Renovations

• All the better to see the sea — Sturge and Junior have been working to clear out the dense foliage so that the views can be opened up. Now all the rooms can clearly see the wild blue yonder.
• We have begun giving the bathrooms a fresh new look, which includes a new shower, sink, mirrors, vanities, and tiles.
• Two new room categories have been created as we continue our efforts to improve the property. The Plantation rooms have new bathrooms and the bedrooms have been redone to offer a fresh look.
• To give you the sweetest slumber possible we have new comfort form mattresses. Guests have said dreams have never been better than when they are in Nevis. For those who liked the original ones - not to worry they are still here and you can have your choice.
• Over 600 feet of new water lines were run to each cottage replacing the 38 year old galvanized water lines. We are hopeful that this will give everyone a bit more water pressure.
• The gardens are looking better and better. There is a new Kitchen Herb Garden by the Gate House that is being cultivated to provide organic herbs for the chefs.
• Beach shack has been spruced up and in keeping with its classic Nevisian style - the tin roof is as red as red can be. And it is always good to have an island rum drink by the tranquil sea overlooking St. Kitts.

All About Relaxation

• The reading gazebo by the croquet lawn is finally shaded over by vines, making it the perfect place for an afternoon nap, a gripping book or active commentary on the croquet.
• Our DVD library has grown to include the latest academy award nominations as well as a more extensive audio library.

News from the Kitchen

• Mark Roberts has found great inspiration from all the guests at Montpelier and has decided to pursue Caribbean leisure full time. When you return he can be found liming at the Double Deuce and relaxing at the tiller of his sailboat.
• Wilma Webbe, after 20+ years, will be taking a year’s sabbatical from the kitchen and we look forward to tasting her Coconut Shrimps before long.
• We are delighted to announce that Janice Ryan will be our new Executive Chef. As many of you know she has been working with Mark for the past four years as Head Chef. Janice has a particularly creative flair that you will no doubt recognize when you return.
• Our new Chef de Cuisine is Patrick O’Toole who joins us with his wife Ronna and daughter Quintessa (2 years). Patrick was Executive Chef at the fine dining restaurant Peerless in Oregon and Ronna was the Head Pastry Chef.
• We also welcome to the kitchen team: Nadia Kelly and Mike Kelly who worked with us as an intern and has now been hired as a prep cook.
• Janice will ensure that Montpelier cuisine will continue to be continental with local influences. We will also be looking to harmonize our menu with wines throughout the seasons. We hope to introduce menus that are specifically paired with certain wines, as well as creating innovative tasting menus.
• To help you choose just the right wine from our extensive cellars we have re-designed our wine list to show the wines by style and not by regions of the world.

Family News

• Both Gail and Sturge were nominated for “Employee of the Year” and Donna Bartlette was nominated for the “Long Service Award” for Nevis’ Annual Tourism Awards.
• Tim and Meredith have done it again, but this time twice as good. TWIN girls, Jasmine (6lb 12oz) and Maya (5lb 12oz) were born on 22 July. Kyler, at 3, has started going to the local school and loves playing with his sisters.
• Calypso has perfected his “ball into the hall” game and his playful reputation is spreading far and wide. We still can’t find Arawak, who remains the elusive cat. Rudder is just as lovable as ever.
• Tonya has her own business in London – Leading Minds – which provides consulting in leadership and executive coaching. In her spare time she is tutoring children.

Island News

• After 14 years the CCM party lost the July election to the NRP. Nevis’ new Premier is Joe Parry. Interestingly the election was decided in two districts which the NRP needed to win, and the margin was 63 votes.
• “Bananas” has opened in a new location up in Hamilton and is fabulously designed in a Nevisian cottage style.
• Pam Berry at Golden Rock has some new partners and plans are for a newly expanded dining room.
• Rivers of Time: Why Is Everyone Talking to Philippa?

This historical mystery novel set in Montpelier Plantation Inn, is finally on its way to press. Publication – in the USA and UK - is scheduled for June 2007. Most visitors to Montpelier will know of the remarkable 17th century marker tablet on Saddle Hill that has puzzled us all, since it records merely the date of death of one of the earliest women ever to arrive in Nevis. Years of exacting historical research both in the Caribbean and England, has revealed not only who Philippa was and where she came from, but an enormous amount about her life and that of her descendants too. This short novel will contain a wealth of beautiful photographs and documents.

For further information and advance orders, please contact the author: June Goodfield on june.goodfield@virgin.net

Special thanks to Photographic Eye for the new pictures presented in the Newsletter. Tim and Melissa stayed with us for their honeymoon in 2005.

SPECIALS We are offering a ‘Fifth Anniversary’ package to our guests. It is hard to believe that it has been five years, and time certainly has flown by. This special is our way of saying thank you! We realize that much of the success of the hotel is due to our guests returning year after year, and telling friends. Anniversary Special Two nights' free with any seven day booking Candlelight dinner for two in the 18th century Mill Beach picnic with a bottle of house wine Special welcome gift Welcoming rum punch Daily full English cooked breakfast with fresh squeezed juice and home made breads and jams Daily afternoon tea with home made cakes and scones served on the Quarter Deck Fresh fruit in the room daily Nightly turn down service Concierge service Transportation to our private Caribbean beach with lounge chairs, showers, and sun shelters Complimentary snorkeling and tennis equipment Complimentary internet services Includes 20% hotel tax and service charge Validity Period: Summer: 1 June to 31 Oct. 2007 $1,680 per couple Spring/Autumn: 1 May to 31 May 2007/ 1 Nov. to 13 Dec. 2007 $2,280 per couple Winter: March 20th to 30 April 2007 $2,880 per couple Note: Please book prior to July 30th 2007

Cooking Montpelier Style

Passionfruit Gelee

• 3 fresh passionfruit
• 400 ml simple sugar syrup
• 200 ml passionfruit puree
• 5 leaves gelatine

Soak the gelatine in cold iced water,until softened. Squeeze out all the excess water.

Scoop out the passionfruit seeds and pulp and place in a food processor. Proceed to separate the seeds from the flesh, by just pulsing the machine for a few seconds at a time. You don’t want to break up the little black seeds. Remove and retain the seeds, and strain the rest of the passionfruit pulp, retaining the juice.

Add the seeds and juice to the sugar syrup and passionfruit puree.

In a little pan warm up about one third of the passionfruit juice, and dissolve the hydrated gelatine leaves in it.

Gradually incorporate this mixture into the rest of the passionfruit juice.

Cool over a bowl of iced water, but don’t allow it to set.

When cool, pour into pretty glasses (about 6 – 8 depending on the size of the glass) and leave in the fridge until set, about 6 – 8 hours.

Decorate with a little whipped cream and a sprig of fresh mint. You can also serve this with a scoop of lemon or orange ice-cream.

Pastry Chef Annelise Leibbrandt

New Villa Suite Pictures

New News A new two-bedroom two-bath villa suite will be completed by early next year. This new villa is located on the western end of the property with its own plunge pool and 180 degree views of the Atlantic ocean. Over the last few years, we have witnessed in Nevis an increasing demand for high-end villas and related rentals. To date, this has largely been the Four Seasons market and people are now looking for alternatives. In response to this, we have recently been presented with a suitable opportunity for Montpelier guests to enter this market and make a long-term investment. In the coming weeks we will make a more detailed announcement but just wanted to give you a heads up. The front office has a new face greeting our guests. Janelle Archibald joined the front office last month. Her primary roles include guest services, concierges, and reservations.