A Day Beneath the Rain Tree at Romney Manor

Sailing into the St. Kitts cruise port felt like stepping into a storybook island with green hills, colorful homes, and a laid-back Caribbean vibe. My excursion took me inland to Romney Manor, home of Caribelle Batik, located near Basseterre (Basseterre – Pronounced [bass-teer]).

Romney Manor has a long and layered history. Once owned by Sam Jefferson II, an ancestor of Thomas Jefferson, the estate has transformed over time into a hub for artisan crafts and botanical beauty.

What drew me in most was the mix of nature and culture. Vibrant gardens, ancient trees, and a glimpse into the time-consuming batik process made this one of the most peaceful and inspiring stops on my cruise.

The estate’s showstopper is the 400-year-old saman tree, also known as a rain tree. Towering over the gardens, its canopy spreads wide and offers shade over the lawn where visitors can pause and admire its beauty. It’s considered the oldest living organism on the island, and standing beneath it genuinely felt humbling.

Inside the Caribelle Batik studio, I got to watch as local artisans applied beeswax to cloth, dipped it into vats of rich dyes, and revealed stunning designs. The process was slow and meticulous but deeply satisfying to witness. Bright fabrics hung outside to dry, swaying gently in the breeze, a kaleidoscope of Caribbean color against the greenery.

Afterwards, we explored the nearby ruins of what used to be sugar estate structures. The stone foundations, tall chimneys, and even a few rusted cauldrons gave hints of the island’s colonial and agricultural past. Along the way, we passed cows and goats roaming freely through the grassy grounds and even hiked through forested paths with streams and tangled roots underfoot. It was a perfect blend of culture, nature, and quiet reflection.