The Caribbean has its share of fine hotels, but some are so much a part of the place that they are hard to put in the same category. Eden Rock – St Barths is one such establishment.
For over 70 years this legendary property has been woven into the very fabric of St. Barths. Overlooking the turquoise expanse of St. Jean Bay from its perch above the water, it is as much an icon of the island as any of its more famous addresses, with an air of French Riviera polish tempered by the easygoing pace of the Caribbean.
In many ways it is the definition of the magic found on St. Barths, where luxury never seems like an effort. One can be near designer shops and top tier restaurants with superyachts in the harbor one moment, and on a quiet stretch of white sand the next. Eden Rock is no different; it is sophisticated and glamorous, yet never at the expense of formality.
An Icon on St. Jean Bay
You will not find a better location than what Eden Rock has on St. Jean Bay. It is close enough to put you within walking distance of one of the island’s finest beaches while the property itself keeps to an intimate atmosphere.
With only 37 rooms, suites and villas to its name, there is none of the conventionality of a standard resort. The accommodations are individually done, from the Eden Rooms with views of the Sand and Rémy Bars to the more roomy private residences.
Then there is the matter of the villas. At the top end is Villa Rockstar, a 16,000-square-foot beachfront affair complete with a pool, spa and fitness area. Next door on the beach is Villa Nina with its three suites. For those in the market for something truly extravagant, the two can be joined to form a nine-suite compound.
A Different Way to Experience St. Barths
Those who would rather have the seclusion of a villa need not look far. Through Eden Rock Villa Rental, the hotel’s reach extends to some 140 private homes on the island.
It is an attractive proposition for families or groups wanting their own space but not willing to forgo the amenities of a proper resort vacation. In addition to the privacy of a residence, guests are afforded the use of the hotel’s concierge and beach, daily breakfast and even private chefs or butlers if desired.
Wellness, the St. Barths Way
Wellness is a growing component of the stay at Eden Rock. The Spa & Wellbeing puts forward a selection of services from the likes of Dr. Barbara Sturm, Ligne St Barth and HydraFacial, as well as visiting specialists.
But true to the character of the island, there is no need to make a retreat of one’s holiday. After a session at the spa it is just as common to head out for cocktails with a view of the water or an evening under the stars.
More Than 70 Years of Eden Rock
A good deal of the draw here is historical. When French aviator and artist Rémy de Haenen set up the hideaway in 1953, St. Barths was not yet a byword for luxury travel. Over time it became the haunt of international society and the arts; Howard Hughes, Greta Garbo and Gore Vidal were among the actors and royalty to put in an appearance, along with the Rockefellers and Rothschilds.
Newer resorts may come and go, but they cannot replicate the character that such a past confers. Even after the extensive work put in to put the property right following Hurricane Irma, Eden Rock has kept the sense of place that made it famous, albeit with a more modern take on things.
Why Eden Rock St. Barths Still Stands Out
There is no shortage of places to put down roots in St. Barths, but Eden Rock holds a singular position. It is not merely a matter of having a good room or service to match the enviable beachfront.
What one gets is the sum of all that, and the distinct impression of being in a spot that has in some measure defined the island. Seven decades on, it still has that seductive mix of French and Caribbean sensibilities with a touch of the cinematic. For the regulars who come back year in and year out, that is precisely the point.