<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><?xml-stylesheet type="text/xsl" href="destination.xslt"?><destination_content id="SKB" author="Apple Vacations" title="Destination Content" version="1.0" generated="21-Sep-2005 10:45.14 EDT"><general_info title="General Destination Information"><gg_content_a datatype="image" title="Weather Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_sun.gif</gg_content_a><gg_content_b datatype="text" title="Weather Text">These islands enjoy a tropical climate with low humidity and an average yearly temperature of 79°F. Year-round temperatures range from 68 to 90°F, with cooling trade winds, and the annual rainfall averages 55 inches.</gg_content_b><gg_content_c datatype="image" title="Destination Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/destination/main_dest_skb_1.jpg</gg_content_c><gg_content_d datatype="text" title="Destination Name">St. Kitts</gg_content_d><gg_content_e datatype="text" title="Destination Description">&lt;FONT FACE=&quot;ARIAL&quot; SIZE=&quot;2&quot; COLOR=&quot;#000000&quot; CLASS=&quot;H3STYLE&quot;&gt;&lt;B&gt;The Secret Caribbean Paradise&lt;/B&gt;&lt;/FONT&gt;&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;St. Kitts embodies a kind of lush tropical paradise... an intoxicating blend of natural scenic beauty, rich vegetation and azure-blue waters. For eco-tourists or anyone who enjoys natural wonders, St. Kitts will exceed your every expectation. Hiking is the best way to see the splendor of this island, with a trek that will take you into the crater of a dormant volcano or through an emerald green rainforest. The exceptionally clean white and black sand beaches of Frigate Bay Beach and Friar&apos;s Bay offer some of the best swimming on the island, while divers are sure to discover colorful reefs and possibly even ancient shipwrecks.</gg_content_e><gg_content_f datatype="image" title="Destination Map">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/destination/map_dest_skb.jpg</gg_content_f></general_info><destination_hotels title="Hotels In Destination"><hg_content_a title="St. Kitts"><hotel_list_item title="211590"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">St. Kitts Marriott Resort &amp; Royal Beach Casino</hotel_name><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">This AAA 4 Diamond Resort invites you to experience a level of outstanding service and luxurious amenities that stands out from...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>6</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/skb_211590paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="211335"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Ottley&apos;s Plantation Inn</hotel_name><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">Nestled in the remaining stone walls of the old sugar factory, this magnificent Caribbean hideaway is set and the foot of...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>5</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/skb_211335paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="210276"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Frigate Bay Resort</hotel_name><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">You&apos;ll enjoy scenic views of Frigate Bay at this beautifully furnished resort. Soak up the warm Caribbean sun while relaxing on...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>4</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/skb_210276paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="200442"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Ocean Terrace Inn</hotel_name><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">Ocean Terrace Inn is located on a magnificently landscaped hilltop with dramatic views of Basseterre Bay and Nevis. Take the...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>4</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/skb_200442paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="210275"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Sugar Bay Club, St Kitts</hotel_name><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">Nestled upon five beautifully landscaped acres at Frigate Bay along the Atlantic shore, this newly renovated hotel offers comfort...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>4</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/skb_210275paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="210303"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Bird Rock Beach Hotel</hotel_name><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">Set amidst tropical gardens, this hotel overlooks the crystal blue Caribbean Sea with spectacular views of Nevis to the east, and...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>3</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/skb_210303paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="210274"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Timothy Beach Resort</hotel_name><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">Timothy Beach Resort is the only hotel in the Frigate Bay area that sits directly on the calm, Caribbean Sea. Set on a half mile...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>3</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/skb_210274paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item></hg_content_a></destination_hotels><destination_about title="About Destination"><ag_content_a title="Things To Do &amp; See"><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Brimstone Hill Fortress">This imposing fort took over 100 years to build, and has some of the best views anywhere. Parts of the fort have been converted into a museum, and the summit offers a great spot for a picnic.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Caribelle Batik at the Gardens of Romney">Visit beautifully manicured gardens and an ancient, sprawling Sama Tree. On your way to Caribelle Batik, see Bloody Point, and then stop to examine ancient petroglyphs.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="St. Kitts Sugar Factory">Observe the transformation of raw cane into bulk sugar, and see why for centuries the sugar from St. Kitts has been rated among the best.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Carib Brewery Tour">See the secrets of brewing the most popular beer in the Caribbean on the free tour, then stop for a cold one!</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Potpourri">&lt;B&gt;Currency&lt;/B&gt;&lt;BR&gt; The East Caribbean dollar is the official currency. U.S. currency and credit cards are accepted throughout the island.&lt;BR&gt; &lt;BR&gt; For the &lt;B&gt;latest information&lt;/B&gt; on festivals, attractions, restaurants and bars, see the St. Kitts Department of Tourism&apos;s signature magazine, &lt;I&gt;The Visitor&lt;/I&gt;.  It can be found at the tourism offices and hotels throughout the island.&lt;BR&gt; &lt;BR&gt; &lt;B&gt;Weddings &amp; Honeymoons&lt;/B&gt;&lt;BR&gt; St. Kitts is the ideal place to have a honeymoon, and also makes getting married easy with simple marriage law! The hard part comes in trying to choose from dozens of scenic and romantic spots to tie the knot!&lt;BR&gt; &lt;BR&gt; &lt;B&gt;Taxis&lt;/B&gt; are readily available with prices fixed by the government. If you &lt;B&gt;rent a car&lt;/B&gt;,  you must first purchase a local driver&apos;s license, available for $50 EC - - and remember to drive on the left!&lt;BR&gt; &lt;BR&gt; &lt;B&gt;Be sure to attend the Apple Welcome Briefing&lt;/B&gt; where your Representative will acquaint you with St. Kitts and recommend a variety of excursions, restaurants and more!</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Nevis Day Trip">A 6-minute flight or 45-minute water ferry brings you to St. Kitts&apos; sister island, where you can lounge in ancient thermal springs or on a pink sand beach.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Black Rocks">Unique formations made when lava hit the ocean, surrounded by great views.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="St. Thomas Church">Visit the church and see the tomb of Sir Thomas Warner, the &quot;gentleman of London&quot; who brought the first settlers to St. Kitts. The tomb (dated 1648 and engraved in Old English) sits under a green gazebo in the churchyard.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Monkey Hill">Named for the more than 125,000 green African monkeys that inhabit the islands, this 1,319-foot knoll is the perfect spot to view these adorable creatures. It&apos;s an easy climb to the top, and you&apos;ll be rewarded with a beautiful view of the summit. Also, be sure to notice the overgrown ruins of The Glen, a former plantation great house.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Downtown Basseterre">A towering cathedral, Victorian clock tower, and centuries-old stone buildings offer an interesting glimpse into the island&apos;s long history.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Golf">Golf is great in St. Kitts, with challenging courses throughout the island, all with incredible views. Tee off on links that run through sugar mill ruins, or up the slopes of a volcano.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Carnival - &lt;I&gt;Late Dec. - Early Jan.&lt;/I&gt;">A flamboyant display of colorful costumes, masks, parades and dancing.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="St. Kitts Music Fest - &lt;I&gt;Late June&lt;/I&gt;">Performers and music lovers flock to St. Kitts from all over the world for four nights of salsa, soca, samba, reggae, jazz, gospel and Rhythm &amp; Blues.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Shopping">The streets of Basseterre are lined with duty-free shops and markets filled with local arts, crafts and treasures. Most stores close by 4:00 pm, and are closed all day Sundays.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Endangered Animals">The island is home to a variety of animals, like monkeys, the rare Hawksbill bird, and the Greenback sea turtle. Guided kayak-snorkeling trips are an excellent way to view these exotic species.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Mangroves">Where the land and ocean mix, wild mangroves provide a unique habitat full of interesting sites and creatures. Watchful crabs live among twisted trees, while thousands of birds make a home of this interesting area.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Volcano and Rainforest National Park">Mt. Liamuiga, a.k.a. Mt. Misery, is the cloud draped, dormant volcano that dominates the island. The challenging hike through a rainforest rewards its visitors with awe-inspiring sights along the way, and a stunning view of St. Kitts and seven nearby islands from the top.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Dining">Capitalizing on its unique fruits, vegetables and freshly caught seafood, St. Kitts offers great Caribbean cuisine with local flourishes of flavor.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Southeast Island Tour">A six-mile road connects the marshy edge of the island with Basseterre, winding through hidden coves, peaceful bays and protected forest areas of rare plants and animals - even monkeys!</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Catamaran Cruises">Hit the water in these boats for exciting snorkeling and picnic trips, or romantic sunset cruises.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Kayaking">This adventurous sport is becoming increasingly popular, especially around picturesque shores near the areas of Turtle Beach and Frigate Bay, where kayaks can be rented.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Diving">St. Kitts offers rare underwater sights including volcanic vents and increasingly rare black coral. The reefs and shelves off of St. Kitts are relatively unknown, and include exotic fish, many fascinating wrecks and coral caves.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Fishing">Anglers can test their skills in search of Tuna, Amberjack, Wahoo and trophy-bill fish including Marlin.</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Snorkeling">Spots abound throughout the waters with some good snorkeling right off the beach near Old Road Town and in Dieppe Bay.</activity_list_item></ag_content_a><ag_content_b title="Travel Information"><airport datatype="text" title="Airport Info">Travel to and from St. Kitts uses the &lt;b&gt;Robert Llewelyn Bradshaw International Airport&lt;/b&gt;.</airport><taxes datatype="text" title="Departure Taxes">Departure taxes are generally &lt;b&gt;$15.00 US&lt;/b&gt;</taxes><rental_cars datatype="text" title="Rental Cars">In order to rent a car in St. Kitts or Nevis, you will need to purchase a permit from the Traffic Department (approximately $11 U.S.), and remember to drive on the left-hand side of the road. On St. Kitts, the only major agent is AVIS (869-465-6507, 1-800-331-1084). A &amp; T Car Rentals offers affordable four door vehicles, they are on Parkrange Street in Brasetterre (869-465-4030). A local agent that offers cars and jeeps is Delisle Walwyn &amp; Co. (869-465-8449). On Nevis, you can try Skeetes Car Rental (869-469-9458).</rental_cars><currency datatype="text" title="Local Currency">The currency in St. Kitts is the &lt;b&gt;Eastern Caribbean Dollar&lt;/b&gt;.</currency><proof_of_citizenship datatype="text" title="Required Proof Of Citizenship">Valid US passport or state-issued birth certificate with photo ID.</proof_of_citizenship><minors datatype="text" title="Traveling With Minors">Minors traveling with only one parent or adults other than their parents must have a notarized letter from the absent parent(s) authorizing them to be taken out of the country.  If the parent is deceased, a copy of the death certificate will be required for check in at the airport.</minors><tips datatype="text" title="Tips">A 10% service charge is added to most restaurant bills. Additional tipping is not expected, but is appreciated.</tips></ag_content_b><ag_content_c title="Special Notes" datatype="text"/><ag_content_d title="Wedding Requirements" datatype="text">Waiting period is two working days (not including Saturday and Sunday); proof of divorce or a death certificate is required, if applicable; and the fee is $20 if the couple have been residents of St. Kitts for 15 days or more, $80 if under 15 days.</ag_content_d></destination_about></destination_content>