Oualie Beach Resort

Qualie was the ancient name that was originally given to Nevis and means “land of beautiful waters” -- a fitting title for this beachfront resort. The property is immersed in nature, bordered by sandy beachfront on one side, and majestic Mount Nevis commanding the pristine backdrop. Calm sea waters, retro plastic sunbeds, thatch umbrellas, and shady coconut palms are all just 60 feet (if that) from guest rooms, which are set in vibrant aqua and white trimmed cottages exuding beach-shack chic. Construction is Caribbean Colonial, but ornamental shell and cactus gardens, hammocks here and there, and an outdoor surfboard shower add a laid-back hippy element. Evocative room names, like “Paradise Cove” and "Pelican Point,” add to the sense of escape.

The restaurant and bar resemble an open-air pavilion with chairs and tables spilling outside toward the beach. White raftered ceilings and a rustic stone wall are accented with vibrant splashes of color courtesy of artwork on the walls, pale turquoise-hued cloth napkins, and fresh cut flowers on the tables. White and teal captain’s chairs surround granite-finish tabletops, beneath wine bottle lights suspended here and there. High captain’s chairs wrap the bar area, and are populated with locals, guests, and other travelers. Music is a regular feature: The Nevis Blues Fest takes place here, there’s a weekly jam night, and metal drums add a live Calypso soundtrack to the joint on weekends. Huge solar panels sit behind each cottage and blanket the restaurant roof -- a testament to the hotel's green philosophy, which has been acknowledged with a Green Globe 21 certification. 

Oualie Beach Resort is located at the northwestern tip of Nevis, with views across the sea to St. Kitts. It’s a three-minute drive to Vance W. Armory International Airport, and 15 minutes by car to Charlestown, where guests can travel to and from St. Kitts via ferries departing regularly throughout the day. The journey takes about 45 minutes. St. Kitts water taxis can also be arranged from the hotel dock, but they can be expensive. A car ferry also travels regularly between the islands. It’s a five-minute drive from the resort to historic Cottle Church, 15 minutes to the Museum of Nevis History, and a number of popular restaurants are located nearby.

Rooms at the Oualie are set in one- and two-story gingerbread cottages painted bright aqua with white trim, which stretch right along the beach. Categories include Deluxe Rooms, Executive Suites, and Studios -- with king, queen, or twin beds. Mosquito-screened patios with plantation chairs offer privacy and maximize beach views at the same time. Room decor varies, but is chiefly a homey take on British Colonial. For instance, many rooms have grand, mahogany four-poster beds, and furniture is largely dark timber, with cushioned wicker sofas and granite-topped dining tables. However, some of the details here veer toward dated or worn, such as faded bedspreads or watermarked wood furniture in some rooms. Tropical floral curtains pulled back around Georgian windows will create privacy, but they won’t block light, and island inspired artwork adds pops of color to white walls. 

Studios have full kitchens and pullout sofa beds, sleeping up to four people. Kitchen equipment is far from new, but it’s all there. All rooms have mini-fridges, air-conditioning, TVs (either flat-screen or tube), coffeemakers, safes, irons and ironing boards, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms (some fresh, others tired) have showers are equipped with hairdryers and free individual toiletries. Some rooms can be joined together to accommodate larger groups or families, and room access is provided by electronic wristbands instead of keys.

Oualie's beach is the main highlight here, with its long stretch of white sand and calm, swimmer-friendly waters. There are plenty of sunbeds and hammocks swung between palm trees. Guests should note that the hotel lacks a pool, however. A small on-site spa offers various treatments and massages.

Oualie Beach Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering local and international dishes that includes burgers, pastas, and jerk, with an emphasis on fresh, local seafood and produce. In keeping with the eco theme, Oualie promotes a "farm (and sea) to plate” philosophy -- fresh fish is delivered directly to Oualie’s dock from game fishing boats, and the restaurant works with local farmers to populate the menu with fresh fruit and vegetables. 

Live entertainment, including open mic nights and metal drums, takes place in the bar on certain days and nights. There’s a dive shop just next door (30 feet or so from the restaurant), and dive boats depart from the dock right out front, as do private water taxi transfers to and from St Kitts. Bicycles are available for hire, and a number of water sports are on offer. Guests can also book some excursions and activities through the hotel, like rainforest hikes and horseback riding. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the property, and there’s a conference room facing the beach.