Eden Rock - St Barths

Eden Rock has the distinction of being the first hotel on St. Barth’s, built in the early 1950s by a French adventurer with a slew of famous friends, including Greta Garbo and the Rockefellers. The 34-room hotel has remained one of the most prestigious in the Caribbean ever since. Despite its hefty price tag, the vibe at Eden Rock is friendly and relaxed, visible in the quirky red-themed decor (a giant red stiletto heel guards the entrance) and at the bustling restaurants, both facing the hotel's wide and sandy beach. There's eye-catching artwork throughout -- from bright photographs to simple abstract pieces -- and guests are greeted in a simple, functional lobby with stone-tile floors and a whitewashed wood-beam ceiling. Families and honeymooners from all over the world are attracted to the hotel’s luxe amenities and chic reputation.

Eden Rock is on St. Jean’s Bay in the bustling center of St. Barth’s and sits right on Nikki Beach. It’s within walking distance of a number of restaurants and shops, including Andy’s Hideaway and Le Piment, both five minutes away on foot. The area is often buzzing with activity, as the hotel stands on the edge of a busy roundabout that leads to various corners of the island. It’s also two minutes away from the airport by car, six minutes to the local grocery store, and a five-minute walk to the pharmacy. Gustavia's shops and boutiques are only an eight-minute drive away.

An ice-cold bottle of champagne and a personalized note welcome visitors to the quaint and charming rooms at Eden Rock. They’re each designed by the owner and unique in both decor and amenities. Room generally fall into two categories: those that are part of the original historic property and built literally into the rocky landscape, and the newer cottages on the garden side. No matter the category, rooms come with top-notch amenities that can include iPod docks, fully stocked fridges, private pools and hot tubs, flat-screen TVs mounted on the ceiling, and private wrap-around terraces, among others. Design features vary, but include exposed wood-beam ceilings, bright throw pillows and textiles, and breezy color schemes with light stone floors, white linens, and gorgeous dark hardwood furniture. Bathrooms vary drastically in size, yet all are playfully chic (some feature a faithfully nautical theme), with Bulgari amenities and bright natural light.

Eden Rock stands in the middle of Nikki Beach, a popular strip of sand that lines St Jean’s Bay. It’s large and sandy, with relatively calm water that can sometimes get a bit murky from the flora. The hotel offers a number of activities and sports for guests, like motor yachts, kayaks, and snorkeling equipment.
The property features two on-site restaurants and a casual beach bar. On the Rocks restaurant is perched on a breathtaking overlook above St. Jean’s bay, and serves high-end French cuisine with exotic twists headed by celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. A free breakfast is offered at the seaside Sand Bar and includes a wide variety of fruits, grains, breads, yogurts, in addition to the standard American fare of bacon and eggs. Otherwise the restaurant serves a contemporary European lunch and dinner in a relaxed atmosphere (guests can eat barefoot on the beach).
The hotel’s fitness center is in a cramped room without much of a view, though it includes a selection of up-to-date cardio machines, free weights, and a punching bag. The spa here offers a comprehensive set of services, including yoga, massage, hair and skin treatments all in the privacy of your own room, or in a shaded beach shack facing the water. There's a gift shop on site selling any beachwear guests may need and the hotel offers a professional recording studio, should the mood strike. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Pets are allowed on request and subject to fees.