BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – FOUR of the nation’s hotels have gained international recognition in the spotlight of the 2nd Annual National Geographic Traveler Magazine’s exclusive “Stay List”.
The Stay List highlights 129 of the ‘must-stay’ hotels, villas and inns in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Ottley’s Plantation Inn of St. Kitts and The Golden Rock Hotel, The Hermitage Inn and Montpelier Plantation Inn of Nevis have all been identified as the “cream of the crop”, according to National Geographic Traveler.
The Federation’s hotels outshone several hundreds of other submissions for the illustrious prize, and are likely to see a noticeable boost in revenue from the international recognition.
In an exclusive interview with SKNVibes Heather Wyatt, Publishing Director for National Geographic Traveler, said the representatives of the internally-acclaimed magazine tapped into the collected experiences of veteran journalists, seasoned road warriors and local experts to garner information on the hotels.
“We spoke to people on the ground that have been travelling to the various countries and have been staying at these hotels. These hotels have to be unique and experience-driven, with a major element of sustainability. They must give back in some way to their local communities and adhere to sustainable practices.
“From our perspective, we chose these hotels because these are the cream of crop in the US, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean,” Wyatt said of the Federation’s hotels. “They have the highest quality in all facets and really give a unique experience, so we are giving them the prestigious National Geographic stamp of approval!”
Wyatt informed that further research and detailed questionnaires winnowed hundreds of submissions down to this “sweet list” of just 129 hotels that truly “captured the spirit of their setting”.
According to the magazine’s Senior Editor, Sheila Feldman Buckmaster, “the hotels on our Stay List 2009 don't just reflect their surroundings-they help define them. What they all have in common is a transcendent vision that goes beyond traditional hotel-keeping. Make no mistake: you'll sense the vibe at once. And after your stay, you'll leave with the kind of insight only soulful places can provide.”
Buckmaster stressed that the properties on the list offer “truly unique experiences”, adding that the Magazine is excited to highlight them in its upcoming issue.
SKNVibes contacted President of the St Kitts and Nevis Hotel and Tourism Association (HTA) Michael Head who commended the hotels for their outstanding performances and unique experiences offered.
“The HTA congratulates the four hotels in St Kitts and Nevis that have been included in the prestigious [publication]. It is a great achievement for these establishments chosen. It represents that the Federation was able to get four out of 129 properties in all of the US, Mexico and the Caribbean to be featured on that list.
“Indeed, it is a tremendous achievement and all of them must be applauded,” the HTA President said.
Last year, National Geographic Traveler awarded only 11 Caribbean hotels that exhibited location-inspired architecture, unique ambience, eco-stewardship and an ethic of giving back to the community.
This is the first time that any hotel from the Federation would be featured among the prestigious collection of hotels. The new list of 129 properties debuts in the April 7 issue of the National Geographic Traveler magazine and will be available around the world.
