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Nevis Island History

Like many surrounding islands in the Caribbean, much of the history of Nevis island began with Christopher Columbus who passed by the Island in 1493. The distinct shape of Nevis Island, a dormant cratered volcano, was reminiscent of snow covered mountains in Spain. Columbus decided to name Nevis Island ‘Nuestra Senora de las Nieves’ or ‘Our Lady of the Snow”. The pre-Columbus inhabitants of Nevis Island were the Arawak and Carib tribes, who were spread across the Caribbean Sea. In the 17th century, English merchants began using Nevis Island for trading, establishing sugar and tobacco estates across the land. Nevis Island, like many of its neighbors, underwent the typical power struggle between the major European powers, though by the late 18th century, the British were firmly in control of Nevis Island and St. Kitts.

1967 marked a transition in the history of Nevis Island, as it and St. Kitts were no longer considered part of the British Commonwealth. This time period marked a shift from agricultural development to the tourist industry that is still a strong part of the economic prosperity of Nevis Island. Nevis Island achieved independence in 1983 and maintains its own unique parliament that allows for interesting provisions within the laws of the Constitution. Nevis Island has the right to separate from St. Kitts, and a 1998 referendum fell just short of the required votes to have it go through. For now, Nevis Island remains part of a dual island entity, but that doesn’t make Nevis Island any less appealing to visit!

Nevis Island Villa Rentals

A sleepy little Caribbean hideaway…dramatic Nevis Peak wrapped idyllically in cotton white clouds…lush greenery and tropical forests…mineral spa baths…a delightful combination of charm and antiquity…restored sugar plantations…unspoiled…the way the Caribbean “used” to be…the pearl of the Caribbean…friendly people. Visitors to Nevis will be enchanted by its quiet pace and relaxed Caribbean lifestyle. Nevis is uncrowded, beautiful and still a fairly well kept secret.

The island seems to embody a kind of lush tropical paradise usually associated with the South Pacific. Nevis is a small 36 mile island that lies near the top of the Lesser Antilles archipelago, about 200 miles south of Puerto Rico and just west of Antigua. It is approximately seven miles long and five miles wide. A volcanic island it offers lush and mountainous interiors with natural vegetation that is unparalleled.

Nevis villa rentals and rental villas in Nevis by Villas Caribe are a great addition to our Caribbean villa rental inventory. Nevis offers friendly people, a slower pace of life and excellent beaches. Nevis villa rentals are perfect for those seeking a quite vacation away from the hustle of everyday life. The Nevis Paradiso villas offer excellent upscale villa accommodations, while other villas offer greater value: Caribbean Glory, Chez Wilson, and the Farlands villa. Nevis rental villas frequently bear witness to some of the most impressive sunsets in the Caribbean.

Many of our Nevis villa rentals feature exclusive Nevis villa rental virtual tours. The result is that our clients can remain truly objective in their Nevis villa rental selection. For more information regarding Nevis rental villas, please visit our "Island Information" section on our Nevis villa rental homepage.