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St. Barths
Give me the lowdown: Since its 1950s heyday when French aviator Rémy Haenen hosted a roll call of celebrities from Greta Garbo to Howard Hughes, Eden Rock – now owned by the Matthews family – is part of the Oetker Collection and remains one of St. Barths flagship five-star hotels. Following Hurricane Irma, the resort has re-opened following a two-year closure to include a new restaurant, spa and rooms.
Tell me more: Eden Rock’s signature red roofs stand out from its perch on a rocky promontory in the centre of St. Barths lush north coast. Overlooking the crystal-clear waters of Baie de St Jean, the resort’s hub are the buildings that sit on the edge of the rocks. Here you will find the Sand Bar restaurant, a small library, the extensive boutique and the fitness centre.
What are the rooms like? There are 11 room categories that crescendos with the lavish six-bedroom Villa Rockstar, which comes complete with a dedicated chef and butler service. Each room is decked out in warm walnut woods, colourful textures and fabrics and artwork that enhance the sea views outside.
What about the crowd? With its pedigree as one of the best addresses in St. Barths, it’s no surprise that Eden Rock is the go-to place for a diverse crowd of well-heeled holiday makers, from elegant couples and families to newlyweds and loyal regulars who have been visiting the hotel for decades.
And the food? You certainly won’t go hungry or thirsty here. Designed by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, the Sand Bar and adjacent Rémy Room and Bar sit at the heart of the hotel. With a menu overseen by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the former serves up crowd-pleasing dishes from sushi and sashimi to pizzas, alongside fresh seafood plates like the local lobster salad, against blissful beach views. Set directly on St Jean Beach, the new Beach Bar with its newly tiered sundeck is the best spot from which to sip on a cocktail and soak up Eden Rock’s chilled vibes.