Caribelle Batik at Romney Manor
Old Road Town, St. Kitts
Caribelle Batik is a shop located within Romney Manor, a stately estate once owned by the great-great-great grandfather of Thomas Jefferson. Most of the eye-catching fabrics and apparel for sale are made on the premises, which means you can walk away with a beautiful souvenir or gift while seeing how they create their signature take on the ancient dyeing process.
The Basics
Founded by the present owner and Englishman Mr. Maurice Widdowson in 1976, Caribelle Batik has built a solid reputation for producing beautiful batik creations featuring their trademark flourishing strokes and using symbols found in nature. While here, watch artisans at work on the colorful fabrics. Tours that include a stop at the 17th-century Romney Manor include a walk through the former sugar plantation, with its beautiful botanical gardens where a 400-year-old saman tree thrives, and you can see large lava rocks carved with ancient Carib petroglyphs. Longer tours include additional stops in Basseterre such as Bloody River and Brimstone Hill Fortress to learn about the island’s colonial history. For an added adventure, hop on an ATV to explore the island's rolling countryside.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Caribelle Batik is an ideal spot for fashion lovers and those looking for unique gifts.
- Make time to explore the rest of historic Romney Manor.
- The store is wheelchair friendly.
- Enjoy a rum punch at the Rainforest Bar within the botanical gardens.
- Informative signs offer details and facts about the manor.
- Pets are not allowed.
How to Get There
Caribelle Batik is located at Romney Manor in St. Kitts’ capital city Basseterre at the crossroads of Sugar Factory Road and Taylor Road. Walk, drive, take a taxi, or go as part of a tour of Romney Manor. Parking is available on site.
When to Get There
The boutique is open Monday through Friday, from morning to late afternoon. Peak season runs from December to April, during which time the biggest event of the year, National Carnival (also known as Sugar Mas), ignites the island in the run up to Christmas and New Year. For a more quiet time, visit between May and July when crowds dwindle and temperatures are not as hot and humid.
Wingfield Estate
Next door to Caribelle Batik is the oldest sugar estate in the Caribbean. Founded in 1625, Wingfield Estate was up and working until the 1900s, churning out sugar at such a high rate that they elevated the status of the island in the region. The estate’s original owners was Sam Jefferson, the great-great-great-grandfather of Thomas Jefferson. During a visit, admire the ruins of the sugar mills and distillery.
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