About

Welcome to Statia’s best kept secret

Quill Gardens is a luxurious upscale retreat packed with surprises. As you drive to Quill Gardens, you will be amazed by the stunning views which abound. Nestled on a dormant volcano, Quill Gardens has a bird’s eye view of Zeelandia Beach, where the Atlantic Ocean collides with the Caribbean Sea. This gated ‘boutique’ accommodation is packed with charm.

While you wait for the electric gate to slide open you have your first view of Quill Garden’s beautifully landscaped grounds with the cobalt blue sea lingering in the distance.
To the right there is an inviting swimming pool with plenty of lounge chairs to relax in and upscale parasols to keep the sun at bay.

The building, which features 8 suites on two levels, is connected to the pool area by a spacious terra cotta tiled terrace where guests can mingle, read a book or just enjoy the stunning views. Meals are also served here at a large family style dining table under a turquoise blue ceiling which compliments the sea in the distance and adds a cool note to this comfortable space.

The building is grand in scale. It covers a large plot and features thick walls which keep the heat out and the cool in. Expansive terraces, weathered wood multi-glass paned windows and doors are to be found throughout this beautiful property. Each suite is suitably large and are all perfect for business travelers, divers or people who are looking for a place to relax.

The grounds are meticulously cared for and boast many types of native plants. There are secret nooks waiting to be discovered by curious visitors. Sit under one of Statia’s largest Flamboyant trees while feeling the gentle trade winds following their eternal path. Find an old mailbox accidentally boxed inside Quill Gardens’ walls… waiting for a letter which will never come. Wander down the myriad of paths which feature centuries old brick details. Bricks which were used as ballast in tall ships which left the bricks so they could buy extravagant treasures which were to be found on Statia when it was a tax-free haven.

Concept

Quill Gardens welcomes business travelers, divers and people who just want some time away from the hectic pace of the modern world. From the moment you step onto our grounds, you will feel welcome and at home. We offer different packages which aim to accommodate the varying needs of all of our clients. You can choose to be picked up at the airport, rent one of our cars, join us for breakfast served Monday thru Friday (Saturday and Sunday breakfast is served at the Old Gin House in Lower Town).

Dinner is also an occasion at Quill Gardens. From Monday thru Thursday dinner is prepared by our chef who has international experience. Meals are prepared according to available seasonal ingredients. One meal is cooked for everyone, but of course dietary considerations are taken into account upon request. Quill Gardens’ meals are only prepared for visitors and specially invited guests. During the week we only allow 15 people to have dinner together as this keeps the conversation intimate and lively.

Meet your hosts

Herman and Joyce

Herman and Joyce are the managers of Quill Gardens. This Dutch couple have always loved to travel and have lived abroad many years. In 2004 they married in Indonesia and enjoyed a lot of quality time there together.

Herman and Joyce moved to Statia in November 2020, to manage Quill Gardens. Having worked as team leaders at a renowned ‘Beach Club’ in Holland during the summers and wintering in Bali from 2014 till 2019 they both choose for a complete change of life. They now live year-round on Statia and share their love of everything Balinese while catering to the unique clientele which stays at Quill Gardens. This change of pace and the opportunity to focus on individual guests is exactly what they dreamed of.
Herman is an excellent chef who excels in execution and presentation. He is creative and responsive to which seasonal ingredients are available. When working on an island one has to know how to improvise and adapt. Herman has mastered these skills and loves the challenge. Joyce loves taking care of guests and making sure they have everything they need to feel welcome and comfortable.

Location

St. Eustatius is located in the north eastern Caribbean Sea. It lies on the northern part of the lesser Antilles at 17°29’N 62°59’W. St. Eustatius is one of 6 Dutch Caribbean islands which are scattered throughout the Caribbean Sea. It neighbors Saba (Dutch), St. Kitts and Nevis (formerly British), St. Maarten (Dutch) and St. Barth’s (French), to name but a few.

Green as it gets

Quill Gardens strives to be ‘as green as it gets’. Thanks to our brand-new solar panels we produce almost all of our own electricity. We also have massive cisterns which catch the rain and supply more than enough water for our guests and gardens! Cisterns are essential on an island which doesn’t have natural springs and has a prolonged dry season.

We are also very proud of the fact that our chef uses local products. At Quill Gardens we consider this essential as it helps support local businesses while reducing our carbon footprint by reducing imports.

Gardens

An incredibly beautiful tropical garden surrounds this property. Secret areas covered with native plants and trees are a delight to discover when walking through the grounds. Lush fuchsia and white bougainvillea mingle with bird of paradise flowers with their ‘statement -piece’ single blossoms. All types of hummingbirds can be found swarming around the aloe vera and classic jungle flame which abound in this oasis of calm. In one section of the garden there is a massive Flamboyant tree which decorates itself with distinct red blossoms for several months a year.

Take a book to read or simply go and enjoy the natural shadow offered by this amazing tree. One of our guest’s favorite sculptures is a ‘blue bottle tree’. A tree which stopped blooming has been adorned by empty blue bottles. It is a real piece of art and shows how recycling can be beautiful! At Quill Gardens, we do our best to respect nature. We believe, ‘Green is Good’!

The Old Gin House

SISTER PROPERTY in Lower town

The Old Gin House is operated by Sybolt and Marlies ten Hoopen. They are also the proud owners of Quill Gardens.

The Old Gin House is a charming hotel located in the center of lower town near the 2 dive centers. The Old Gin House also serves meals when the kitchen at Quill Gardens is closed. There is a receptionist there who will be delighted to help you with any questions you may have about your stay on St. Eustatius.

www.theoldginhouse.com