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Picturesque Pinney's Beach is on the quiet island of Nevis

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Pinney's Beach

Picture perfect is how visitors refer to Pinney's Beach. The rarely crowded shore, with its soft, powdery, white sand and calm waters, caught the eye of tropical vacationers after Four Seasons built a luxury resort there. Pinney's is on the quiet island of Nevis.

Beach

On a sunny day, the 6.5km- (4-mile) stretch of golden sand is the ideal place to catch rays, walk along the water or stop for some refreshment at the Four Seasons Resort, the beach pavilion of the Golden Rock Plantation Inn or one of the several casual beach bars on its shoreline. After it has rained Pinney's is still beautiful but the water sometimes become murky and full of kelp.

Beyond the beach

Enjoy the scenery. In the shadow of Mount Nevis sits the botanical gardens, a collection of lagoons, waterfalls, birds, rose gardens and greenery. Take a hike or a horseback ride to explore the mountainous rainforests, historic ruins and abandoned sugar plantations. Play a round of golf. Nevis has three sets of links, the Four Seasons' 18-hole Robert Trent II, a two-hole and a 12-hole course. Stroll through Charlestown. It won't take long. The town is tiny, but Alexander Hamilton's birthplace, now the site of the Museum of Nevis History is there. Just outside of Charlestown is the Nelson Museum. It has a fine collection of the admiral's memorabilia. During his tour of duty on Nevis, Lord Horatio Nelson met his wife, Frances Nesbet.

Family fun

Though Four Seasons has a children's club, this is a place for families to have quality time together. Tots, teens and parents can lounge on the beach, snorkel or take a break from the sand and go hiking.

Exploring further

Take the ferry across the narrows and discover St Kitt's, Nevis' sister island. It is just 3km (2 miles) away, but quite different as is evidenced by the mega Marriott Resort and the cruise ship pier. Trinkets and treasures can be found in the palm-shaded capital, Basseterre, at the town's centrepiece, Circus, patterned after London's Piccadilly Circus. Brimstone Hill, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the fortress where the18th-century battles between the British and French took place. The somewhat restored Romney Manor, which is said to have once been owned by Thomas Jefferson, is certainly worth a look.

Splashing out

Pinney's beach bars are known for fun and decadent drinks. Double Deuce has its Double Deuce Stinger Punch accompanied by Thursday night karaoke while Sunshine's Beach Bar & Grill has its Killer Bee and Sunday night beach parties. Anyone who sips more than one of these potent concoctions is likely to find himself the life of the party or passed out on the beach.

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