Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine July 2017 | Page 438

Michelle shares her warm memories of
. . .
“
Nevis
Little wonder perhaps that the island of Nevis,
where there is such abundance of vibrant tones,
has become my home. I first arrived there 18
years ago with my wonderful friend and fellow
artist, Claire Harrigan, to have a joint exhibition
with Rosey Cameron Gallery, on St Kitts. I thought
I would be looking for landscapes, but I found
inspiration on my doorstep, in the people, the
flora, even the roosters scrubbing around in my
backyard. And ah… I found love!
Claire & I lived in a house in
Gingerland in 1998. It was basic
accommodation, yet I was
able to tick all the boxes
including the soft wind
breeze through the
house’s open windows
keeping us cool in the
hot climate. That is the
one thing I like about
Nevis - the constant
soft breeze makes
the heat of the
sun bearable.
Claire and I
were there for
three months
which was
enough time for
us to produce a
small collection of
artwork for the joint
exhibition. During that
time, I fell in love with
my husband- to-be, Junie
and soon returned to the
island to love and paint
again. We got married
and have a daughter, Sergienna, now 15 years old!
We divide our time between the UK, Canada and
Nevis.
We have a house in Gingerland, Nevis, with a
gorgeous mango tree at the back, and some very
large cactuses that decorate our front garden.
When you come off the plane in St Kitts, you can
take the car ferry or passenger ferry, either one is
fun. The boat ride takes about 1hour. The view of
Nevis while approaching the island is mesmerizing.
Lots of different sized houses are dotted around
the volcanic hills. Some are lavishly huge and
expensive, others small and humble. You often see
flying fish and watch the pelicans dive. If you’re
lucky you might see something bigger in the water.
If you’re on the passenger ferry, you’ll arrive at
Charlestown Dock, to music and lots of banter.
It feels welcoming! To date, Charlestown has not
been modernized, which to my mind is refreshing
to see - no bling tourist shops.
There is one road around the island and it takes
about 45 minutes to drive around.
There are half dozen small hotels, and the Four
Season Resort. The Hermitage is my favourite.
It’s decadent, quiet and friendly with gorgeous
food. Whenever we visit Nevis, I always make
the time to have breakfast there and every
Wednesday, they have pig roast buffet. It is not
the pig roast that keeps me returning, it is the
fantastic range of Caribbean vegetable dishes on
offer, simply delicious. I love the ambience and the
setting. Anyone who visits Nevis MUST eat at the
Hermitage. You have to make a reservation.
Golden Rock Hotel is divine too. The incredibly
designed garden is a must-see. I think it is the