Caribelle Batik

The ancient art of wax-resist dyeing reaches a whole new level at Caribelle Batik, located on Romney Manor. At the factory, you can watch artists as they boil hues, apply wax, and dye fabrics, creating the brightly colored, intricately patterned clothing that’s typical of St. Kitts. After taking in the process, browse the wide selection of wraps, dresses, men’s shirts, bandanas, bags, wall hangings, and more, which are among the most desired products in the Caribbean.

I don’t know how batik came to the West Indies all the way from Indonesia, but just like the introduced coconut palm (yes, that came from Asia, too) the textile art is deeply rooted in the Caribbean. Growing up, many kids (me included) learned batik in grade school. And walking around St. Kitts it’s not uncommon to glimpse the brightly designed pieces on locals and visitors alike. They can be whimsical or simple and used to dress up or down any time of day. The best place to pick up one of these creations for yourself is Caribelle Batik at Romney Manor. There you can watch as artists take you through the steps of applying wax, dyeing, and boiling hue after colorful hue. Then explore their wide selection of wraps, dresses, beach tops, bandanas, wall hangings, bags, kaftans, and men’s dress shirts for just the right piece. As a bonus, the five acres of botanical gardens that make up Romney Manor happen to have once been home to Sam Jefferson II, great, great, great grandfather of Thomas Jefferson. But get there early to beat the rush—this is a stop for some of the cruise crowd.