We have teamed up with blogger and travel writer Charli Moore to provide you with an insider’s guide to our beautiful island’s activities and attractions. She’ll also be reviewing Nevis’ varied array of eateries and beach bars; here she talks to John Yearwood, owner of the family-run Oualie Beach Resort.

Set aside a lush beachscape blanketed in coconut palms, natural grasses, and coccoloba uvifera (known locally as sea grapes), the Oualie Beach Resort is a laid-back, eco-friendly hideaway ideal for those looking for true Caribbean hospitality. Owned by the Yearwood family whose heritage runs deep in the sugar trade of the 1600s, at Oualie you’ll find an emphasis on sustainability and community development; two things General Manager John Yearwood is extremely passionate about.

From the farm-to-table ethos that is evident in every dish served in the restaurant (all the seafood is sourced from the fishermen who dock on the hotel’s jetty every morning), to the locally made furniture found within the 32 suites of the resort, there’s an emphasis on showcasing the best of the Federation to visitors and guests. Starting life as a humble beach bar back in 1980, the resort has grown into a Nevisian institution famed for it’s live music, beach BBQs, and mouthwatering West Indian cuisine. Make sure you experience the unique island ambiance it offers during your stay.

Caribbean, Nevis, Oualie Beach Resort,
BEACH, sunbeds to sea

Caribbean, Nevis, Oualie Beach Resort,
RESTAURANT – breakfast by the beach

Quick fire questions with owner John Yearwood

What would you recommend first-time guests experience when visiting Oualie Beach?
John says, “In my opinion we are situated by the best beach on the island, so come and join us on the sand for a sundowner and watch the sun set aside neighboring St. Kitts. On Tuesday evenings the Relish Band play live (we often find that some of our guests join them for an impromptu jam session), and on Saturdays we host a fabulous Lobster BBQ on the beach. Both offer a true taste of Nevisian life and are a must for those visiting the island.”

Tell me something interesting about yourself:
“Although I am well known as a hotelier and musician (I recently founded the Nevis Blues Festival), my true passion lies in horticulture. I love to cultivate orchids and have a vast collection throughout the property.”

What is your favorite place or activity on Nevis?
“My favorite past time is harvesting sea grapes with which I make ice cream and an array of fruit drinks. I’ve planted a number of coccoloba uvifera plants on the beach as they also make a fantastic habitat for nesting sea turtles.”

Cuisine: International/West Indian
Location: Cades Bay, Nevis
Distance from the Four Seasons Resort: 6km north of Four Seasons Resort Estates; a 7 minute drive
Opening hours: Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Owners: The Yearwood Family
Contact: +1 869 469 9735
Website: oualiebeach.com

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