Ottley’s Plantation Inn, the perfect Caribbean retreat
When I stayed on the Caribbean island of St Kitts recently, I visited some beautiful hotels but one more than any other, lingers in my mind, Ottley’s Plantation Inn. Was it the atmosphere and soothing ambience of the estate, the charm and character of the rooms and cottages, the fabulous Sunday Brunch and wonderful cocktails, or perhaps the delightful massage I had in a secluded summer house, overlooking the rainforest? Yes, yes, yes and you betcha!
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Welcome to St Kitts
A former 18th-century sugar plantation, Ottley’s is an idyllic Caribbean escape. Being centrally located by the north-east coast of St Kitts, it is well placed for exploring this unspoilt Caribbean island. The capital, Basseterre, is less than a 20-minute drive away and all the island’s main attractions are within easy reach from Mount Liamuiga to the beautiful Turtle Beach.
Ottley’s Plantation Inn
Set in 35 acres of lush green manicured gardens and verdant rainforest, Ottley’s is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing retreat. There are just 16 rooms in the Great House with views across the sweeping lawn to the ocean. In the grounds, there are also two stone cottages, each with two bedrooms and a private plunge pool plus the extremely spacious Grand Villa which sleeps up to 9 and has a plunge pool for each of the three bedrooms.
Built within the old sugar factory walls, the Royal Palm Restaurant is popular with locals and visitors alike, serving delectable food inspired by cuisines from around the world. Here you’ll also find the hotel’s the bar and a 65 foot, spring-fed swimming pool. If you tire of the beautiful views, rainforest trails, tennis court and croquet lawn the hotel also provides a complimentary daily shuttle to the beaches and Basseterre, as well as a local golf course.
Sunday Brunch at
Ottley’s Plantation Inn
I visited Ottley’s for their famous Sunday brunch at their Royal Palm Restaurant, and it didn’t disappoint. Starting with an excellent selection of tropical fruits, pastries and homemade cakes washed down with a rum punch or champagne mimosa, I was soon beginning to feel full, but the main attraction was yet to come.
It was hard to decide between the Eggs Benedict Florentine (the garlic toast and herbed roasted potatoes sounded particularly tempting) and the Huevos Rancheros (eggs-over-easy, crisp fried tortillas, spices, melted cheddar and refried beans). Or should I opt for Cheese Grits with shrimps and chorizo? In the end, I settled on the Baked Banana – toasted Coconut French Toast stuffed with mascarpone cheese, pineapple-papaya salad and guava-cinnamon syrup. An excellent choice but it didn’t stop me having food envy when I eyed up my companions’ breakfasts. I wanted them all! The only real answer to the dilemma would be to stay for a few weeks and fit in as many Sunday Brunches as you can.
Check out what people are saying about Royal Palm Restaurant on TripAdvisor.
Walk in the rainforest and
unwind at the Mango Orchard Spa
Brunch was followed by a stroll through the rainforest where Vervet Monkeys played, and a plethora of birds darted from tree to tree.
And so I found my way to the spa, a delightful summer house in a mango orchard overlooking the rainforest. For the next hour or so I listened to the bird calls and the gentle breeze rustling through the trees as my expert therapist pummelled and kneaded my aches and pains away.
Still pleasantly full from brunch and feeling thoroughly relaxed after my massage, I reluctantly left Ottley’s Plantation Inn yearning to return one day …very soon …and for a very much longer stay.
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Disclosure: Thanks to St Kitts Tourism, Ottley’s Plantation Inn and to all the numerous sponsors of my wonderful week in St Kitts.
Boutique Travel Blog’s founder and editor, Kathryn, also blogs at TravelWithKat.com where she shares her passion for discovering new countries, cultures and cuisines.
I have very happy memories of our brunch there! Lovely to take me back with this blog!! Cx
It was great to share the experience with you all. If only we could do it all over again!
There really was something quite magical about Ottley’s. Lovely reminder of a perfect morning spent there.
A magical place indeed and now on my list for possible honeymoon destinations… oh decisions , decisions!
Beautiful! St Kitts is one of the only Caribbean islands I haven’t visited, and Ottley’s looks like a fab place to start!
St Kitts is a gem, so unspoilt. I;m sure you would love it and Ottley’s would be the perfect base (although you might find it hard to leave).
Oh my this place is absolutely stunning! I’d love to spend time here.
It looks so beautiful there! When I saw the featured photo, it gave me a certain sense of nostalgia, like I’ve been there before (but I haven’t). I would love to stay there one day too, it definitely looks like my cup of tea!!
It’s a fabulous place. I’m sure you’d love it.
Your experience at Ottley’s plantation seemed magical. The photos you were able to capture were exquisite and made me feel as if I were there! This is a place I have to visit in the future.
Thanks Angela. I hope you make it there one day.
This checks all the boxes! I love the look of the food, the water, and the accommodations! I yearn for a real vacation away from the hustle and bustle of Seoul!
I’d have to agree with you there! 🙂
First of, I love the layout of your website! Second, Ottley’s Plantation looks amazing! I have never been to St Kitts, but if I went there i would probably pop into this plantation. Gorgeous accommodation and delicious food, what more do you want?
Thanks! And I’m sure you’d love Ottley’s
Sounds lovely 🙂 Brunches and massages are definitely my kinda thing – they’re probably most people’s kinda thing actually – so it is probably the ultimate de-stressing getaway. The setting is beautiful-looking too, a slice of true Carribean paradise.
Nice blog. Real comfort is found in the small details not by luxurious things.