You’ll Find Dynamic Design And Dramatic Views At This New, Luxe Boutique Caribbean Property

The old adage “good things come in small packages” is oh-so true for the wee Caribbean island of St. Eustatius (aka Statia). It’s so tiny — a mere three miles wide and six miles long, with not a traffic light to be found along any of the paved and dirt roads that network the landscape — that most people I spoke to before I traveled there were clueless as to where in the world is St. Eustatius. Curious, to be sure, considering it’s just about a 15-minute flight on Winair from St. Maarten. But, once you disembark, you’ll find an unspoiled, lush landscape, and now a new boutique resort that embraces the island’s natural side.

The drive from the airport to the Golden Rock Resort, though, is quite deceptive. After all, though the route is short — just 10 minutes — you’ll be bumping along a narrow, unscenic, mostly dirt road. But, everything changes dramatically once you enter the gates of this 40-acre expanse that was once a sugar plantation. Colorful blooming flowers blanket Golden Rock that sits on the lower slope of The Quill, Statia’s signature feature: a foliage-draped dormant volcano. (It’s a hiker’s paradise, with more than half a dozen trails crisscrossing the rugged landscape, including those that enter the tropical forest-coated crater itself.) The volcano rises almost 2,000 feet, making it a geological feature that dominates the island.

Given that Golden Rock’s CEO, Peter Barnhoorn, had long been in the flower business — roses, specifically — it’s no surprise that the landscaping features an abundance of colorful blooms that carpet the tiered, ocean front grounds.

As I strolled about, past one of two asymmetric pools, I was impressed by the array of flowers that grow all about: around the multitude of coconut palms, along the sinuous paved paths, between, and at the base of the decorative rock features. The cornucopia of floral hues range from canary yellow and indigo to crimson, lavender and tangerine. Every day I discovered another specimen that thrilled me, such as a shrimp plant, common Malayan jasmine, Mexican petunia, flame of the woods, Chinese hibiscus, common lantana, red valerian, firecracker plant, shaggy dwarf morning glory, and red powderpuff.

Yes, I was quite captivated by the botanicals, but equally stellar are the views across the cerulean blue waters of the neighboring islands: St. Kitts, St. Barths and St. Maarten, and, of course, the grand presence of The Quill that soars so high, it looks like the summit can touch the clouds.

Even the reception building is a scenic locale. While I lounged on their patio enjoying the refreshing breeze, and the shade of yellow, orange and white triangular-shaped canvas overhead, I was delighted by the surrounding foliage: purple paper flowers draped the facade while planters contained rubber plants, date palms, and China roses.

Accommodations

For anyone who craves natural light and nature-based views, you won’t be disappointed with the accommodations. Most have spacious balconies and ocean views. Facing the main pool with its charming wooden footbridge are low slung, whitewashed buildings housing Deluxe Rooms and Golden Rock Suites. And, like everything at Golden Rock, the accommodations manage to seamly meld a sense of sophistication with a welcome casualness. The decor is minimalist, contemporary, and clean-lined. Iconic island images, such as one of the centuries-old forts, an Instagrammable sunrise — something you’ll never tire of seeing — or a view of St. Kitts, are hung on the walls. By far, if you desire an enormous space with a kitchen, living room and master bedroom, reserve the Golden Rock Suite. You’ll also find it hard to keep your eyes off the views of St. Barths, St. Maarten and St. Kitts in the distance.

Relax beside the second pool or grab a cocktail at the pool bar, and you’ll be steps away from any of the more than two dozen Villa Suites that are brand new. They’re designed on an open plan with a kitchenette and dining/living space.

Also, recently opened are the one- and two-bedroom Lodges that are snuggled in the colorful gardens — offering privacy — and are ideal for families, with an alfresco kitchenette.

Sustainability Ethic

For Golden Rock, sustainability is of prime importance. Reverse osmosis produces drinking water from sea water. And there are solar panels aplenty to power the resort. Plus, for the locally-sourced ingredients on the menus, the just-built, elongated greenhouse is growing some 30 kinds of fruits, vegetables and herbs, such as daikon cress, rosemary, Welsh onion, watermelon, green turnips, and dark basil.

Breeze Restaurant

This dramatically-designed, octagon-shaped restaurant, encircled by leafy gardens, shares the backdrop of the almost 2,000-foot-high dormant volcano. You couldn’t ask for a more perfect location. The name is apt, given that ventilation is achieved sans a/c or fans, instead dependent on natural air currents flowing through the open sliding doors and windows.

One of my favorite spots to enjoy a chilled glass of wine is at the centrally-located bar area that’s dominated by an immense, intricately designed, meranti wood structure resembling a blooming flower. Overhead, along the oak and bamboo ceiling, is an artistic fan motif that compliments the Breeze theme. I ambled along the space towards the open kitchen, and noticed numerous niches displaying an array of sculptural ephemera reflecting land and sea themes, including works depicting sea horses, coral, and sea turtles.

Another relaxing, scenic venue is Breeze’s shaded terrace that I found especially attractive because of the abundant plantings, including bird of paradise, firecracker plant, crown of thorns, and lilyturf. Here is where I found myself most late afternoons, with a glass of pinot noir, watching the clouds pick up the rays of the sun.

Bobbie’s Beach Club

The soon-to-open, cliff-top, Bobbie’s Beach Club is much anticipated for many reasons, especially because of the man-made, salt water, infinity lagoon that faces the Atlantic. The shallow end of this more than one-acre water feature is ideal for lazing in one of the swings or hammocks, while the 40-foot deep end is where visitors will be able to swim, snorkel, paddle board, and scuba dive.

Diving On Statia

Statia is an Eden for divers. After all, the waters encircling the island are designated a Marine Park, part of which is totally protected. You can book your dives at Scubaqua Dive Center in Lowertown, part of Oranjestad, Statia’s capital.

I spoke with the owner, Mike Harterink, who told me why the diving on Statia is unique. Not only are there 36 dive sites, all on the leeward (Caribbean) side, but they are uncrowded. (You won’t have any other dive boats around you.) Within a short distance, you’ll find a great diversity of sites to choose from. In addition, the presence of The Quill is evident underwater as well. (You’ll be diving between the lava flows that are covered with coral, sponges, and sea fans.)

The dive shop with its shaded patio couldn’t be in a more scenic spot, fronting a low-key beachfront. It occupies a 17th century building that once housed the Dutch West India Trading Company. This is where you’ll mingle after each dive, swapping stories, and enjoying a glass of wine.