We are looking into 6 days in St Kitts / Nevis and then 6 days in SXM next Feb using Aeroplan points. The split island option came up because on points we can only get direct flight one way if we stay the entire time in either country. By going to St Kitts and returning from SXM we can get direct flight to / from Toronto.

We are open to suggestions on hotels / airbnb's for the first 6 nights in St Kitts / Nevis....not married to either one right now but want to be close to beach and walking /short taxi to eateries.

Thank you.

What kind of budget do you have for your accommodations? Hard to make specific recommendations without knowing how much you are willing to spend.

That said, to get what you want on St. Kitts you'll want to stay in the Frigate Bay area where you'll have easy access to both Atlantic side and Caribbean side beaches, several different hotels and lots of rental condos to choose from plus there are more than a dozen restaurants and beach bars all within walking distance. Check out Timothy Beach Resort, Marriott Resort and The Royal St. Kitts.

On Nevis everything is much more spread out so there's not a lot of places where you can walk to a variety of restaurants. The upscale Four Seasons Resort is the only hotel that is in walking distances of 4 or 5 beach bars. All is not lost, however, because Nevis is a small island so no matter where you stay you'll only be a short cab ride from most places. For access to the best beaches look for places on the western (Caribbean) side of the island. If the Four Seasons is out of your budget range you might want to check Ouale Beach Resort, Nisbet Plantation, Mount Nevis Hotel, Hamilton Condos or Nelson Springs Condos.

Thanks Fletch for the info. We will not be upscale...I follow the Groucho Marx rule about not wanting to be a member of any club that would have me so I shun the private yacht clubs in favour of mooring my boat at a city run marina. Similarly with hotels....we don't do fancy or all inclusives (except in Cuba) in favour of getting out and about to explore and enjoy the locals. Budget is up to $250 US per night but we just need a good bed, coffee in the AM, in a safe area, as we won't spend a lot of daytime hours in our room.

With only 6 nights would you pick one island over the other or split them.

Thanks muchly.

Don't get hung up on "is the beach any better on the other island" syndrome, stay on one island and visit the other for a day trip. - ferry will run you about just under $12US PP each way and take 45 minutes.

Timothy Beach( on Frigate Bay Caribbean Side Beach) and Royal St. Kitts (across the street from Frigate Bay Atlantic Beach and 12 minute walk from Caribbean side beach) should be in your price range on St. Kits. On Nevis, Oualie Beach (as name implies a beachfront property) or Mount Nevis Hotel (mountain side location - 5 minute drive from beach) should be within your budget.

Thanks again.
Main tickets booked today.
Blanks to fill in still:
St Kitts to SXM flight
Hotels
Car rental (perhaps)
New Speedo

Blanks to fill in still:
St Kitts to SXM flight: completed June 7. Taking a chance that LIAT will still be around in Feb
Hotels: TBD
Car rental (perhaps) TBD
New Speedo TBD (stuck on colour choices)

If LIAT fails, use WinAir. We've flown them between SXM and SKB and NEV. Very responsive and reasonable.

Price was the deciding factor.$272 (1PM|) vs $423 (935AM)
Where I went wrong was not going directly the LIAT site and booking there to save the CheapOair surcharge that was not mentioned on the summary page. I am sure their legal weasels had it buried in mice type in plain sight. A $35.50 brain fart on my part as I always go directly to the airlines.
Our CC has protection if LIAT flies off in the sunset but the CheapO charge is gone forever.
Fingers crossed that Sir Dick's offer is accepted by LIAT shareholders

A few car rental companies will also let you use a car on Nevis if you have rented one on St. Kitts. TDC used to allow this and we took advantage of their offer with a day trip on the ferry from Basseterre to Charlestown. Took in the botanical gardens, Hamilton Museum, and wanted to do the Nelson Museum but it was not open. We also did a rainforest walk at the Golden Rock Inn. Ended the day w/a "Killer Bee" at Sunshine's next to the 4 Seasons.

You can also check out several self-catering condos for housing. Island Paradise and St. Christopher Club are usually reasonably priced. The Ocean Terrace Inn used to be a good place as well. Check recent reviews as I am not sure of it's current state.