| This Relais & Châteaux retreat is all about plantation-style living at its very best. But forget about colonial flounce and think more along the lines of chic minimalism, this former 18th century sugar plantation having undergone a major transformation since the Hoffman family took over in 2002. Yet past guests have little need to mourn the passing of an old friend, the hotel’s historic charm and country-house ambience still very much in tact.
The estate is located 750-feet above the Caribbean Sea at the foothills of cloud-topped Mount Nevis, the original stone Great House at its heart flanked by eight West Indian-style cottages. These house the 17 terraced guest rooms, each one slightly different from the other, but all defined by their clean simple lines and cool Caribbean colours. Features include four-poster or canopy beds, woven bamboo wall mats, soft chenille throws and accessories with a distinctly Asian feel. There are no televisions as 24-hour CNN would only spoil the mood.
Indeed, there’s a distinctly refined house-party ambience at Montpelier. Guests gather each evening for cocktails, canapés and a little gentle conversation before wandering out onto the terrace for their elegant candlelit dinner. Fresh local produce features heavily on the menu, the fish, seafood and meat dishes creatively seasoned with island spices and enhanced by home-made sorbets and ice creams. For a more intimate dining experience The Mill awaits, this 18th century sugar mill having been converted into a 12-seater restaurant tailor-made for special occasions.
Daytimes here are often split between sunbathing around the swimming pool or taking the 20-minute shuttle down to a private stretch of Pinney’s Beach where sun shelters, water sports and barbecue lunches await. Of course, mountain climbing, rainforest treks and eco-rambles await for those over-indulged guests who sense a little activity would do them good.
ACCOMMODATION: 14 PREMIER ROOMS,
2 PLANTATION ROOMS & 1 JUNIOR SUITE.
CHILDREN: WELCOME OVER 8 YEARS OF AGE.
7 NIGHTS: FROM £1,825 P.P. IN THE HIGH-SEASON (£150 P.P.P.N.) & £1,360 P.P. IN THE LOW-SEASON (£90 P.P.P.N.).
MEAL PLAN: BREAKFAST INCLUDED. |
