Coral Gate

In Depth

Two years before the Four Seasons broke ground on Pinneys Beach in the late 80s, the hotel’s first general manager and his family came to Nevis to live full time. After four years on the island they decided to make it their home and built this fine colonial style villa close to the resort, on the borders of its golf course. It has enough altitude to catch the breezes and yet is only 3 minutes drive from Nevis’s number one stretch of sand, Pinneys Beach.

The gardens were planned with young children in mind, with the pool located a safe distance from the house, and plainly visible. There are extensive well kept lawns and islands of colour and shrubbery for definition. Mature flamboyant trees and a variety of palms and heliconiae grow amongst the casually grouped volcanic rocks of huge proportions. Four species of humming-bird are seen regularly. Many of the palm varieties came from their neighbour who has one of the most complete collections in the world, with over one hundred species. The majestic Nevis Peak dominates the property to the rear and to the front the views are of the ocean and palm groves. Coral Gate is a beautifully maintained property.

Entrance is via a fancy-roofed carport, which leads through a mirrored lobby to the central living room. This is pleasantly furnished with comfortable sofas and easy chairs. Off the large living room is a smaller music and TV room with breakfast table and pc desk. All the living areas open out to a magnificent veranda where there is a dining table for 10. Groupings of comfy and cool white rattan furniture ensure that the veranda is in constant use for entertaining or just plain relaxing. The fully fitted kitchen is well equipped and includes a gas oven, cooker, fridge-freezer, coffeemaker, blender, toaster, as well as a food processor. When you arrive you will be greeted with a glass of rum punch and a prepared cold dinner to ease you into island life.

Accommodation comprises four bedrooms with three bathrooms: a king-size en suite with tub, two queens and one twin bedroom en suite. The third bathroom is located next to the large laundry room opposite the pool, handy for swimmers in wet costumes. The living area is all on one level with bedrooms at either end for maximum privacy, three of which have exterior access to the wraparound veranda. The kitchen, recently modernized in Dupont Corian, is galley style and also has direct access to the veranda.

There are ceiling fans in every room and the property is tiled throughout. A fine gazebo on the edge of the property overlooking the valley makes a romantic alternative for early evening cocktails or a barbecue lunch.

Beach & Swimming

Set high on the Four Seasons estate on the edge of the golf course, Coral Gate's closest beach is Pinney's. Of course since there are no private beaches on Nevis, you may use the beach at Four Seasons Resort although not their beach chairs. The villa has a good pool.

Sports & Recreation

The villa sits on the edge of the Four Seasons' excellent golf course. Most watersports are available on Pinneys Beach, including scuba diving, deep sea fishing, dinghy sailing and kayaking. Hiking is one of the pleasures of Nevis and there are a number of excellent guides. Horseback riding is available at Cades Bay and mountain biking at Oualie Beach.

There is also a spa at Four Seasons and it accepts outsiders.

Locality

Coral Gate is well positioned above Pinneys Beach for many of the activities that Nevis offers, the cultural and historical aspects of Charlestown, the many bars in town and beach bars along the waterfront and the restaurants to visit in the evenings. Beach bars include Tequila Sheila's on Cades Bay, just a couple of miles north, the Gallipot at Tamarind Bay and Oualie Beach.

There are a few restaurants in this area of the island - try Bananas at Cliffdwellers and Miss Junes, where you will receive a seemingly limitless volley of dishes many of them of Trinidadian origin.

Another good option is the plantation house hotels, which make for a romantic evening out.

Useful Hints

First night's meal, essential breakfast provisions and some beverages are offered complimentary with all main house bookings. Additional shopping with no service charge is also offered. Please note that rental rates for villas on Nevis do not include 'tips' about which you will find advice in the guest information book at the villa.

Airport Meet & Greet

The managing agent will arrange for a taxi to meet you at your arrival point and the agent will meet you personally at the house. We advise that rental cars be left at the house for your arrival, and not at the airport. This should be arranged at the time of booking your vehicle.

Getting Around

Although plenty is available within walking distance and Charlestown can be reached fairly easily by public transport, a hire car is strongly recommended for all private villa holidays. It will be useful if you want to dine out at night or go sightseeing and particularly when it comes to shopping for groceries.

You can ask the rental agent to arrange a car for you. He will have it delivered to the property and issue your Nevisian driving licence, price US$25 or book direct with TDC Rentals. For a small fee vehicles can be returned at the airport or be collected from the property at a pre-arranged time on your departure day. Be aware that over Christmas, February and even in August there can be a shortage of cars on Nevis, so you are advised to book well in advance.