If you are already attending a Caribbean medical school, I know what you are thinking – the title is misleading! Caribbean medicine is where life’s stresses begin, and it only gets worse! Fair enough, but this post is about housing on the island – and I happened to fall into a fairy tale villa that is indeed pleasurable and relaxing.
Unless you arrive very early, it is difficult to find a place to live when you’re on your own. You will not know which areas are safe, what prices are fair, and returning upper semesters would have already snatched up the best apartments. You will probably end up at Rawlings or Potworks (or a random apartment on the housing list). This is not so bad however as people work hard to keep this list reputable.
Prices on this list range from $400 to $2000 per month. If you grew up in the ghettos, than you will be use to teh $400 apartments on the island. You can expect to share a studio, often with cockroaches and lizards if you are lucky and unusually large rodents if not.
I was not so fortunate in my first four months on the island. My plumbing always threw fits, the carpet began to smell, and I had enough hot water to take a lukewarm shower that lasted thirty seconds. It was kind of like camping.
When it comes time to find another place to live, I suggest moving into a pest free apartment with bright natural lighting (even at the expense of a few extra dollars). You may be farther away from school so you will need to rent or buy a car, but even taking that into account, it can be surprisingly affordable and emotionally rewarding. Best of all, my experience suggests that you will have better grades to show for it.
You can find available apartments through word of mouth or the campus housing office, though their lists are sometimes out of date. You can live in Potworks or Rawlings. The advantage is being within walking distance of campus. Nelson Springs Condos is the Las Vegas of Nevis with its pool bar and in-suite entertainment systems. It is expensive to live there, but you get what you pay for.
Since arriving on the island, I have lived in a $225/mo shared studio and also the luxury condos at Nelson Springs. Where I am living now however is by far the best ‘bang for the buck’ – and its classy too!
Here is how the villa is advertised on their website:
Overlooking Charlestown and the Caribbean Sea, Carino Hamilton Development is situated on the lower slopes of Nevis Peak. It is a local company which was established with a view to provide high-end condominiums and villas for the exclusive Nevisian real estate market. Carino gives its residents the benefit of cool mountain breezes and fabulous ocean views from it’s elevation of 500 feet.
The natural environment will provide you with the freshness and caress of cool mountain breezes and lush vegetation.
The spacious bedrooms boast queen sized beds with large closets, ceiling fans, dressers and air conditioning. The home is ‘hotel-like’ and includes fresh delivery of towels, linens, etc – Just bring your toothbrushes!
Services
* Wireless Internet Throughout The House
* Maid service twice per week (daily on request)
* Units self –contained – complete kitchens, washer and dryer
* 24 hours security
* Airport pickup based on requestWeekly Rates
April –November US$1200 – $1700December – March US$2500 – $3000
Take time to unwind on your private balcony over a cup of tea or at our poolside bar & restaurant with a glass of wine and enjoy a beautiful sunset and the magnificent views of the ocean and our sister island St. Kitts. Our warm and welcoming staff awaits your arrival with nothing short of world class service.
After looking at the weekly rates, I nearly discounted Carino Nevis as an option. But then curiosity got the best of me and I reached for my phone to see what kind of deal I could arrange for medical students.
The Scandinavian owners of the villa were so willing to work with me, that I couldn’t turn down the offer…
So here it is and I encourage any students looking for housing to come up and take a look. After looking at the units, you’ll probably think I must be splurging to stay here, but I can honestly say that I’m probably paying the same amount for rent as you are for wherever you are living!
Hamilton Estates will be my stomping grounds for 12 more months of basic science.
It is a two bedroom and we converted one of the rooms into an office for studying.
The management does a good job of taking care of things here – and they just happen to like students.
The only downside is the distance. I got decided however that is isn’t really a downside – my commutes back in Vancouver were much longer.
The Neighborhood (an introduction for brand new visitors)
Monkey, goats, tree-ripe mangoes and bananas – it’s all very exotic here. Whether you are looking for a unique tropical experience or a luxurious escape, Nevis is one awesome travel destination!
I came here to study medicine in a small international medical school located at the base of the volcano. Did I mention Nevis (the island) is actually a non-active volcano? Imagine that!
The villa is located 3/4 up the volcano with a great view of the ocean and the surrounding islands. It’s odd because you wouldn’t think first class restaurants and amenities exist on such a small and tranquil island, but I have managed to find many gems in my time here. Hidden and scattered around the island you will find world class restaurants serving up anything from fresh lobster and mussels to Jamaican pastries and world famous corn meal.
I can’t tell for sure what travelers are looking for when visiting an island like Nevis – this is because the reason for me being here is to study medicine in a 100% distraction free environment. The island is truly peaceful and serene. There really is nothing better to do here other than to RELAX.
The best I can do is explain the things which I have enjoyed. When I visit the small nearby town called Charlestown, I always try to stop in the Jamaican Bakery for freshly baked breads, swordfish pastries, and raisin wraps. On weekends I will walk up the street to a hidden restaurant near the peak of the mountain amidst lush forests called Bananas. It’s exotic and awesome to arrive in the evening when the winding path to the restaurant is purely lit by flame torches. It reminds me of the show Survivor when they are casting their votes. I would frequent the restaurant daily for food and drinks if I didn’t have classes to attend.
Last month my girlfriend and I went scuba diving for the very first time. It was wild because I didn’t even have a diving license – they trained me on the spot, and down we went! We saw all sorts of sea creatures like sea urchins, these glowing sand worms, lobstor, spiny legged crab, a massive sting ray, coral, shrimp, and many mysterious things I wouldn’t be able to name.
Our house is fully furnished – and in my opinion the fanciest furnishing you’ll ever find in the Caribbean. For example, our unit comes equipped with a fancy Kitchen Aid Mixer and all the accessories which we use to bake cookies and cheesecake. Sometimes we share with the local Nevisians here, so they are quite fond of us =)
A couple of nights ago (on Thursday) we went on a double date with another couple to a place called Nisbett Plantations – a place that used to be a sugar mill decades ago, and now is a beautiful beach side resort. Thursdays are Seafood Buffet nights!!! You don’t have to like seafood because they also have steak, all sorts of salads (mango, papaya, potato, etc.) and plenty of dessert options. I must say though, the seafood is incredible (jumbo BBQ grilled prawns, salmon, etc. etc.)!
The part I love though is the live music you will always find around the island nearly any day of the week. At the seafood buffet the entertainment was pans, keyboards, and vocals. It’s difficult to explain the music played on the pans, but you’ve likely heard it in Bob Marley songs – very island like!
I worked out a very generous student deal also: one bill, house-keeping included, all-inclusive (just show up with your toothbrush and you are ready to roll). No lineups at the bank. No headaches.
There are a couple of units available now since the villa is brand new (the pool and restaurant isn’t even ready yet).
Call 869-762-1436 for a tour if your interested.
If you need to make travel arrangements, you can email support at the top right: “contact us”
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for the review. The place looks awesome. I will definitely check it out!
How much is it?
Sorry for the confusion. I intentionally did not state the exact rent. I probably should not publish that here. Its less than $2000 and more than $400 (somewhere in between) =) Please email me.