Hus for Køb i Lodge, Saint Mary Cayon

Anyone fortunate enough to fly into Nevis on one of the handful of prop plane flights that come in each week will first get an impression of a single, jungle-clad peak that eases its way down to an impossibly blue sea.  Only when the plane is low enough can individual places be picked out, and just before reaching the narrow strip of tarmac the last view is of an authentic Caribbean hideaway.A charming whitewashed bar reaches to the edge of the sea, tucked away amongst swaying palms.  And there, barely visible through the mango trees and the bright red flowers of the flamboyant, nestles one of the oldest properties on the island. Protected from sea surges by a barrier of boulders, the luscious garden leads directly to a sandy beach dotted with the sunset-pink interiors of conch shells. The house itself is enchanting. Caribbean living was always designed around light and space, with openings to the outside so that the home can be filled with the perfume of frangipani flowers.  The Beaches embraces the traditional charms and yet has some modern twists: there is a cheerful, spacious kitchen with solid granite counters, and it flows to the dining area and living room with its wide glass-paneled doors leading to the garden.