Rainforest Adventures Rockland Estate St. Maarten Grand Opening
Apr 17, 2018
Photo: Guest enjoying breathtaking 360-degree views at the grand opening of Rainforest Adventures Rockland Estate St. Maarten, April 11, 2018. Credit: Rajesh Chintaman
PHILIPSBURG, ST. MAARTEN (April 2018) – Rainforest Adventures celebrated the grand opening of its Rockland Estate Park in St. Maarten on April 11, 2018. This eco-adventure park features unforgettable rides including The Flying Dutchman, the world’s steepest zip line as well as the historic Emilio Wilson Museum where guests are immersed in the customs, traditions and history of St. Maarten, “The Friendly Island.”
“I believe this moment, seven years in the making, is very significant for not only the staff here at Rockland Estate and our organization but for the country of St. Maarten,” says Josef Preschel, Rainforest Adventures’ President. “We are so proud to have had a soft opening in November 2017 supporting the island’s recovery. Today we celebrate our grand opening, part of the rejuvenated tourism sector having created what we believe is a destination defining attraction.”
Festivities began with guests riding on the Soualiga Sky Explorer chairlifts spanning a total of 2,997 ft. to the top of St. Maarten’s highest point where they enjoyed cocktails; cuisine from Emilio’s, Su and Norman Wathey’s exciting new restaurant located at the Park featuring Chef Dino Jagtiani’s creations; and Rockland Estates signature 360-degree views of the dual-nation island and its neighboring islands.
During the event formalities, the Governor of St. Maarten, His Excellency drs. E.B. Holiday remarked, “Today, thanks to the collaboration of Rainforest Adventures and the Government we stand at the beginning of a promising investment in heritage tourism on our island. We stand at a moment of opportunity and responsibility. It is for this reason and for the economic opportunities in terms of business activities and employment that I hope that this project will grow into a model for heritage tourism.”
Prime Minister Ms. Leona Romeo-Marlin added that the Government welcomes more eco-friendly projects like Rockland Estate to boost the destination’s competitiveness and allure to visitors to the friendly island of St. Maarten. She also praised Rainforest Adventures for having expanded St. Maartener’s job opportunities and training in eco-tourism so that they as well as the destination will be rewarded.
The Governor and Prime Minister officially declared Rockland Estate open by cutting the ribbon with Mr. Preschel. Several St. Maarten Council of Ministers members were in attendance, as well as Government representatives from the Dutch and French side of the unique dual-nation island.
In his remarks Shaydar Edelmann, General Manager of Rockland Estate, announced the formation of the non-profit Rockland Estate Foundation, part of Rainforest Adventures’ commitment to environmental conservation and education. The Foundation will be funded by foreign visitation to the park to administer reforestation, agricultural, historical, educational and maintenance programs.
Rockland Estate St. Maarten is the fifth Rainforest Adventures experience in the Caribbean and Central America. Its location was chosen for its unobstructed views, and the park’s 108 acres include Sentry Hill, one of St. Maarten’s highest elevations at 1,125 feet now featuring a viewing location encircled by walkways and platforms. Experiences include the Flying Dutchman a thrilling flight dropping 1,050 feet in elevation over a 2,800 feet span, the Schooner Ride, a specially designed 657-foot track where guests ride through curves and straightaways in large inner tubes, and the Sentry Hill Zip Line, a 500-meter line traversing the mountain ridge. These “Big 3” are the stars of a package by the same name providing guests with a chance to experience everything the park has to offer at a great value, $139.00 for adults and $105.00 for children.
For more information and bookings email sales.sxm@rainforestadventure.
About Rainforest Adventures
Each year over 400,000 visitors experience Rainforest Adventures eco-parks located in Costa Rica, St. Lucia, Panama, Jamaica and St. Maarten. In addition to more than 22 years of experience, in construction and operations of eco-parks, Rainforest Adventures owns and conserves 2,700 acres of rainforest, home to more than 1,000 species of birds and 2,000 kinds of exotic plants. With over 400 employees, it also offers sustainability programs for visitors and local schoolchildren designed for the protection and conservation of the environment. For more information visit www.rainforestadventure.com.
