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We have resurrected these photos from old 35 mm. slides that we had packed and left in storage in a family attic. When our family members downsized their home, we had these slides digitized, and now we are able to share this part of our Early Retirement Story with you. Billy had gone ahead to Nevis to arrange our housing situation with the Four Seasons. I had stayed back to complete the selling of our home items and would meet him later. But a funny thing happened on my way to the island. It was January, 1991, and The Gulf War had just begun.

When we retired in 1991 for a lifestyle of travel, our first stop was a 36-square mile Caribbean island named Nevis. Billy and I had an opportunity to help open the Four Seasons Resort there on that tiny island nation, and part of the deal was that we would have housing. We found ourselves in a 4 bedroom, 2 bath house that belonged to the Mayor’s brother. Painted white on the outside, the front terrace was a blistering orange. When I walked up the steps and turned around, I had a view of 3 islands. So, why was I complaining?

We have visited Nevis many times over the decades. Our first introduction to the island was through the cruises we took in the 1980s on a 256 foot sailing ship, The Mandalay of Windjammer fame. Nevis holds a special place in our hearts because we began our freedom adventures here when we retired in 1991. We lived on the island for 6 months. Most recently, we visited Nevis twice in 2023-24.

The Hamilton Beach Villas and Spa - Luxury Living on the Beach - Nevis, West Indies

We lived here for 6 months beginning in January of 1991, when we helped the Four Seasons Resort open their restaurant and lodging establishment. The times we stayed on Nevis in 2023 and 2024, we chose the Hamilton Beach Villas and Spa. Wait 'til you see this place! 

Taking a Look at the Grounds of Hamilton Beach Villas and Spa, Nevis, West Indies

The grounds of the Hamilton Beach Villas are extensive. Full-time gardeners manicure the tropical gardens, there's a work out room, a spa, tennis courts, access to a beautiful beach, a well-known restaurant is right on the premises, wading pools and excellent service. We were staying for 6 weeks this time, and were looking forward to it!

We are on the lovely island of Nevis in the West Indies. Since we worked here in 1991, we are still in contact with friends that we made "back then." It was our intention to go to the water taxi location on Nevis and check out the schedule for the water ferry to the sister island of St. Kitts. However, we found this place just "up the hill" which looked promising for lunch. The friendly Immigration Officer walked us to On The Rocks herself.

Rosies Patties Nevis, West Indies

It's the talk of the town - Rosie's Pattys. With no exact, specified location, any taxi driver or "combi" will take you to Rosies. It's a local eatery celebrated for offering authentic Caribbean flavors, particularly with its signature pattys. What's a patty? We had to find out.

Due to the small size of this island, and having no deep water port,  Nevis has been able to maintain a "neighborhood" feeling among the residents. It's a laid-back, nature-rich vibe. Yes, this is changing, as "progress" makes its mark. Gratefully, however, these changes have been slow-paced. We took a private driver around the island to view places we knew from decades ago, when we helped open up the Four Seasons Resort in 1991. Take a look.      

Johnny Cakes Nevis, West Indies A humble yet flavorful tribute to the island's history

Johnny cakes are a beloved traditional food on Nevis Island, reflecting the culinary heritage that blends African, British, and Caribbean influences. These cakes are a savory, slightly dense, fried or baked bread made primarily from cornmeal, flour, and local ingredients. They are a staple in Nevisian cuisine, often enjoyed as a side dish or snack, and are deeply tied to the island's history and daily life.

You might know that Alexander Hamilton was the first US Secretary of Treasury, and that he was one of the Founding Fathers of the new nation called The United States. He showed his mental acuity at an early age and his passage to New York was crowd-funded to give him the best chance to become educated and therefore be able to display his talents. Admission to this local Museum is around $10USD which also gives you access to other museums and island exhibits on the same property. Let's take a look.

When we were first living on the Island of Nevis, West Indies in 1991, just down the beach from The Four Seasons Resort (which we were helping to open) was a shack-of-a-place called "Sunshines." You can see from the first photo below that it wasn't much at the time, but we could get fresh lobster salad sandwiches and cold beer for a reasonable price. These lobster sandwiches were cheaper than tuna fish sandwiches because tuna was imported, and lobster was local fare.

Conveniently for us, The Yachtsman Grill is located at The Hamilton Beach Villas & Spa where we are staying. Just a 3 minute walk from our Villa, we have a restaurant on prime beachfront property that serves Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Nevis has modernized significantly since we were living on the island in 1991. Back then, you could buy a beer fairly easily, but you'd be hard-pressed to find a coffee shop that served espresso, cappuccinos and pastry. Those were only available at expensive hotels... maybe. That's all changed now. Sip on the Square is a good example of this culinary progress. Welcome to the "New Nevis."