When the Four Season Resort Nevis opened in 1991, it guaranteed that it would attract the attention of tennis players by building a racquet sports complex with eight hard, red clay, and artificial grass courts and later supplemented those with four pickleball courts, all wrapped around the central plaza of the Sports Pavilion. Although the tennis still has to compete with the beach—a battle it will almost always lose between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.—and it also share center stage with a Robert Trent Jones, III golf course laid out on the slopes of the 3,232-foot dormant volcano of Nevis Peak directly behind. Nevertheless, this has emerged as one of the foremost tennis destinations in the Caribbean.
A tiny volcanic island, roughly 8 miles in diameter, Nevis lies just across a shallow channel called The Narrows from its sister island of St. Kitts in the Caribbean’s Lesser Antilles. The name derives from the Spanish “Nuestra Señora de los Nieves,” which means “Our Lady of the Snows,” presumably for the white clouds that often shroud the top the Nevis Peak. In the 18th century, its sugarcane plantations generated so much wealth for its then British inhabitants that it came to be known as the “Queen of the Caribees.” Old sugarcane mills still dot the landscape, and several of plantation great-houses have been converted to inns. Elsewhere, Georgian stone buildings survive in the capital city of Charlestown and in several of the island’s numerous churches, including St. Paul’s Anglican Church, which dates to 1830.
Ultimately, though, what I remember most from my visits to Nevis are the warm, genuinely friendly people. And one place to meet them is on the tennis court. Peter Burwash International has managed this tennis facility since the resort opened. Almost since the beginning, the PBI pros here have sought to involve the hotel’s management and staff in tennis, and to encourage local participation, with the quite practical goal of having a diverse stable of players to draw on when guests come looking for matches.
Tennis Staff: PBI pro Eric Thorel directs the programming. Originally from France, Eric has run racquet programs with Peter Burwash International for over 30 years at some of the top clubs and resorts worldwide. In his formative years, Eric played competitively and attended a High-Performance Coaching & Management internship at the IMG Academy in Florida. He is also a certified USPTA Elite professional, PTR L2, USTA Sport Science and Youth Development. He inherits a well-run program of private lessons, adult clinics, game matching, and a weekly social mixer that brings together locals and guests. There's also a "Never Touched a Racquet" clinic which introduces new comers to the basic skills of hitting a tennis and/or pickleball. During school holidays, the resort offers "Red-Orange-Green" junior clinics, and Eric is now training the St Kitts & Nevis U12-14-16 national juniors.
The racquets facility is also open to the residents, and a ball-machine is available, so there's no shortage of hitting and playing opportunities, especially during the high season.
Court Complex: Laid out singly or in pairs, the two hard courts—one with bleachers—two artificial grass courts, four red-clay courts, and four pickleball courts wrap around the two-story golf-and-tennis clubhouse in an area of the resort known as the “Sports Pavilion,” which also encompasses the spa and fitness center. Weathered wooden pavilions at the edge of the courts provide shade, benches, and a supply of chilled water, tropical fruit juice, towels, and scented chilled towels. Five of the courts have lights. In addition, the resort has four pickleball courts to take advantage of the growing interest in that racquet sport.
Off Court
Beach: Pinney’s Beach stretches for four miles along this western coast of Nevis. The section that borders the Four Seasons has a berm seeded with low grasses and plants to protect the resort from the sea. Four supremely comfortable beach houses, each with a flat-screen TV, room service, and lounge chairs, stand atop the berm and can be rented for the day. Behind them and to the east is an infinity pool and wading pool for families, the open-air Caribbean-American On The Dune, and the watersports center, which has Hobie cats, kayaks, seaboards, paddleboats, snorkel gear, stand-up paddleboards and more—non-motorized equipment is complimentary. There is another, quieter pool for adults only at the southern end of the property.
Golf Courses: Designed by Robert Trent Jones, III., this 18-hole course climbs up and down the lower slopes of the 3,232-foot dormant volcano of Nevis Peak. The 15th is among the most spectacular, requiring a 240-yard carry across a ravine to reach the fairway while green vervet monkeys provide commentary from the adjacent trees, though for stunning views, the 9th hole stands out, a fairway that spills down the mountain slope toward the Caribbean and St. Kitts beyond.
Spa & Fitness Center: For tennis players, the Sports Pavilioncould scarcely have a better location, just off the plaza that borders the courts. The Fitness Center contains an array cardio machines, each with its own TV screen, arrayed along a wall with windows on the tropical foliage and Nevis Peak outside. Behind those machines is a row of LifeFitness stations, supplemented by dumbbells and freeweights. The Spa has a dozen treatment rooms, six of them in tiny cottages with cedar-shake roofs, yellow clapboard siding, and white gingerbread trim. They flow through a courtyard filled with tropical gardens. Guests can use the time before or after treatments to relax in an air-conditioned lounge or sit outside on a covered patio paved with stones or around a plunge pool with views of Nevis Peak or around a second pool with a waterfall. Treatments range from a variety of traditional massages to body wraps, skin-care services, manicures, and pedicures. Room service delivers spa cuisine.
The resort also offers scuba diving lessons and boat dives, catamaran snorkel tours, deep-sea fishing excursions, guided kayak tours, and a Laser sailing school.
Children's programs: The “Kids for All Seasons” program accepts children ages 3 to 9 for a full-day of supervised recreation, creative and educational activities highlighted by a sea turtle education program that focuses on Nevis’s endangered sea turtles. For others, there is an air-conditioned games room with Foosbal, a pool table, various board and video games.
Dining: The signature restaurant is the new EsQuilina, which offers breakfast buffet in the morning and a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired menu in the evening. My favorite, however, is Mango in a former plantation beach club at the northern end of the property. Steps from the water and open to the breeze, it specializes in West Indian-inspired fare like crab and mango salad, Mango’s famous glazed ribs, locally caught whole fried snapper or a Caribbean roti, washed down with, say, a Mangojito made with the local Brinley mango rum. In addition, there is the On the Dune restaurant and bar near the beach and pool for light fare during the day and Kastawey, a beach bar located at the southern end of the property, serves up creative rum cocktails and light bites featuring locally sourced ingredients from land and sea.
As an alternative, you can catch a cab to dine at Montpelier Plantation or the Golden Rock Inn, or stroll up the beach to celebrity favorite Sunshine’s (don’t miss their Killer Bees, a rum drink), Chevy’s, or the Double Deuce.
Accommodations
The resort comprise both rooms and suites and luxury villas. The rooms and suites can be found in two-story, shingle-roofed clusters faced in weathered wood and white stucco with latticework trim. In general, they follow the curve of Pinney’s Beach behind an expanse of lawn, gardens, and the occasional palm tree. These are spacious, light-drenched accommodations have been decorated in chic Caribbean style. First floor rooms open out onto patios and thus have direct access to the beach; second-floor rooms afford more privacy and have balconies. All are equipped with a variety of creature comforts, including flat-screen televisions, coffee makers, complimentary WiFi, and oversize marble baths with soaking tubs and separate walk-in showers. And in a boon to tennis players, each cluster of rooms has a free guest laundry (there’s even a package of detergent)—something you rarely find at an upscale resort but one that also partly explains why Four Seasons Nevis is popular with families. The luxury villas range from one to seven bedrooms and feature large living areas, fully equipped kitchens, and expansive balconies and terraces along with private pools or plunge pools.
Getting there
Travel Instructions: The nearest airport is Vance W. Amory International Airport (NEV) at the north end of Nevis, which has service from Puerto Rico and other Caribbean islands. The alternative is Robert Llewllyn Bradshaw International Airport (SKB) on the nearby island of St. Kitts, which has direct flights from Miami, Charlotte, Atlanta, New York, Newark, Toronto and London. The Four Seasons staff provide transport from the airport by private taxi and boat directly to the resort pier.
After spending a week here and working with Eric, I can say that PBI does not disappoint. My tennis experience at FS Nevis was as good as I remembered it 15 years ago on our last visit. The facilities are great-different court surfaces, fresh towels, water, shade close and a selection of pros that make the experience top notch. As I have visited several resort facilities where PBI is embedded, I am sold on the quality of their pros, the consistent technique and customer service approach that makes working hard at tennis while on vacation a true joy!
I have had wonderful experiences with PBI run programs in Punta Mita, Half Moon Bay and Austria. Eric and his team were as good as I expected and then some. We worked seriously on certain aspects of my play and I am thankful to take my learnings back home.
DF
Fantastic racquets facility. Eric is a true professional and it was a pleasure to hit with him over the week. Fun and technical clinics, good players across guests, pros did well to match people up and encourage tennis and pickleball play which is ideal for vacation. Excited to return!
BI
We had a great time in Four Seasons Nevis. The sports facilities are great and their tennis and pickleball program was very enjoyable. They had 4 pros and our big family and friends played with all the pros. So much fun with Lucas, Eric and Luca.
CP
Jeff and his staff are true professionals. Whether you are their first lesson of the day or the last -they treat you as if they have not been on the court for days on end in the hot sun. They make every session fun and helpful.
True professionals- and great warm and friendly people.
AK
Outstanding tennis experience in every single aspect, especially Lucas Befi who is a great coach and hitting partner. Lucas is a great coach, he knows exactly what fundamentals need work and is able to coach all levels from young kids to advanced adult players. The facilities and the other coaches are all great too. The strong tennis program is the one of the reasons we have returned to the resort many times. Look forward to training with Lucas again soon.
LM
Great facilities and great instruction. We had an amazing time with Eric playing tennis during our stay.
SF
Eric is an excellent coach. Facilities are excellent. AstroTurf, hard, and clay courts. No issues with booking lessons or courts.
AG
Beautiful resort, beautiful tennis and pickleball courts. Great tennis program with a lot of teachers. During the festive the courts were super busy and many players of different levels to hit with them.
DR
I took three private lessons with Eric Thorel two weeks ago. I have already implemented the great tips he provided and have recommended him to many friends. Playing with Eric was the highlight of my stay at the Four Seasons in Nevis!
BC
I took a tennis clinic at the Four Seasons Nevis with the head pro, Eric. I had a great time with him. he was able to immediately correct an inconsistent forehand that I’ve been hitting weakly lately. And he helped me to add easy power to my backhand with thoughtful advice. He definitely pushed me positively and had great feedback during my sessions. I left confident in my game and looking to play more when I get home. The booking experience was easy and smooth. I can’t recommend Eric enough for the casual to advanced player looking to improve your game as he was relatable and fun to play with. 10 stars!!
PF
I recently had the pleasure of staying at the Four Seasons Resort in Nevis, and I am delighted to share my exceptional experience. The resort’s property is truly fantastic, providing the perfect setting for a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
One of the highlights of my stay was the outstanding tennis experience. The courts are beautifully maintained, and the services provided were top-notch. Special thanks go to Eric, whose expertise and dedication made my tennis sessions not only enjoyable but also engaging. His professionalism and enthusiasm significantly enhanced my overall experience.
In conclusion, my stay at the Four Seasons Resort in Nevis was remarkable, and I look forward to returning in the future. I highly recommend this resort to anyone seeking a luxurious and serene getaway.
EA
Excellent tennis program. Jose and Luca are the heart and soul of the tennis experience. Both are young and exceptionally skilled who have played competitively at USA university level. They make lessons fun and interesting, with innovative drills and entertaining games. They both can hit competitively with the most advanced players as well as keep young kids interested and engaged. There is also an older pro who is good for pickle-ball and for tennis beginners or less energetic players who prefer a more leisurely pace with more verbal explanation and demonstration.
JG
Our family had the most incredible holiday. We loved the staff at the tennis shop, especially our coach Eric. He made learning the sport really fun and gave us excellent pointers. We highly recommend the hotel and its staff to everyone.
JS
LT
A great well rounded vacation of tennis, golf, food, beach and accommodations The tennis staff and especially Jose were excellent instructors full of energy and extremely nice
AR
Jose Nino was incredible. Made every lesson and group session super fun and rewarding. The mountains in the background were so beautiful & the courts were clean and manicured. Highly recommend
HW
Four Seasons Resort Nevis is a unique resort on a very special island. To feel taken care of at all times & being on such a safe little lush island is an experience you have never endured before. This little paradise must be experienced either with family, friends or alone.
We want to see your racquet sports vacations! When you’re documenting your trip, tag @TennisResortsOnline on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn and use #TROAdventures for a chance to be featured on our page.
266 Reviews on “Four Seasons Resort Nevis”
After spending a week here and working with Eric, I can say that PBI does not disappoint. My tennis experience at FS Nevis was as good as I remembered it 15 years ago on our last visit. The facilities are great-different court surfaces, fresh towels, water, shade close and a selection of pros that make the experience top notch. As I have visited several resort facilities where PBI is embedded, I am sold on the quality of their pros, the consistent technique and customer service approach that makes working hard at tennis while on vacation a true joy!
I have had wonderful experiences with PBI run programs in Punta Mita, Half Moon Bay and Austria. Eric and his team were as good as I expected and then some. We worked seriously on certain aspects of my play and I am thankful to take my learnings back home.
Fantastic racquets facility. Eric is a true professional and it was a pleasure to hit with him over the week. Fun and technical clinics, good players across guests, pros did well to match people up and encourage tennis and pickleball play which is ideal for vacation. Excited to return!
We had a great time in Four Seasons Nevis. The sports facilities are great and their tennis and pickleball program was very enjoyable. They had 4 pros and our big family and friends played with all the pros. So much fun with Lucas, Eric and Luca.
Jeff and his staff are true professionals. Whether you are their first lesson of the day or the last -they treat you as if they have not been on the court for days on end in the hot sun. They make every session fun and helpful.
True professionals- and great warm and friendly people.
Outstanding tennis experience in every single aspect, especially Lucas Befi who is a great coach and hitting partner. Lucas is a great coach, he knows exactly what fundamentals need work and is able to coach all levels from young kids to advanced adult players. The facilities and the other coaches are all great too. The strong tennis program is the one of the reasons we have returned to the resort many times. Look forward to training with Lucas again soon.
Great facilities and great instruction. We had an amazing time with Eric playing tennis during our stay.
Eric is an excellent coach. Facilities are excellent. AstroTurf, hard, and clay courts. No issues with booking lessons or courts.
Beautiful resort, beautiful tennis and pickleball courts. Great tennis program with a lot of teachers. During the festive the courts were super busy and many players of different levels to hit with them.
I took three private lessons with Eric Thorel two weeks ago. I have already implemented the great tips he provided and have recommended him to many friends. Playing with Eric was the highlight of my stay at the Four Seasons in Nevis!
I took a tennis clinic at the Four Seasons Nevis with the head pro, Eric. I had a great time with him. he was able to immediately correct an inconsistent forehand that I’ve been hitting weakly lately. And he helped me to add easy power to my backhand with thoughtful advice. He definitely pushed me positively and had great feedback during my sessions. I left confident in my game and looking to play more when I get home. The booking experience was easy and smooth. I can’t recommend Eric enough for the casual to advanced player looking to improve your game as he was relatable and fun to play with. 10 stars!!
I recently had the pleasure of staying at the Four Seasons Resort in Nevis, and I am delighted to share my exceptional experience. The resort’s property is truly fantastic, providing the perfect setting for a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
One of the highlights of my stay was the outstanding tennis experience. The courts are beautifully maintained, and the services provided were top-notch. Special thanks go to Eric, whose expertise and dedication made my tennis sessions not only enjoyable but also engaging. His professionalism and enthusiasm significantly enhanced my overall experience.
In conclusion, my stay at the Four Seasons Resort in Nevis was remarkable, and I look forward to returning in the future. I highly recommend this resort to anyone seeking a luxurious and serene getaway.
Excellent tennis program. Jose and Luca are the heart and soul of the tennis experience. Both are young and exceptionally skilled who have played competitively at USA university level. They make lessons fun and interesting, with innovative drills and entertaining games. They both can hit competitively with the most advanced players as well as keep young kids interested and engaged. There is also an older pro who is good for pickle-ball and for tennis beginners or less energetic players who prefer a more leisurely pace with more verbal explanation and demonstration.
Our family had the most incredible holiday. We loved the staff at the tennis shop, especially our coach Eric. He made learning the sport really fun and gave us excellent pointers. We highly recommend the hotel and its staff to everyone.
A great well rounded vacation of tennis, golf, food, beach and accommodations The tennis staff and especially Jose were excellent instructors full of energy and extremely nice
Jose Nino was incredible. Made every lesson and group session super fun and rewarding. The mountains in the background were so beautiful & the courts were clean and manicured. Highly recommend
Four Seasons Resort Nevis is a unique resort on a very special island. To feel taken care of at all times & being on such a safe little lush island is an experience you have never endured before. This little paradise must be experienced either with family, friends or alone.