Romney Manor
Old Road Town, St. Kitts
Once a slave-holding sugar plantation, the 17th-century Romney Manor has been given new life as one of the island’s most beloved local crafts boutiques, Caribelle Batik. While here, make time to explore the grounds featuring gorgeous tropical botanical gardens and a host of ancient Carib petroglyphs on lava rocks.
The Basics
Romney Manor is a regular stop on most island tours and it’s easy to spend a few hours here exploring the various sights and attractions. At the enchanting Caribelle Batik, shop for gorgeous hand-dyed batik fabrics and apparel and watch women artisans at work, demonstrating their signature batik dyeing process. Before loading up on their wares, meander over to the 6-acre (2.4-hectare) botanical gardens where you may have a seat under a majestic 400-year-old saman tree. Next to Wingfield Estate, inspect the ancient Carib petroglyphs carved on large lava rocks, thought to be honoring the fertility gods. Tours that include a stop at the Romney Manor may include additional stops in Basseterre such as Bloody River and Brimstone Hill Fortress to learn about the island’s colonial history. For an added adventure, hop on an ATV to explore the island's rolling countryside.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Romney Manor is an ideal spot for history and nature lovers and shoppers looking for beautiful handmade fabrics and apparel.
- Have a refreshing drink at the Rainforest Bar within the botanical gardens.
- Remember sun protection for an exploration of the grounds.
- The manor is wheelchair-accessible.
How to Get There
Romney Manor is located in Old Road Town on the west coast of St. Kitts, about a 20-minute drive from the capital of Basseterre. Drive or take a taxi. Parking is available on-site. There are no public transportation options.
When to Get There
The manor is open daily, from morning until early evening. Peak season runs from December to April, during which time the biggest event of the year, National Carnival (also known as Sugar Mas), ignites the island in the run up to Christmas and New Year. For a more quiet time, visit between May and July when crowds dwindle and temperatures are not as hot and humid. During hurricane season, July to November, there may be limited ships and ferries.
Caribelle Batik
Founded in 1976, Caribelle Batik is a boutique located within Romney Manor that makes eye-catching fabrics and apparel using the traditional dyeing technique from Indonesia, with a signature Caribelle batik flair. Most of the beautiful items for sale are made on the premises; watch artisans at work as you choose which souvenir or gift to take home.
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