Park Hyatt St. Kitts Familiarization Trip

Arriving in St. Kitts: For the ultimate luxury experience, the Kayan Jet airport lounge and private jet terminal is the perfect welcome to the island. After deplaning, I headed over to a waiting SUV that drove me away from the terminals and over to the lounge. I was greeted with champagne and a gourmet lunch, cozy couches, and complimentary wifi. While I relaxed, the friendly team helped me complete my immigration forms, handled passport control, and grabbed my bags from the airport terminal.

Getting to Park Hyatt: The resort is just 20 minutes from the airport on the south tip of the island. The scenic route takes you past the island’s famous peaks and lookout point where you can see both the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Upon arrival at the resort, you’re greeted by their bubbly valet staff and koi pond that lines the walkway to reception. No lines to stand in at reception, as they hand you a rum punch and seat you in a lounge chair while they check you in. A few minutes later, you’re on a golf cart taking a quick spin and tour around the resort before being dropped off at the door to your room!

Rooms: A true five-star property that features contemporary design with bright white wood accents. There are 18 three-story buildings configured with guestrooms and suites on each floor or multi-level suites. I love that all of the rooms face the sea and the peak on the neighboring island of Nevis. In every suite is a foyer/walk-in closet, small dining table (which always had a special snack on it!), living room, and bedroom which could be closed off. In the bathrooms are a large soaking tub, double vanities, water closet, and a walk-in shower. The best part was the walkout terrace (or balcony). The room design is open but the bedroom can be closed off for privacy if needed. Small touches like an umbrella, robes and slippers, beach bag, and nightly turn-down service elevates the stay.

A few of my favorite room categories:

- Presidential Villa. Three bedrooms, four beds, three baths, two floors. This is as baller as it gets and works well for a multi-generation family or a group of friends.The master bedroom is in its own wing with a gigantic soaking tub and indoor/outdoor shower. HUGE living room for watching the game or for game night, dining area with banquette seating for the whole family, a small gym, and a pool table. The stunner here is the 2,500 square foot wrap around terrace with infinity pool overlooking the beach. In 2024, this will get a refresh which adds a full kitchen in case any one wants to chef it up on vacation.

- Bi Level Penthouse. The rooftop infinity pool here is my jam. This suite has a King bed and full living room on the first floor, and a loft and nook which opens to the terrace which boasts the private pool, grill and outdoor dining for eight. In 2024, the refresh will include a sofa bed, which will make this comfortable for a family with small children.

- Plunge Pool Rooftop Suite. This is for my honeymooners or a romantic getaway! Located on the top floors, this suite has a deck that’s roughly the same size as the room, so plenty of room to settle in.

Dining:

Chef Christopher is THAT GUY. Fresh seafood, global influences as well as local fare shine in all of the dining outlets.
- I enjoyed the Fisherman’s Grill where they serve dinner al fresco and have a Sunday brunch with DJ.
- The tasting menu at the Stone Barn is unmatched. This adults-only dining experience features a chef-curated menu presented in an open kitchen and is based on the elements, like earth, air, and stone.
- There’s a daily breakfast buffet at the Great House with eggs-your-way, pastries, yogurts, American and Island breakfast, as well as an assortment of coffees and teas.
- At the pool is Rampart Pool Bar, where you can have fresh grilled food and daiquiris brought to your cabana and lounge chairs.
- While I didn’t make it to Fane’s Beach Bar, everyone was raving about the sorbets, smoothies, and gelatos, set right in the sand.
- What really stands out is a concept they call Destination Dining. Literally anywhere they can set up a table…on the deck, in the sand, at a cabana…they will! This exclusive experience is completely customizable. We dined on the deck under the stars while i enjoyed some FIRE scallops and a DJ playing Caribbean sounds and beats.

Activities:

- Sugar Mill Spa and Sanctuary. I went twice. Massages, beauty, full body scrubs…you name it. They also converted a former sugar mill into a facility for yoga and sound healing.
- Swimming pools. Two huge pools (one for everyone, the other for adults-only) with cabanas.
- Beach. Lounge in the sand or try kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling.
- Sports. Basketball, cricket, lawn games, TopGolf Swing Suite, and in 2024, pickleball!
- For the Kids. The Island Fort Kids Club and babysitting services are available for tiny guests.

The Park Hyatt is a luxury destination in itself. This is the island/resort for you if you want a change from the typical all-inclusive, casino, party vibes…and instead want to be on island time and immersed in nature. While you don’t have to leave the resort, the island has a lot of amazing history and it’s worth a day trip to see the former British forts. If you’re interested in diving or marine life, the clear and calm water on the Caribbean side make for a great excursion for adults and kids alike.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Saint Kitts and Nevis. In need of further inspiration? Check out Kim Walters’s guide, A Nature-Based Vacation to Saint Kitts and Nevis.