Well, they are two distinctly different properties. Your husband is correct, the Four Seasons, Nevis is a full service luxury resort with every amenity you can think of, including golf, tennis, a state of the art fitness center, the best spa complex on the island, three pools, four on-site restaurants, kayaks, sailboats plus access to scuba diving, daysails, waterskiing, etc. all from the resort property. For what it is worth, the beach at the 4S's is much better than the one at Nisbet.

Nisbet is a much smaller property (only 38 rooms vs. 4S's 200 room plus villas) and does not offer anywhere near the amenities you'll find at the Four seasons - no kayaks, sailboats or any other waterspouts are available at the resort. the rooms, which nicely appointed and well maintained are not in the same class as you'll find at the 4S's. The staff, however, is very friendly and accommodating. While the resort serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in different places I wouldn't describe the resort as having "three restaurants" but rather think of it as having your meals in three different rooms. Nisbet is on the Atlantic side of the island so the water can be "wavy" at times.

One of the reasons you might see inconsistent reviews for the 4S's is that the resort was closed for almost two years while it was being renovated after hurricane Omar in 2008. When it reopened in early 2011 they had a lot of new employees so it took a while for the staff to be trained properly to meet the 4S's standard. While there were some "teething pains" during 2011 I think you'll find now service is back on track.

So, the choice is yours - pick Four seasons if you want pampered luxury and are willing to pay the price. Choose Nisbet if you want the more casual feel of a boutique style resort.

It's been a few years since I was on Nevis, but after seeing both properties, it would be no contest. I'd choose Nisbet.

But, I prefer smaller properties.......

Just returned from my third visit to Nevis, and Nisbet. (I have not stayed at the 4S in Nevis, but have stayed at other 4S properties). Needless to say, I love Nisbet. I think RoamsAround nails the distinctions between the properties, and I think you need to decide what you really want out of your trip.

However, I will note that while 4S has all sorts of activities available, many onsite, I would guess that you are paying for all of them separately. Nisbet may not have all of that stuff on-site (there is a tennis court, a small spa, a croquet lawn, a small exercise room), they will happily arrange for you anything your heart desires in terms of activities. And they will find the best vendors for those activities, because above all they are interested in your satisfaction. So, unless you are looking to do something that is strictly available to 4S guests, I wouldn't let activities be the deciding factor.

I can't say enough about the staff at Nisbet. I feel like I'm coming home every time I arrive there; indeed, some of the staff who've been there over the years that I've visited greet me with just these words: "Welcome Home." I feel like I'm getting an authentically Caribbean experience at Nisbet.