I share my favorite garden in St. Kitts. Romney Manor belonged to Sam Jefferson, an ancestor of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States. In the seventeenth century, it was sold to Earl Romney calling it Romney Manson. In 1834, the estate became the first plantation to free all its slaves.
Botanical Gardens
Part of the estate, some six acres have now been converted into splendid botanical gardens, with tropical plants, an old bell tower, and a 400-year-old Saman tree. Guides are available to help select the best trails and share information about the ecological diversity of St. Kitts.
Caribelle Batik
Romney Manor is home to one of St. Kitts' most famous local businesses. Using the traditional Indonesian method of treating the fabric with wax, the artisans of the Batik of Caribelle have been creating their clothes and tapestries for more than 30 years.
Demonstration of the Craftsmen and Shop
During the visit, artists can be seen demonstrating Batik's techniques and telling the history of art. Wax is applied to the fabric and dye to wax-free areas. This is done several times to create amazing designs with beautiful colors. Thirty-five employees are employed by the factory full-time.
In the shop, you can find magnificent products of bright colors such as Caribbean fabrics, clothes, gifts, fans, and accessories of all kinds. Amazingly, no two pieces are exactly the same. I have visited this garden three times. It is my favorite place to buy fans. My first visit was in 2011 and I still have a fan that I bought like new.
Tell us in the comments if you have visited this garden.
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