Quill Gardens – a private , quiet oasis on eco-friendly St . Eustatius by Nancy Baye
When a boutique guesthouse finds the perfect balance of luxury and sustainability , it ’ s sure to be a success . Quill Gardens has created that magic in St . Eustatius .
In case you ’ re unfamiliar with the picturesque Caribbean Island , widely known as
Statia or The Golden Rock , you ’ re missing out . The tiny Dutch municipality sits just northwest of St . Kitts . The world-renowned diving location has national marine parks boasting ancient shipwrecks and coral reefs that are abundant with sea life . Statia is also famous for the hiking trails on its dormant volcano , The Quill , which holds a rainforest inside .
This volcano rises behind Quill Gardens , after which it was named . The property slopes down towards the ocean , offering a distant view of rugged Zeelandia Beach , on the Atlantic side of the island . This stunning two-mile cliffside beach is a popular place to picnic , fish , walk or hunt for shells . But swimming is not permitted at Zeelandia due to the strong undertow . Bordering the view on the east is the green mount of Boven National Park .
Owners Herman and Joyce took over the guesthouse in late 2020 . Originally from Holland , the couple are no strangers to hospitality , a career that has taken them to many countries . From 2014-2019 , they ran tourism properties in the north of Bali , where they fell in love with all things Balinese . This influence colors the décor of Quill Gardens , which is punctuated with furniture , statues and accessories carefully transported from Indonesia .
Helped by their Burmese Mountain dog , Bear , Herman and Joyce have created a relaxed , hospitable oasis . Their loving care of the property infuses all that they do . They especially enjoy “ the lovely garden and atmosphere ,” adding , “ Because it ’ s a small hotel we have close contact with our guests .”
The guesthouse is a magnificent two-storey building with generous terraces . Eight spacious suites feature high ceilings , king-size sleigh beds with deluxe bedding , separate seating areas and private bathrooms . WiFi , TVs and air conditioning keep guests connected and comfortable . Communal areas feature an outdoor lounge , terraces with cushy furniture , trolley bar , restaurant and gardens .
Guests can enjoy a dip in the pool , daydream on canopied deck chairs , or lose themselves gazing over verdant foliage and sparkling water . Or they can meander through the carefully cultured gardens , over winding paths where they ’ re sure to stumble on bricks salvaged from ships or other secret treasures .
The property ’ s tropical gardens are studded with giant aloe vera and classic jungle flame geraniums . The impressive resident Flamboyant Tree — unique to St . Eustatius — blooms flame red several months annually . Flowers here include bougainvillea , orchids and birds of paradise . The Blue Bottle Tree is a tree that has been turned into a sculpture . Spiked with azure blue bottles , this is recycling art at its best .
Sustainability is a priority for Statia . In 2021 , the island proudly achieved the esteemed Green Destinations QualityCoast Silver Award status . This distinction is bestowed on destinations that have created quality tourism products , while striving for sustainability . These locations draw tourists who care about the planet , who value nature and the environment . This famous diving island is also the perfect place
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