Although the Caribbean is full of islands, few seem more islandlike than St. Eustatius. (Named for the Catholic Saint Eustace, the island is better known as "Statia.") This is partly because of the island's size—a tiny dot of land surrounded by immense ocean—but it's also because St. Eustatius seems so far removed from the wider world.
The island offers enough room for all visitors to experience an isolated beach. In fact, St. Eustatius is so far off the beaten track that it still reveres the day U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt paid a visit—though that day was in 1939 and FDR never actually stepped off his ship.
Current visitors will also be warmly welcomed (even if they're not presidents). Many Caribbean islands refer to tourists as "guests," but St. Eustatius treats its visitors like royalty. We felt as if we'd been invited into a friendly home and were greeted with waves and hellos wherever we went.
As might be expected, a small, cozy place like Statia has limited options for entertainment and activities. But those looking to spend a few days scuba diving, snorkeling, dining on fresh international cuisine and relaxing will be happy they sought out this quiet corner of the Caribbean.
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