Fact Sheets & Video - Barbados

Nevis is the smaller of the twin island federation of St Kitts and Nevis in the south-east of the Caribbean. Although they form one country, the islands are separated by a 3.22 kilometre channel and the two islands have different characters, where the pace of life is even more relaxed and natural on Nevis than its larger sibling, St Kitts.

The name "Nevis" was derived from the Spanish word "nieve," which means snow. Apparently the name "Nuestra Senora de las Nieves", translating to "Our Lady of the Snows" was given to the island by Christopher Columbus when he discovered it in 1492, due to the clouds on top of the mountain that he could see as he approached it.

If in St Kitts, the best way to get to Nevis is via ferry. Amongst the 12,000 Nevisian locals, you will find three exuberant and enterprising women who succumbed to the charms of Nevis and decided to call this their home.

Pam Barry's Golden Rock Estate awaits high up in the Nevis hills. This 100-acre, 18th century sugar estate is the result of decades of personal owner management and devoted staff. The property includes the Sugar Mill, which has included a visit from famous author Raold Dahl, while vervet monkeys frequently drop in for a banter and food most afternoons. Further up the road, Miss June Mestier, formerly of Trinidad, and now 79 years of age, cooks at home usually once a week by reservation and can accommodate between10 to 40 guests per sitting. A five-course dinner is served at formal tables with napery and fine crystal, with each table usually seating around four to six people. Miss June's Cuisine has gained the reputation of being the most entertaining evening on the island of Nevis and has tempted the palates of such famous fans as Oprah Winfrey and Stedman Graham, Charlie Gibson (Good Morning America), author John Grisham and the members of Aerosmith.

And after all this eating and relaxing, participating in a Touch and Go snorkel with marine biologist Barbara Whitman at Under The Sea allows visitors to "touch" things they may not normally see under water. It's also a wonderful opportunity to find out what work Barbara does for sea-turtles and ultimately the marine environment. You may even have the opportunity to meet her latest rehabilitation mission and ambassador for the sea, Crush, the Hawksbill SeaTurtle.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Air New Zealand- Fly return to Los Angeles, From: $2098 ex east coast; $2531 ex west coast. For more information, visit www.trailfinders.com.auPrices correct at 29.6.07 Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.

American Airlines- Fly return to St Kitts, From: $1532 ex Los Angeles. Valid 28/7/07 to 2/9/07. For more information, visit: www.aa.com Prices correct at 29.6.07. Prices available online and include surcharges, fees & taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.

Ferry- One way ferry to Nevis: From $9 ex St Kitts. For more information, visit www.stkittstourism.kn Prices correct at 6.7.07. Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.

Golden Rock Estate- Single Cottage from $187 a night. For more information, visit www.golden-rock.com

Sugar Mill- From: $270 a double. Valid until 23/12/07. Prices correct at 6.7.07 Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.

Turtle Swim- From $61 a person. For more information, visit: www.undertheseanevis.comPrices correct at 29.6.07

Prices include taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.

Miss June's Cuisine- 5 course dinner from $107.00 a person. For more information, phone 0011 1 869 469 5330 Prices correct at 29.6.07. Prices include taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.