Discover a destination with a difference on the tiny Dutch Caribbean island of St Eustatius (commonly known as Statia). In the midst of tropical flora and fauna, Golden Rock Dive & Nature Resort is a one-of-a-kind boutique-style resort that echoes the prosperity of the island’s ‘golden age’ in an eco-responsible fashion.
Recently opened in 2021, Golden Rock Dive & Nature Resort is the inspiration of nature-loving Peter Barnhoorn, a philanthropic Dutch entrepreneur and ‘flower magnate’ who was immediately captivated by Statia’s natural beauty and historic treasures. With his generosity of spirit, Peter created this unique Resort to share his discovery with discerning travellers, while sustainably investing in Statia’s economy to protect and restore this island’s splendour.
Statia’s authenticity distinguishes it from other Caribbean islands by virtue of its relative isolation shielding it from the detrimental effects of mass tourism. The island’s significant places of interest highlight its unspoiled natural and historical assets. These include The Quill National Park, a dormant volcano with a tropical forest in its crater; and Boven National Park with interesting hikes to secluded bays. While the Marine Park’s stunning coral reefs, volcanic fissures, pinnacles and shipwrecks make it one of the top diving sites in the Caribbean. Visitors can also have a glimpse of Statia’s fascinating past in its well-preserved historic capital Oranjestad whose vestiges date back to when it was an important free-trading port known as ‘The Golden Rock’.
Complementing Statia’s distinctive qualities, this brand new Resort has rapidly gained popularity. Renowned for its stunning tropical gardens, it also has an expansive greenhouse supplying its restaurants with an interesting assortment of fresh herbs and vegetables. Golden Rock Dive & Nature Resort is equally commended for its environmentally conscious practices, including a self-sufficient solar panel electricity supply and a reverse osmosis system that provides all of the hotel’s drinking water.
It is nevertheless the marble-finished comfort and first-rate amenities of its 17 cottages, 28 suites and 25 rooms that appeal to its clientele, along with the gourmet cuisine offered by the Breeze Restaurant and Bobbie’s Beach Club. The latter has proved to be a hotspot, not only for its world class sushi but also for its vibrant trendy décor and unique setting on the edge of a lagoon 80 feet above sea level.
Given its superb facilities, Golden Rock Dive & Nature Resort principally attracts dive enthusiasts, adventure seekers and wellness travellers. Starting in 2024 Statia Divers by Golden Rock Resort will give clients the opportunity to become PADI certified or simply enjoy recreational dives, either in the ocean or the sea water lagoon where you can explore a sunken American school bus. The very latest in bat and ball sports will also be offered on the Resort’s padel and pickleball courts. What’s more, clients will soon be able to enjoy Statia’s very first cinema with state of the art sound and visuals.
In the meantime, those in search of mindful tranquillity can relax in the boutique sanctuary, which offers holistic spa treatments using nutrient-rich ingredients. There is also a creative space to help improve well-being through yoga classes, sound baths, drumming meditation and manifestation workshops.
There is certainly a lot to see and do on this large scale property, and getting from one place to another has been made easy with the addition of the Golden Express train that circulates the whole resort.
Christmas is just around the corner, so where better to spend it than at Golden Rock Dive & Nature Resort, which is offering a festive programme of Caribbean Christmas activities for all ages – notably foodie and wellness events, together with adventures in the outdoors … topped by a spectacular firework display.
It is becoming progressively easier to travel to Statia; not only is there a ferry linking the island to St Martin, Saba and St Kitts, but St Barts Executive and Winair also offer a charter service, while the latter equally has scheduled flights.
It goes without saying that Golden Rock Dive & Nature Resort is the perfect spot for those seeking an alternative adventurous vacation and lifestyle experience in the Caribbean.
www.goldenrockresort.com
Facebook: facebook.com/GoldenRockResort
Instagram: @goldenrockresort_
Auteur :Rachel Barrett-Trangmar
