Spring Break Family Trip to St. Kitts
For spring break, my wife and I decided to take our daughter to the beach! Our travel destinations are always guided by how we can maximize our miles and points. In this hobby, it’s challenging to say, “I want to go to X destination on Y date” and still get good value. Flexibility and an open mind are essential. Generally, you can choose either your destination or your dates—but rarely both.
Since our dates were set by my daughter’s spring break, we had to be flexible on the destination. Our shortlist included Rio, St. Kitts, Iceland, and Sydney. Ultimately, we chose St. Kitts because it offered the shortest flight and had the nicest–looking Hyatt hotel.
Getting to St. Kitts
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To maximize our time in St. Kitts, we flew into Miami the night before. American Airlines did not offer the 10 AM flight out of Miami if we departed DFW on March 13th, so we departed on March 12th at 5 PM instead.
DFW Admirals Club
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Boeing 777-300ER Review
Flying on the Boeing 777-300ER at 5 PM turned out to be a great decision. The 777 provides a significantly superior experience compared to the standard 737 or A321 typically flown on the DFW-MIA route.
The Business Class lie-flat seats were comfortable, and the flight itself was pleasant. However, the service was a bit underwhelming. The crew had just flown from London to DFW and were understandably tired, so they weren’t proactive in checking on passengers aside from scheduled meal service or responding to calls.
I booked our three tickets using 45,000 Amex points, transferring points first from American Express to Hawaiian Airlines, and then from Hawaiian to Alaska Airlines. The inflight food was decent. My strategy is always to choose meals that are more likely to reheat well. Generally, I avoid seafood and beef on flights. When unsure, the cheese plate is usually a safe bet.
Helpful Flying Tips:
Helpful Flying Tips:
Miami Admirals Club
The Miami Admirals Club has an edge over the Dallas one, because it has a kid’s room. It’s very nice to have a place to let your kids terrorize without disturbing other guests.
We didn’t stay long, as we only wanted to grab a snack before going to the hotel.
Miami International Airport Hotel
We stayed overnight at the Miami International Airport Hotel. Booking directly would have cost $265, but I paid $355 through Southwest to earn 8,000 Southwest points (worth approximately $110), helping me secure a Southwest Companion Pass (CP). Without the CP consideration, I’d have opted for the Hyatt with points.
The hotel itself was adequate but not exceptional. American Airlines held our checked bag overnight without issues, but keep in mind not to check items you’ll need overnight or in the morning.
Miami To St Kitts
Our flight departed at 10 AM. We left the hotel at 8 AM and we easily cleared security using Clear and TSA PreCheck. We had time to relax at the lounge, which was conveniently located one gate from our departure gate. Boarding was smooth, and we made it with Group 1.
A321 Neo ReviewAs an aviation enthusiast, I was excited to fly the A321 Neo, which was only two years old. Surprisingly, the plane had no inflight entertainment, offering a basic First-Class experience. Amenities included larger seats, extra legroom, and complimentary drinks. The crew was attentive, and the aircraft was spotless. While it’s a decent product, without the earlier 777 experience, I wouldn’t have considered it worth 15,000 points per person from DFW to SKB. Our return First-Class flights on the A321 cost only 8,000 points each through American Airlines. |
Arriving In St Kitts
St. Kitts Airport (SKB) is very small, featuring one terminal with 12 gates (though we only saw six). Immigration was quick and simple, with minimal questions about our accommodations and return flight. We collected our checked bag easily and called Hertz, which arrived to pick us up within 10 minutes.
Hertz
We typically rent with Hertz due to the American Express Platinum card benefits, including Presidents Circle status with discounts and potential upgrades. This time, we didn’t receive an upgrade but secured a compact four-door vehicle for five days at $188 (normally $244 without the discount). Internationally, Hertz often doesn’t provide upgrades, even with status.
Driving in St Kitts
In St. Kitts and Nevis, driving is on the left side with right-hand-drive vehicles. Adjusting to this was fairly easy, and I highly recommend renting a car. The island is spread out, making taxis costly over multiple days. Rental cars have distinctive red license plates, private vehicles have black, and taxis have yellow.
If you want more information about driving in St. Kitts, check out our St. Kitts Rental Car Guide.
Park Hyatt St Kitts
The Park Hyatt St. Kitts was exceptional. I booked five nights using 140,000 Chase points and a category 1-7 free night certificate, along with a suite upgrade certificate. This stay had an $8,000 cash value, providing an excellent 4.6 cents per point value. A standard room cost $865 nightly, while our suite was $1,618. Using the suite upgrade doubled the value of our points.
How to earn a suite upgrade:
To earn Hyatt suite upgrades, you must accumulate 40, 50, or 60-night credits annually. Credit card spending can help meet these thresholds. Globalists with 60-night status earn four suite upgrades per year and can gift these. Be cautious—buying upgrades from third parties violates Hyatt’s terms of service and can result in penalties.
Beachside Suite |
Despite the room itself being somewhat underwhelming, the property itself was amazing. With stunning views serving as the backdrop, we spent our first day relaxing by the pool and enjoying the scenery. For dinner, we ordered a pizza from the poolside bar for $27, which was disappointing in quality. The drinks were good, and with two drinks included, the bill totaled $78.
Park Hyatt St Kitts Resort Fee:
The hotel charges a $60 per day resort fee, waived for Globalists on award stays. This fee covers various amenities including a bonfire, sunscreen, paddle boards, Camp Hyatt (kids’ camp), water, and a welcome drink. They also offer underwater cameras, gym access, snorkeling equipment, and several classes.
Breakfast
The complimentary Globalist breakfast was fantastic, offering an excellent selection of high-quality foods. We enjoyed both ordering off the menu and accessing the buffet. Our daily average bill was $165, amounting to $865 total for five days, all of which was waived due to my status. If you know a Hyatt Globalist, they can provide you with a Guest of Honor Stay, giving you full Globalist benefits for up to seven nights.
Scuba Diving with Kenneth Dive Center
Our experience with Kenneth Dive Center was excellent. With our 6-year-old daughter along, the dive center thoughtfully provided a dedicated dive master to watch her on the surface while we scuba dived. While underwater, our daughter was safely towed along the surface, allowing her to look down and see us diving below.
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During our one-hour surface interval, my daughter and I swam and enjoyed the clear water. Visibility ranged from 50 to 70+ feet, making the shipwreck at about 50 feet depth clearly visible from the surface. Diving conditions were mild and relaxing—ideal for anyone feeling a bit rusty.
During our dive, we did experience a moment of tension when another diver ran out of air after chasing a shark and neglecting to monitor her air gauge. Thankfully, the dive masters handled the situation expertly, safely sharing air and ascending together.
The dive experience ran from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, included snacks and drinks, and cost around $280 including tip. I’d gladly dive with Kenneth Dive Center again.
Port Zante
How to get to the Marina from Bay Road.
Port Zante is overly touristy and primarily caters to cruise ship passengers. Unless you’re heading directly to the marina, I recommend skipping it. However, we did stop briefly at St. Kitts Chocolate Factory, located directly across from the marina. The chocolate was delicious, and my daughter enjoyed a fresh hamburger priced at $9.
Monkey Business
Be cautious around locals carrying baby monkeys and soliciting “donations” for interactions. These monkeys are often captured from the wild, and once they outgrow their novelty, they’re frequently released back into the jungle, where they rarely survive. A local and a veterinary student from Ross University both informed me of this unfortunate practice—please avoid supporting it.
Driving the Perimeter of the Island
The scenic drive along the coast takes just over an hour without stops, showcasing both the calm Caribbean side and the rougher Atlantic coastline. We set out around 3 PM and made two stops but could easily have spent a full day exploring. Notable stops include Brimstone Hill, Bloody Point, Caribelle Batik, Old Rum Road, and Black Rocks. Our first stop was Bloody Point.
Bloody Point
Located west of Challengers Village, Bloody Point is historically significant due to the tragic massacre of around 2,000 Kalinago people by English and French settlers in 1626. This attack was triggered by escalating tensions as indigenous Chief Tegremante planned a preemptive strike against increasing European settlements. Betrayed by a woman named Barbe, the settlers attacked first. Legend has it the river ran red for days, hence the names Bloody Point and Bloody River.
Black Rocks
Black Rocks was one of the more memorable stops during my time exploring St. Kitts. Standing at the edge of these jagged cliffs, I was struck by the contrast between the dark volcanic rocks, shaped by an ancient eruption from Mount Liamuiga, and the deep, endless blue of the Atlantic waves crashing below. The wind here was powerful, carrying a salty mist that added to the realness of the moment. Locals had set up little stalls nearby, selling handmade souvenirs and snacks, which gave the place a laid-back charm. It felt uniquely wild and peaceful at the same time—worth the stop.
Timothy Hill Overlook
The Timothy Hill Overlook provided one of the most stunning views in St. Kitts, clearly dividing the calm turquoise Caribbean Sea from the wilder Atlantic Ocean. The natural beauty here genuinely leaves you speechless.
Carambola Beach Club – My Wife’s Eternal Sunset Quest
Following a hotel recommendation, we found a perfect sunset spot at Carambola Beach Club. We enjoyed a delicious meal featuring tofu and broccoli, caprese salad, chicken cordon bleu, chicken strips, three drinks, and a Shirley Temple, totaling $165. Both the food and the sunset were excellent.
Tipping In St Kitts
According to our bartender Lerone, most establishments in St. Kitts don’t pass along credit card tips to their staff. Instead, tips go directly to owners. To ensure your server receives your gratuity, it’s best to tip in cash.
Restaurants typically add a 10% service charge to bills, which goes towards staff salaries.
Exploring St Kitts
After breakfast at the Hyatt, we set out to teach our daughter how to snorkel.
Shipwreck Beach Bar
There is a shallow wall/drop-off approximately 25-50 feet from the beach, about 6-10 feet deep and rich with marine life. It took about 30 minutes to get my daughter comfortable with snorkeling. Initially, she struggled to keep her face underwater and breathe properly, but soon she adapted and had a great time. We equipped her with a shorty wetsuit, a Tusa kids snorkeling vest, mask, snorkel, and fins.
My wife spotted an octopus, easily identified by looking for crab shell bone yards—large piles of crab skeletons often indicate an octopus nearby. After an hour, we decided to revisit Carambola Beach Club, having been told the snorkeling there was excellent. At the bar, we struck up a conversation with the bartender, Lerone, who shared details about his business managing six rental cars. We exchanged ideas about expanding his business and making additional income from tourists. The conversation went so well we ended up making dinner plans.
Caribelle Batik at Romney Manor in St. Kitts
Caribelle Batik, is the only local batik producer on St. Kitts. All other batik sold on the island is imported from China or Indonesia. The scenic drive up to Romney Manor takes you through lush forest—keep an eye out for monkeys along the roadside! At the manor, skilled artisans use a traditional Indonesian method, applying melted wax to fabric before dyeing to create intricate patterns. It was fascinating to watch them at work, creating truly unique, handcrafted items.
We purchased a vibrant batik shirt my wife loved, several fabric paintings, and two pillowcases, totaling $216. For authentic, handcrafted souvenirs, Caribelle Batik is a must-visit.
Indian Summer
We meet Lerone for dinner at Indian Summer in Frigate Bay and it was exceptional. This highly-rated restaurant (4.8 stars from nearly 100 reviews) serves authentic Indian cuisine near the Marriott Casino Hotel. Lerone recommended it, he told me he used to work there, we weren’t disappointed. The dishes were beautifully spiced, rich in flavor, and well-balanced, totaling $125 for three adults, one child, and four drinks—a great value.
Michaels Burgers
After dinner, we visited Michael’s Burgers for local karaoke—a popular spot among locals on Saturday nights. Due to another nearby karaoke event, the crowd was smaller than usual.
Outside, Michael’s has a simple wooden play structure—complete with swings and a slide—and even a trampoline. Although it’s a basic backyard setup, my daughter loved it. As soon as she stepped onto the playground, another little girl immediately approached her, and they became instant friends.
I always find it fascinating to talk with locals when traveling—I genuinely enjoy learning what it’s like to live in different parts of the world. Lerone, a Jamaican immigrant, shared his story with me.
He told me about growing up in Jamaica and how his primary business had been selling CDs on the beach—a venture he found quite successful. Over time, he saved enough money to immigrate to St. Kitts, where he felt there were greater business opportunities than in Jamaica. He was proud of himself for gaining a British passport, growing up he didn’t think he would have one passport let alone two. He explained the British passport offers more than double the visa-free or visa-on-arrival access compared to a Jamaican passport. It also makes travel to the EU and USA far easier. His goal is to travel; now, it’s more of a reality.
Cost of Living in St Kitts
Lerone detailed the local cost of living:
- Housing: $500–$2,500/month
- Utilities and Cell Phone: $100–$250/month
- Food: $400–$800/person/month
- Vehicle Insurance/Registration: $100–$150/month
- Fuel: $5–$6/gallon
An American could live comfortably on $4,000–$5,000 per month, but it’s possible to live well on as little as $2,500. The average annual salary in St. Kitts and Nevis is $13,000–$19,000, with a population of about 50,000.
Lerone Shannon – Rental Cars & Tours (869) 763-3861
If you need a rental car in St. Kitts, I highly recommend contacting Lerone at 1+(869)763-3861. He offers flat-rate pricing at 150 XCD (approximately $55 USD) per day. Had I not received a 30% discount from Hertz, along with lower seasonal pricing, I would have paid significantly more than $55 per day through Hertz. Lerone currently has Honda Fits, Honda SUVs, and BMWs available.
When you arrive at the airport, your rental car will be waiting for you. Upon departure, you simply leave the vehicle in the airport parking lot. This convenience saves valuable time—we typically budget an extra hour at the airport to handle car rentals, shuttles, and paperwork. Being able to just park and walk straight into the airport is a huge benefit.
One important consideration: Your credit card insurance might not cover rentals from smaller companies in foreign countries. Always call your credit card provider to confirm coverage. However, Lerone showed me a recent repair invoice for a bumper, which cost less than $300 to fix and repaint. He mentioned bodywork is generally affordable, and he only charges the actual repair costs, providing receipts as proof.
Lerone is also expanding into private group tours and accommodation bookings. If you’re planning a trip to St. Kitts and Nevis and prefer a personalized, reasonably priced experience, Lerone is an excellent choice.
Leeward Islands Charters – Full day snorkeling and lunch package.
We booked an all-inclusive, all-day tour (9:30-4:30) with Leeward Islands Charters for $318. I would highly recommend it; the crew were all outgoing and charismatic. We started out at the Port Zante Marina, a few boats down from the dive boat we had been on two days prior. After the safety briefing, they opened the bar, they had a selection of local rums and vodkas. After about an hour sailing, we reached our first stop.
Snorkeling in Shitten Bay
Despite its eyebrow-raising name, Shitten Bay is one of St. Kitts’ hidden gems for snorkeling. Accessible only by boat or a rugged hike from Major’s Bay, the bay offers crystal-clear, calm waters teeming with marine life.
A Peaceful Afternoon in Nevis
We spent just a few hours in Nevis, but it was more than enough to fall in love with its quiet charm. The island felt like a calmer, less crowded version of St. Kitts, with the same crystal-clear turquoise waters and golden sand—just fewer footprints.
Leeward Charters took great care of us, serving a delicious island lunch of grilled mahi-mahi, jerk chicken, rice, and beans—simple, fresh, and exactly what you want on a beach day. The reggae playing in the background, the beach, mountain view, and the relaxed pace made it all feel perfect.
If you’re looking for an easy, quick escape with zero stress, this tour is the move.
Lotus Thai Bistro & Balai Japanese – A Quick and Tasty Dinner Stop
At the end of the day, we drove to the last roundabout before Timothy Hill Overlook and the Park Hyatt, where there’s a small cluster of restaurants ideal for a casual, satisfying meal. We stopped at Lotus Thai Bistro and Balai Japanese, conveniently located side-by-side, which worked out perfectly since my wife was craving tofu and I wanted wings.
We ordered takeout from both spots, and the experience was smooth and quick. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and reasonably priced. Prices included a burger from Balai for $12, six chicken wings for $9, and a tofu entrée from Lotus for $22. With drinks and sides, the total came to $89 for the three of us.
Both restaurants hit the spot—no frills, just solid food at a fair price, perfect after a long day exploring. If you’re near the southern end of St. Kitts and want something quick and tasty without resorting to hotel dining, this little food hub is a great choice.
Making Friends
At breakfast, my daughter quickly befriended another child, and soon they were running all over, looking for bugs and having fun. I saw her dad, I figured I should be polite and introduce myself. We hit it off, sharing our passion for travel, family, and racing. Our kids spent about three hours playing before it was time for our next adventure. We made dinner plans with them.
Brimstone Hill Fortress – A View into the Past
Brimstone Hill Fortress was a real highlight of our trip to St. Kitts. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, often called the “Gibraltar of the Caribbean,” was built by the British using African slave labor in the late 1600s and played a major role in defending the island from French invasion.
The architecture is incredible—massive stone walls, cannons still in place, and lookout points offering sweeping views of the coast and neighboring islands. It’s a powerful and sobering place blending natural beauty with deep historical significance, giving you a genuine sense of the island’s colonial past.
The Spice Mill – Restaurant near the Park Hyatt
The Spice Mill is within walking distance from the Hyatt. We decided to meet our new friends Hans, Christian, and their daughter in the lobby and walk to the restaurant together.
Walking up to the lobby, I noticed military personnel and police everywhere. A hotel staff member informed me that all the Caribbean leaders were gathered for a meeting discussing US policy regarding Cuba. The State Department was asking Caribbean countries to remove all Cuban doctors and impose embargoes against Cuba. The staff member expressed concerns about the impact, as they were already short on doctors, but also acknowledged they wanted to keep the US happy.
We had an excellent meal at Spice Mill. I ordered the seared fish served with rice and fresh vegetables—perfectly cooked and slightly zesty. My wife chose pasta, savory and satisfying, and my daughter enjoyed crispy chicken strips followed by a decadent brownie topped with ice cream.
We spent almost two hours at the restaurant, and by the end, we felt like old friends. Hans shared insights about his work as a venture capitalist, while his wife discussed her work in philanthropy. We swapped travel stories, having visited many similar destinations like Italy, Germany, and Costa Rica. Naturally, I talked a bit (my wife would say a lot) about miles and points. We all had a great time.
For just $115, the meal’s quality was impressive. Spice Mill delivered a delicious dining experience in a relaxed atmosphere at a reasonable price.
I encourage everyone to try to talk to people on vacation—it’s a rewarding endeavor. A few years ago, I met an Australian couple, David and Amy, in Hawaii. David flew out to visit me for a week last year; we had a blast. Eventually, I’ll make it out to Australia and visit them.
Snorkeling at Carambola Beach Club
We left our daughter at the Hotel’s Kids Club and decided to search for some larger marine animals in deeper waters. We returned to Carambola Beach Club, where Lerone had recommended the snorkeling. With a short 100-yard swim, we navigated around the rocks that separate the shallow from the deeper waters. This side proved to be much more captivating, teeming with fish. We spotted Parrot Fish, Puffer Fish, Reef Butterflyfish, Angelfish, and numerous others I couldn’t identify. The highlight was an incredible eagle ray with a wingspan of around 6 feet, gracefully swimming toward the open ocean. Watching rays glide so elegantly through the water embodies why I love the ocean.
St Kitts Airport Layout
The airport in St. Kitts is quite small and experiences limited traffic. During our visit, there were only two arrivals and two departures. Each 737 aircraft holds about 162 passenger for context. As illustrated in the top right picture, the security “line” and check-in counter both had no lines. The airport has just one restaurant, which served mediocre food, and no lounges.
Notably, American Airlines offered better points value than Alaska Airlines; I booked our First-Class tickets for just 8,000 AA Advantage miles each, which was a fantastic deal given the cash price was $525, yielding a great points redemption rate of 0.065 cents per mile.
How much did we spend in St Kitts:
- Hotel Charges: $101
- Fuel: $42
- Rental Car: $188
- Airline Taxes and Fees: $288
- Restaurants: $527
- Scuba Diving: $240
- Leeward Island Tour: $320
- Tips: $150
- Souvenirs: $290
- Brimstone Hill Entrance Fee: $75
- St Kitts temp driver’s license: $24
- Miami Airport Hotel: $355
Total: $2,700 and 209,000 points (worth around $4,180)—a fantastic value for 5 nights in paradise packed with memorable adventures!
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