Botanical Gardens of Nevis

On the slopes below Nevis Peak, the island's botanical gardens arrange eight acres into a series of set pieces: a Mayan-styled rainforest conservatory of tree ferns and philodendrons, orchid terraces, rose and vine pergolas, lily ponds ringed by palms from across the tropics, and fountains that give the whole composition a formal spine. The volcano's green cone rises behind everything, usually wearing its cloud cap, and monkeys raid the fruit trees on schedule. It is a garden built for lingering - benches are placed where the framings are best - and pairs naturally with the plantation-inn lunches of the Montpelier neighbourhood.

What's there

• The rainforest conservatory - tree ferns and tropicals under the Mayan-styled house.
• The orchid terraces - the collection at its showiest.
• Lily ponds and palm avenues - the formal heart of the grounds.
• Nevis Peak framings - the volcano composed behind the plantings.

When to go

December to May for the driest strolling; the gardens flower year round with orchids reliable throughout. Mornings give the clearest views of the Peak before its cloud builds.

Before you go

It is compact - two unhurried hours see everything - and the entry fee reflects private upkeep rather than scale. Vervet monkeys are charismatic thieves; guard anything edible. The on-site restaurant keeps its own hours off season; check if lunch is part of the plan.

Nearby

Montpelier's plantation inns, Charlestown and the Bath hot springs.