Discover St. Eustatius: The Hidden Caribbean Diver’s Paradise with a Luxury Resort

Now this is what we call a hidden gem.

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Jillian Dara

In 2018, the year global tourism reached a record high, an estimated 1.4 billion people took an international vacation. In the same year, some 4.3 billion scheduled flights took off to destinations around the globe. These numbers make it hard to believe that travelers have left any stone unturned in finding all the hidden gem destinations. But, dear reader, I’m here to tell you such treasures do still exist. And we’re here to share one with you: the Dutch island of St. Eustatius.

Situated in the Caribbean, tucked between Anguilla and St. Kitts, sits the island of St. Eustatius, otherwise known as Statia. The island is dominated by a dormant volcano and encompasses just 11.8 square miles. It’s also inhabited by 75 different bird species and more protected historical monuments per square mile than any other Caribbean Island, as well as just 3,242 residents, making it an absolute dream getaway for those looking for peace and solitude. And there’s one perfect hotel looking to cater to guests who want to do just that.

Golden Rock Resort opened in 2021, becoming the first upscale lifestyle resort on the Dutch island of St. Eustatius. The chic 32-room resort sits on 40 acres of lush landscaping and gardens and is situated near the island’s aforementioned dormant volcano, which just so happens to be one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after hiking spots. The hotel is ready to offer guests a natural island experience with just the right touch of adventure.

“We’re committed to reimagining Statia and boosting the destination’s tourism while keeping the authentic idyllic island experience, which will serve as the foundation for our brand identity — from our sustainable programming to our elevated levels of service — everything comes together in a vibrant atmosphere,” Peter Barnhoorn, CEO of Golden Rock Resort, said in a statement. “By drawing inspiration from our island’s invigorating activities to create a lifestyle experience, Golden Rock Resort will undoubtedly appeal to dive enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and wellness travelers.”

Each of the nature-inspired guest rooms and suites features modern finishes and ocean views, which can be seen from the private balconies that are ideal for enjoying sunrise and sunset moments.

Outside of their rooms, guests at the resort can spend time relaxing in its two spa treatment rooms, take a dip in the asymmetrical swimming pool, work up a sweat in the state-of-the-art oceanfront gym, and more. Moreover, guests are invited to experience offsite activities including daily hikes and diving excursions, thus enhancing their overall Caribbean adventure.

Visitors can also enjoy a meal at Breeze, the destination’s premier restaurant, which boasts miles of unobstructed ocean views. The menu delivers on local flavors with dishes like Caribbean lobster, king crab and avocado with a spicy yuzu vinaigrette, and beef tenderloin, making it a must-try for food enthusiasts.

Visiting Golden Rock is also a vacation you can feel good about, thanks to its commitment to sustainability. The resort operates entirely on solar energy, features a reverse osmosis machine that turns saltwater into drinking water, and utilizes a helophyte filter to clean water using reed and bamboo for irrigation of the property’s gardens.

Experience the serene beauty of St. Eustatius at Golden Rock Resort, a vacation destination that promises relaxation and adventure alike.