


You all know that I’ve been on a tight budget these last few years with this freaking bad economy, but for sure I’m going to work toward a planned trip to Nevis for myself.  


With this non-stop life, 15  pills a day, blogging, tweeting, speaking, designing bracelets and building my brand, Nevis sounds like the place for me to go and replenish. They can count me in! Now I just have to count up my dollars.

Greg Philip and Hon Mark Brantley