Nestled away in the serene landscapes of the Dutch Caribbean, Golden Rock Resort beckons travelers seeking an unparalleled escape. The reasons to vacay here are endless: from adventure and astronomy to romance and regenerative travel, guests can immerse themselves in the island’s natural beauty, while enjoying the luxurious services and accommodations, and fun activities.
Considering visiting? Here are five compelling reasons why this luxury eco-retreat is a must-visit destination in St. Eustatius.
1. A Personal Paradise Primed for Self-Discovery
Guests at Golden Rock Resort can embark on a journey of self-discovery with the Rock Wellness Package. Immersing themselves in nature, they can enjoy a guided hike up the island’s dormant volcano and experience the healing powers of the “Statia Massage” to enhance their inner tranquility. Priced at $735/night for single occupancy, the package includes a 50-minute massage, a 45-minute coconut milk and spice bath soak, a guided hike, food and non-alcoholic beverages, use of resort facilities, and airport & seaport transfers.
2. Minimoons, Proposals & Weddings
Ideal for newlyweds island-hopping through the Caribbean, the new Love on the Rock package offers lavish respite and an ultra-romantic evening. Couples can enjoy an intimate couples’ massage, capture the magic of the Caribbean sky with Stargazing, and overlook the ocean from a private balcony. Starting at $999/night, the package includes a couples massage, Stargazing with a glass of champagne, Caribbean petal turndown, use of resort facilities, and transfers.
Additionally, Golden Rock Resort offers dreamy picnic scenes with options for a full setup within the resort’s gardens, at the beach during sunset, or a midnight picnic with Stargazing. Prices start at $250 for lunch picnics plus $75 per person with wine and champagne based on consumption.
3. Active Adventures: Dive into Nature or Gaze at the Stars
Golden Rock is pioneering astro-tourism in the Caribbean. Local Astronomer Jaap Vreeling takes guests on a captivating stargazing experience to observe the brilliant cosmos above. The island’s low light pollution enhances the visibility of the Caribbean night sky in an unspoiled setting. Stargazing is 2 hours, subject to availability, and price per person is dependent on group size. St. Eustatius is also home to the first planetarium in the Caribbean, located at the Lynch Plantation.’
Moreover, Statia is renowned for its vibrant underwater world boasting 36 dive sites, including 18th-century shipwrecks and archaeological sites. The recently opened state-of-the-art PADI Dive Center redefines luxury with valet diving services, pro equipment, two diving boats, expert guides, and PADI certifications. Guests can even get certified in the resort’s manmade, ocean-fed lagoon – the Caribbean’s largest – featuring a sunken American school bus to create an artificial reef. This contained lagoon serves as a bridge for snorkelers and new divers and an exciting playground for kids aged 8 and above who are looking to start their diving adventure.
4. Pioneering Sustainable Development
Golden Rock Resort leads the way in sustainable development. It produces renewable green energy through its 2,240-panel solar park, which powers the entire resort and its fleet of electric vehicles. Additionally, two desalination plants use reserve osmosis to treat ocean water for the resort. Special drainage systems collect runoff, and wastewater is treated with a helophyte filtration system to irrigate the entire resort and its 20,000-square-foot greenhouse.
Within the greenhouse, the resort grows its own vegetables and herbs, without the use of chemicals, to supply the two onsite restaurants with fresh produce. With an astounding 130,000 varieties of plants and flowers supporting the island’s flourishing biodiversity, Golden Rock Resort has created a new habitat for local wildlife, such as the resident hummingbirds. Guests can join a green tour for a behind-the-scenes look at ecologically conscious technology and regenerative practices.
5. Fun For the Whole Family
Golden Rock’s resort facilities offer complimentary options for families, including a fitness center, two pools, a playground, a 17-hole mini golf course, basketball/tennis courts, and conference rooms for family members who work remotely. An indoor cinema, paddle court, and two pickleball courts are scheduled for 2024.
Families can also opt for both on and off-resort activities like spa treatments, wine tastings ($125/pp), personalized yoga/Pilates training ($75/pp), guided hikes up the Quill, and scuba diving in the onsite lagoon (ages 8+). Additionally, the resort’s concierge boat service offers day trips to neighboring St. Kitts for shopping, restaurants, and more.
Caribbean Travel 411 is CNW’s weekly travel column featuring destinations, hotels, points of interest, and more in the Caribbean. For sponsored content, email us at [email protected]. If there’s a place you think we should highlight, send us an email as well!
