Timothy Beach Resort

Housed in a row of town house-style buildings sporting sky-blue-and-white-trim, the Timothy Beach Resort sits at the foot of a lush green mountain. It's at the end of a long, public stretch of beach that’s lined with restaurant and bar shacks. The resort’s own Sunset Cafe, a stone’s throw from the water, blends 1950s diner with colonial Caribbean in an open-air pavilion -- with a neat row of wooden pedestal seats at the bar. Wicker-style table seating spills outside to the terrace edge for views of the beach set amid leaning coconut palms and neon-bright umbrellas. Next to the beach and down a few stairs, the Carib bar occupies a timber hut; swathed in Carib beer ads, it blasts reggae. This joint, with its water and sunset views, feels about as laid-back Caribbean as it gets. It comes alive at sundown as guests and locals gather for happy hour and sunset swims.

The facade of the reception area and check-in desk are embellished with playful hibiscus murals, but aside from that the space is more functional than festive, with a computer for guests' use, a large notice board covered in activity suggestions, some bamboo shelving holding brochures, a small library, and two cushioned chairs in a loud print. The rectangle-shaped pool isn't anything spectacular, and with its sun-faded coral and teal color scheme, double-decker shade umbrellas, and painted concrete floor it looks a tad tired, but it's elevated enough to receive lots of sun and beautiful sunset views over the beach.

Set at the foot of a lush, green mountain at the end of Frigate Bay Beach, Timothy Beach Resort is a 15-minute drive from the airport, and a 10-minute drive from the ferry terminal, where boats regularly depart for Nevis. The resort is within feet of a long row of rustic shack-like restaurants and bars that line the beachfront; they come alive in the late afternoon and evening. Kittian Village is a 15-minute walk from the hotel -- it has larger, more modern restaurants, some iconic hotels, and the Royal Beach Casino. It’s a six-minute drive to Royal St Kitts Golf Course and Half Moon Bay, and a 10-minute drive in the other direction to the Great Salt Pond at Christopher Harbor, and 14 minutes by car to Turtle Beach.

A range of suites, studios, and two bedroom town houses populate the hotel's condo-style buildings. All rooms have patios or verandas -- which are large and furnished on the ocean side but tiny on the mountain side. Island-flavored decor blends dark and blond bamboo and wicker furniture with vibrant tropical fabrics on the cushions. Beds have natural wicker headboards and are draped in vibrant monochromatic colors, like yellow or turquoise, or tropical florals. Suites and town houses have full kitchens, and separate living and dining areas.

All rooms include air-conditioning, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi and either flat-screen or tube-style TVs, which don't always work. 

Just like the rooms, not all the kitchens and bathrooms have been renovated. Updated bathrooms have candy-colored tiles in green and lilac with Technicolor trim. Walk-in showers or shower/tub combos are usually covered in simple plastic shower curtains. Renovated kitchens, which stand in contrast to the rooms, have stainless steel refrigerators and microwaves, granite benches, and mosaic back splashes. The kitchens include ovens.

Sunset Café serves breakfast lunch and dinner, with a selection of local seafood, roti, salads, and sandwiches, and a meal plan option is available. Carib Bar is set right next to the water, offering a full bar, live music some nights, and reasonable prices for St Kitts. Guests receive a free drink pass at check-in, which can be redeemed any time. There’s a rectangular outdoor pool surrounded by deck chairs, and table seating with umbrellas. A computer station is available for guests' use in the reception area, along with a small library of books. Water sports include stand-up paddle boarding and snorkeling. Deckchairs are reserved exclusively for guests, but the beach is public and therefore open to local residents, tourists, and vendors -- who can be annoyingly persistent. The resort sits next to a tiny stretch of sandless beach, which is nevertheless great for swimming -- the stretch evolves into a long sandy beach that makes for better sunbathing. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.