We just got an exchange to St Kitts. For anyone that has gone, can you give me some tips on what to do on the island? Should we rent a car? Any interesting places to visit on the island? How far is the Marriott from the airport, and are their taxis available?
We've enjoyed a number of trips to St. Kitts. Looking forward to another visit in February. The people there are wonderful, the island isn't over built - I've heard it called "old Caribbean".
St. Kitts is wonderful to visit in our view- in some ways because there isn't an overabundance of things to do. Instead, we can more fully relax when we get there. It is DWs favorite vacation club.
Responding to your questions:
Here are some suggestions of what to do (from our experiences)
Go to the Brimstone Hill fortress
Do a scenic train tour
Spend a day in Nevis
Take a catamaran sail trip
Check out some other beaches - Cockleshell, South Friars come to mind
Visit Shipwreck Bar (and maybe see some monkeys!) & Grill and Reggae Beach Bar & Grill (not on the same day!!)
Do some limin'
There are some nice restaurants around. We've enjoyed Marshall's and Serendipity, but others would have their great suggestions to add. I'd recommend a bit of immersion and head out to Sprat Net for some food and music one evening.
I would strongly recommend avoiding the steak and Italian restaurants on site. The Bohemia grill is nice for lunch though. We've also enjoyed some pizza from the shack most trips. If its within your taste, check out the shacks on the "other side" (Its not that long a walk).
We've decided against renting a car each time so far. I know we're certainly not interested in driving back from Shipwreck or Reggae Beach! Taxis are abundant (although they have gone up in price notably over the last 5 years or so). There should be plenty of taxis at the airport. Its about a 10 minute ride. If you find a taxi driver you are comfortable with, they'll (likely) be quite happy to give you a card and support your travel needs throughout your visit and be just a call away.
Folks have discussed the seaweed at the beach as a negative. Honestly, has been there most of our visits. They have a tractor that cleans up the beach daily. Some (and maybe a bit more than "some") seaweed at the beach doesn't bother us at all. But I do respect that it bothers others more than us.
I know others have great experiences to share.
Rush Slowly!