Take the friendliest attributes of a small town and drop them on one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, and you have Nevis. Not only is every taxi driver an expert guide offering you the best way to explore, on a flexible “island tour” where you stop and go as you please, but you can be assured your driver will know just about everyone he passes. You will see majestic ruins of the sugar mills that once were the sole basis of the economy, almond trees bursting with nuts and cricketers taking to public fields in their whites. What you will not see is much urbanity, as local law prohibits buildings higher than the palm trees, making Nevis one of the least-developed Caribbean resort destinations. Visitors can explore and dine at preserved plantation homes that once anchored the sugar-cane industry. The island’s charms include its many beaches, Nevis’ best-known attraction, especially Pinney’s, a bright white stretch over three miles (5 kilometres) long with little except a few local eateries. The island’s Robert Trent Jones Jr.–designed golf course is consistently ranked among the Caribbean’s very best, and showcases the island’s dramatic scenery.