In 1988, Bermudian hotelier David Dodwell Sr. took an unplanned day trip from St. Kitts over to smaller, quieter sister island, Nevis. It was a trip that changed many people’s lives forever.
A hidden gem to dust off
Touring the island on his own, Mr. Dodwell made his way down a small road. Intrigued by an oceanfront inn for sale, he pulled in to have a look.
“When I first visited Nisbet Plantation, stepped around the corner of the Great House and saw the view down the avenue (now the Avenue of the Palms), it took my breath away,” says owner David Dodwell who also owns Nisbet Plantation’s sister property, The Reefs Resort & Club in Bermuda. “I had never seen anything like that and instantly fell in love with Nisbet.
In May 1989, Mr. Dodwell purchased what remains the Caribbean’s only historic plantation inn located on a beach. Having instantly grasped its storied past of more than 200 years, he began a meticulous restoration along with an expansion that stayed true to the property’s identity.
A new life
Mr. Dodwell’s steadfast commitment since taking ownership has resulted in a resort of international stature, lifelong staff, loyal guests and many a great story.
We’ve graced the pages of Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler, celebrated newlyweds, welcomed their children and grandchildren, and helped many guests from the world over come feel perfectly at ease. Our long-serving staff, affectionately the Ladies and Gentlemen of Nisbet, continue to be our heartbeat. We’ve watched staff so-deservedly be named among the best in the world. They’ve witnessed “I dos,” let guests join them at church, shared family traditions and created the truly treasured relationships of picking up where you left off.
Please join us
This year we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Nisbet Plantation under Mr. Dodwell’s ownership. Everyone is invited to enter our staff-hosted, interactive 30th anniversary contest to show their Nisbet knowledge for a chance to win one of 12 six-day/five-night stays. We’ve already had our first set of winners visit and they even brought their friends!
Additionally, guests can stay this year on the 30th Anniversary Special. The same allure that drew Mr. Dodwell here remains at Nisbet Plantation and on our island home. Nevis is one of the few remaining uncommon, unhurried, uncrowded Caribbean islands. The island still has no traffic lights, no commercial chain restaurants, nor are buildings allowed to be any taller than a coconut palm.Thank you for continuing to be a part of Nisbet Plantation’s story. We look forward to writing this next chapter together.
