You may be forgiven for failing to think about sports and activities when you first arrive in Nevis. The island exudes an air of gentle relaxation and strenuous activity is certainly not the first thing that leaps to mind. However, as is the custom in this part of the Caribbean, this gentle air belies the passion that Nevisians have for sport and other pastimes. In the balmy tropical climate they have simply learned the precise moments at which to best express the youthful vigour they all seem to have.

 photo © James C. Brandon

For those of you who are keen on abit of Golf will be pleasantly stunned to know that Nevis has an absolute cracker of a course. The 18 hole championship golf course at The Four Seasons Resort, Nevis, is the only Robert Trent Jones II design in the Caribbean and received a 1998-99 Gold Medal from Golf Magazine. Condé Nast in 1997 rated the resort one of the world's Top 50 Best Golfing Resorts. Not surprising with the majestic Mount Nevis towering into the mist above the course and the white sand beach lying at its base. Intelligent design of this 6,766 yard course caters to all skill levels - one notable Championship Tee Option involves a 240 yard carry across a deep ravine. Enough to even make a pro stop, squint and assess.

In Nevis' beaches you will find uncrowded bliss. Nevis has around 7 well-known beaches, each a little different. Nisbet Beach, a few miles east of Newcastle Airport is a classic Caribbean beach of white, coral sand. It is good for snorkelling and has a beach bar and restaurant nearby. Newcastle Beach is right by the airport and is good for a leisurely stroll and watching light aircraft roaring up over the trees. Lover's Beach, just west of the airport, requires a walk through a short, forested trail. Secluded and beautiful, it would be amiss not to bring a picnic basket and a special friend. Oualie Beach is a sheltered West Coast beach and has plenty of watersports on offer - great for swimming, snorkelling, windsurfing, sailing, and kayaking. Dive shop, bar & restaurant plus accommodations nearby. Further down the West Coast lies Fort Ashby Beach which is nice for a swim. Bird lovers should bring their cameras as the nearby lagoon plays home to many local and migrant species. Pinneys Beach is perhaps Nevis' most well known, just north of Charlestown. Nice, long stretch of beach with beach bars, accommodations and restaurants good for a stroll, jog or a swim. Cade's Bay Beach is between Oualie Beach and Pinney's and is good for swimming. Has some beach bars and a particularly good French/Caribbean restaurant.

Nevis blessed in having such a range of things to do for so small an island. It has the advantage of being beautiful, unspoiled and uncrowded. It makes the doing that much more personalised and memorable.