Travel idea: 7 reasons to visit St. Kitts

Looking for a little fun in the sun that's far from the madness of popular beach resorts? Head to St. Kitts, a quiet island paradise in the Eastern Caribbean that boasts spectacular mountain and ocean views, and average year-round temperatures of 25 to 31C.

If the weather isn't enough incentive to check out this island nation, read on for seven more reasons to visit St. Kitts.

1. Brimstone Hill
A breathtaking view of St. Kitts and neighbouring islands St. Bart's, St. Eustatius and Saba awaits you at Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The fort is poised atop a hill that's 800 feet above sea level. Formerly a British and French-ruled fort, it now houses historical exhibits showing soldier's living quarters, muskets and more. Brimstone Hill was built in the 17th and 18th century, taking about 100 years to complete.

2. Caribelle Batik factory at Romney Manor
Established in the 17th century, Romney Manor was once owned by ancestors of Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States. Today, it houses Caribelle Batik, a colourful fabric factory and boutique where you can find one-of-a-kind clothing, wall hangings and pillow casings.

Stop in for a demonstration as local artisans mark up fabric with beeswax, soak it in dye and then remove it from the dye and immerse it in boiling water to melt off the wax, revealing wax-protected images underneath. They repeat this process to add different colours to their designs and the result is beautifully vibrant fabrics that make for unique souvenirs. Schedule time to stroll through the surrounding grounds including the botanical gardens, surrounded by lush rain forest.

3. A view of the setting sun from a catamaran
There are few things as peaceful as taking to the water for a sunset sail and a tour aboard a catamaran with Blue Water Safaris is a truly special experience.

Enjoy a drink onboard and chat with fellow passengers as you set sail into the Caribbean Sea. With some uppity reggae music filing the air with a happy vibe, sway along with the calypso beat. Don't forget to poise yourself in a strategic spot to take in the gorgeous view of the sun as it dips below the horizon. It's moments like these that make for lasting travel memories.

4. The rainforest and Mt. Liamuiga
A fun ATV tour or hike through the rainforest to Lambert's Estate offers great photo opportunities so make sure your camera battery is fully charged before heading out. The former sugar plantation is located 3 km south of the crater of the dormant volcano Mt. Liamuiga, St. Kitts's highest peak at 3,792 feet. 

While you're exploring the remains of Lambert's Estate, you can gaze out onto green fields that lead to the ocean ahead of you or turn to face the misty cloud-covered mountaintop of Mt. Liamuiga (formerly named Mount Misery). Its ominous and impressive presence provokes awe and wonder.

When you get back onto the tree-canopied trails in the rainforest, look up to treetops and you just might spot some green vervet monkeys swinging from branches.

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