How Sugary Sweet Is St. Kitts

For centuries, sugar cane was one of the mostlaw requires that no new buildings may be taller than
important crops in the world. As sugar cane growsthe pervasive palm trees, the capital has fully retained
best in tropical climates, European settlers saw anthis colonial charm. Yet, shops and restaurants now fill
opportunity for wealth in Caribbean islands like St. Kitts.the streets adding a distinct atmosphere of Caribbean
After colonization, forests were razed and replacedluxury.
with sugar plantations to benefit the production ofOutside the city, the landscape of St. Kitts resembles a
molasses, rum and raw sugar. As the oldest andtropical paradise more than any other island in the
wealthiest English colony in the Caribbean, St. Kittsregion. The plant and animal life are abundant,
once boasted 68 profitable plantations on just aespecially within the rainforests surrounding the
68-acre island. Things began to change in the 19thmajestic Mt. Liamuiga. Beyond being a top destination
century, however. With the abolition of slavery, thefor a new breed of eco-tourists, the environment of St.
downturn of Caribbean sugarcane market prices andKitts offers anyone the ability to hike and enjoy
the rise of European beet sugar crops, Caribbeanunspoiled nature.
plantations began to disappear.In the water, tourists can enjoy fishing and boating.
Today, St. Kitts is one of the few Caribbean islands stillUnderneath the surface lie pristine coral reefs and
growing sugar cane. Yet, all of the sugar fields arebarnacled shipwrecks waiting to be explored by
now state operated, with the entire crop processed insnorkelers and scuba divers. Increased tourism has
one government-run facility. Yet, in recent years, St.also helped the dive shops and tour guides, offering
Kitts has come to be known more for its pristinevisitors affordably priced dive excursions. There has
stretches of sugary sand than its sugar cane. Thoughalso been a push for increased golf tourism on the
the island remains far less crowded than otherisland. The recent construction and renovation of
destinations, the diverse activities available in St. Kittsseveral tournament quality courses by award-winning
have quickly come to rival the offerings of itsarchitects have put St. Kitts on the international map.
Caribbean neighbors.More and more, St. Kitts vacation packages are
Today, the remains of the formerly vibrant sugarhighlighting these unique opportunities.
industry simply add a unique historical element to theDespite the amazing opportunities available in St. Kitts,
variety of St. Kitts' tourism options. St. Kitts vacationthe island is yet to be discovered by the masses.
packages include tours of the plantations andWhen traveling in St. Kitts, you will not spend your time
processing facilities. In addition to these unique remainswaiting in lines or fighting traffic on ritzy stretches of
of the sugar industry, the island also houses a numberresorts and shops. You will, however, spend your time
of historically relevant sites, from petroglyphs togazing at crystal clear water from your spot on the
plantations homes and the imposing Brimstonebeach. You will enjoy natural beauty like you've never
Fortress. Yet, while the present state of St. Kittsseen before. Yet, you will also find yourself in some of
tourism is deeply connected to this fascinating past, thethe finest resorts and restaurants in the Caribbean.
island has far more to offer than most realize.Nature may be the draw, but none of the Caribbean
Basseterre, the island's charming harbor capital,luxuries are missing. With beautiful resorts and a
certainly retains these signs of colonization and sugarcaptivating environment, St. Kitts is able to offer the
production. The government's commitment tobest of both worlds perhaps better than any other
preservation, both urban and environmental, offersdestination.
tourists a unique glimpse into past centuries. As state