Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine July 2019 | Page 157

Nevis
island of

love stories
Nevis, a sleepy Caribbean
island, has a long history of
fairytale-esque romance,
earning itself a reputation for
being an island of love stories.
One such story of exceptional
17th century romance follows
Fanny Nisbet, the wife of Lord
Horatio Nelson. Lord Nelson
is better known for his valiant
warrior’s death as a decorated
Naval Admiral at the Battle of
Trafalgar. Behind the scenes of
sailing the seas, he stole Fanny
Nisbet’s heart by showing her
charisma, sense of duty, and
honor.
Fanny’s story prior to meeting
Lord Nelson was nothing short
of tragic: she had lost her
father to lockjaw, fell in love
and married, sired a son, and
then lost her husband to fever
all within the span of just two
years. Heartbroken and alone
with no one to help her raise
her child, Fanny was lost in the
world until Lord Nelson swept
her off her feet. They married at
beautiful Montpelier Estate, a
sugar plantation, which is now
a luxury hotel and spa.
Another love story stemming
from Nevis carries a much more
tragic tone. The story of Julia
Huggins ended in the tragic
demise of her bridegroom and
his best man at another then
beautiful Nevis plantation
known as the Eden Brown
Estate. The two men decided to
duel to the death for the hand
of Julia after an accusation of
infidelity with the best man. It
is unknown which of the men
walked away from the duel, or
if neither of them did, but the
great loss caused Julia to live
out her life at the estate as a
recluse. Locals believe the Eden
Brown Estate to be haunted as
a result of these sad souls being
unable to pass on from this
world. Murder, hauntings, and
betrayal all for the sake of love
are nothing short of thrillingly
romantic.
Love stories from the past are
not the only thing Nevis has to
offer. The beautiful plantation
island is still the backdrop of
love to this day. A visit to the
stunning and aptly named
Lovers Beach is sure to set
hearts aflame. The secluded
beach is an ideal spot for
couples to bring a well-stocked
picnic basket, especially if a
bottle of wine is included.
Perhaps even a little velvet box
would be appropriate in such a
gorgeous setting.
From a widow rescued from
despair by love to a sordid
affair resulting in death and
more, the island of Nevis has
a colorful history of romance
from the 17th and 18th
centuries. Its unique past and
landscape dotted with antique
plantation ruins, cause it to
remain a destination of love to
this day. Already a popular spot
for those vacationing by cruise,
perhaps a little history of the
tales the island has been host
to will convince more tourists
to stay and test their own luck
in love.