Filming Orchid Bay: St Kitts' Luxurious Haven

As a videographer in the travel and tourism industry, I have had the opportunity to work on countless projects, each with a unique story. My travels have taken me to some incredible places, but one destination that I always love to visit is St Kitts.

St Kitts: The Perfect Caribbean Backdrop

This tropical paradise is known for its lush greenery, untouched beaches, and welcoming locals. Nestled in the Caribbean, the island's west coast meets the Caribbean Sea while the east coast faces the Atlantic Ocean. The ever-changing weather patterns and fluffy white clouds provide a perfect backdrop for epic, colourful drone shots.

A hyper lapse looking down the South East Peninsula of St Kitts

Orchid Bay: A Luxury Resort in the Making

During my 16th trip to the island in January, I had several projects, one of which was at a stunning new luxury resort and restaurant, Orchid Bay. Orchid Bay's owner, David, runs Razo Construction, a luxury homebuilder on the island. Our paths first crossed during one of my initial visits to St Kitts, and ever since then, we have developed a strong business partnership and friendship.

David's latest project, Orchid Bay, was set to be extraordinary. Located on the South East Peninsula's western edge, the resort offers a unique experience for guests, boasting breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. With a fully-equipped kitchen and an exceptionally skilled chef, Orchid Bay caters to private events, intimate dining experiences, and overnight stays.

Orchid Bay property

Private Function Space

The Vision: Capturing Orchid Bay's Unique Experiences

My task was to produce engaging photo and video content for Orchid Bay's launch. The project involved creating 3 x 15-second teaser videos showcasing the accommodation, private functions, and evening dining experiences, as well as a 30-second video combining the highlights. We planned the shoots during late afternoons and evenings to capture the magical golden hour lighting. One of the most breathtaking aspects of the Orchid Bay experience is watching the sunset on the western side of the island. The sun goes down right into the ocean, and if you're lucky, you might even catch the elusive green flash that can occur.

The 15-second accommodation video features a captivating, fast-paced visual journey, emphasizing the stunning ocean views. I utilised aerial drone shots and interior footage to evoke a sense of tranquility and luxury that awaits guests at Orchid Bay.

The 15-second private function video follows a group enjoying the venue's offerings, with a focus on capturing the spectacular views and a candlelit dinner. In true David fashion, the night culminates in a dazzling fireworks display - a blast to shoot!

The 15-second evening dining experience video captures the enchanting atmosphere of sunset drinks and dinner at Orchid Bay, providing ample opportunities for striking shots.

Finally, the 30-second overall video takes a more relaxed pace, centering on the ambiance of the restaurant and leaving viewers yearning for a taste of Orchid Bay's magic.

Equipment: Gear Choices for a Caribbean Shoot

For this project, I used the following gear:

Sony A1
Sony A7S iii
DJI Mavic 3

Overcoming Challenges: Lighting and Unfinished Construction

The most significant challenge I encountered while filming was lighting, particularly when shooting the candlelit meal. However, the Sony bodies are know for their epic low light performance. In combination with some really fast prime lenses this really allowed me to crank the ISO and rely on the camera’s sensitivity to still capture a clean shot. Shooting with just this natural candlelight really enhanced the warm, intimate ambiance.

In addition to the challenges of lighting, the venue was still under construction during my visit. This meant we had to be careful about how we shot to avoid capturing areas of the unfinished building.

David: The Inspiring Force Behind Orchid Bay

David is an inspirational person to work with. His unwavering motivation and dedication to his craft make him a pleasure to be around. His love for Italy and Italian cuisine is evident in the beautiful, fresh, and flavorsome food at Orchid Bay. He even has his own olive grove in Italy to produce olive oil that will be on tables at Orchid Bay in St Kitts.

Reflections: A Memorable Experience at Orchid Bay

Overall, my experience shooting at Orchid Bay was nothing short of amazing. From the picturesque sunsets to the mouthwatering Italian cuisine, it truly is a venue like no other in St Kitts. Working with David was a pleasure as he is an inspiring and motivational person to be around. It is evident that he pours his heart and soul into each of his projects, and his attention to detail is impeccable.

Although there were challenges in filming at an unfinished venue, it was a fun and rewarding experience to capture the beauty of Orchid Bay. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of promoting such a wonderful place, and I look forward to seeing Orchid Bay's continued evolution in the future.