Despite the still rather adventurous accessibility of the Whale Tails Hotel and restaurant, we have decided to give the finishing works a renewed boost. On the one hand because the government has promised (this time for real) to finally improve the access road towards the botanical garden, and on the other hand in anticipation of the expected crowds for the 250th anniversary of the First Salute.
This will raise Statia’s available room nights by up to 7,000 per year. During the celebration of the First Salute, few people will object to braving a bumpy road – as long as there’s a bed and a cold drink waiting at the end.

Once completed, the island will gain around 40 additional beds, a new restaurant, a lounge club with swimming pool, fish ponds, a padel and pétanque court, and an old Amsterdam-style café with rooftop terrace overlooking passing whales in season. (And if no whales show up, you can always spot the neighbors on St. Kitts.)