WHEN you turn up at the pool or the beach at the Four Seasons Nevis, the staff members don't just smile and hand you a couple of towels. They lay them elegantly across the chaise longue, tuck them in neatly all around lest a wayward breeze dislodge them and, just when you're stretching out, opening your book and thinking that this is the life, they roll up a third towel and place it under your feet. They bring ice water, too, and as soon as it looks as if you might have a bead of perspiration on your forehead, they offer tiny cold towels scented with eucalyptus or a spritz of Evian. Oh, and they take bar orders.

This could be the secluded Caribbean hotel you've always been looking for, you might think as you sip a refreshing Calypso Carnival. But as far from home as Nevis may seem for Americans, the Four Seasons is anything but an escapist resort.

http://www.nytimes.com/2001/12/23/travel/NEVIS.html