St. Barts is known as a posh, tropical playground where the sybaritic set slips into sandals (or forgo shoes entirely) and trades real life for a sun-dappled fantasy of sprawling on sandy beaches, swimming in turquoise tides, and savoring gourmet cuisine. The perfect mix of elegant and easygoing, it's a destination that could have easily invented the phrase "barefoot luxury."
Budget? Well, that's just not a common word uttered by the holidayers dressed in designer kaftans. Discerning travelers for whom money is no object have many choices on the French-speaking Caribbean island. But none match the prestige or panache of Eden Rock - St Barths.
The original iteration of the now legendary hotel was built by intrepid explorer Rémy de Haenen back in the 1950s. Over the better part of the past 75 years, the high-end retreat has continued to grow and expand. It unveiled a two-year renovation in 2019 and launched new suites in 2021. Today, Eden Rock, which is part of the Oetker Collection, comprises the most coveted real estate on the island. Of course, it's not just the history and privileged perch that makes it such an extraordinary stay. The seaside setting can't be beat. The service is extraordinary. And the design and atmosphere are unparalleled.
If you have the cash to splurge on an extraordinary five-star stay in St. Barts, it just doesn't get any better. Read on to find out why Eden Rock - St. Barths lives up to the hype.
Eden Rock has 37 individually decorated rooms, suites, and villas either on the rock, along the beach, or in the verdant gardens. All the quest quarters wow -- it's just a matter of which vantage point and how much privacy you prefer.
On a recent trip, I had the immense pleasure of staying in the Diamond Suite - Waterlily. From the moment I entered through the Eden Rock-red arched gate and the patio plunge pool backed by the rock and turquoise sea took shape, I was in awe. This is the magic of St. Barts (or, more accurately, the most iconic property on the island). The interiors were no less impressive. Everything felt crisp and bright with shades of white and sand. The extensive art collection and decorative objects imbue Caribbean character. The bed faces the sea for the most stunning rise-and-shine views. The spa-like bathroom was equipped with dual sinks, a rainfall shower, a soaking tub, Dr. Barbara Storm products, and an exclusive perfume spray specially created for Eden Rock by Parisian perfumery Diptyque. The living room and galley kitchen made it feel even homier. As if all that weren't enough, the rear terrace beckoned with a hot tub and sun bed.
The Sand Bar, the signature restaurant featuring a menu conceptualized by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an open-air space cooled by sea breezes.
For breakfast, there's a curated buffet spread of housemade yogurt, fruit, and pastries, plus a variety of delicious a la carte options. I could happily have started the day with fresh-pressed juice and banana toast for a week straight.
Guests can enjoy lunch at the Sand Bar or get ever closer to the waves with a midday meal of hamachi crudo in a zippy passion fruit sauce and frosé on the beachfront loungers.
Dinner blends lavish and local (a recurring theme throughout the hotel). Even the talented team executing the vision of the world-famous gastronome isn't above getting creative to accommodate diners. I was told by multiple people to order the caviar egg toast, but as it turned out that didn't jive with my dairy allergy. So the kitchen whipped up a divine raw tuna creation topped with caviar, so I could get my caviar fix. The kitchen would happily customize any dish on the kid's menu, too. However, it never came to that because our tykes were crazy about the chicken fingers and fries and grilled mahi-mahi with mashed potatoes.
One of the best -- and certainly the most glamorous -- spots on the island to sip and savor, Remy Bar & Salon, offers a menu of signature tipples like the Eden Colada, with rum and Champagne, as well as expertly mixed classics.
Eden Rock boasts a spate of first-class amenities. Besides the bar and restaurant, there's a stunning spa, a large resort pool, and a chic boutique to pick up Missoni kaftans, Zimmerman dresses, and hand-crafted Maison Michel hats.
Although most people will, no doubt, prefer to get their heart rate going through swimming, the fully equipped gym provides an indoor alternative. There are also daily yoga classes on the deck atop the rock, and the spa team can coordinate private flow sessions.
The hotel can arrange plenty of activities, from water sports to private yacht charters. And the property recently partnered with Island Nature Experiences (INE) and the Territorial Environment Agency (ATE) on a coral reef restoration project. Guests can dive into the sustainable side of things by snorkeling around the Eden Reef, participating in coral planting, or adopting a coral.
The Eden Rock spa is a halcyon hideaway built into the rocks. While it's hard to be stressed at Eden Rock, with facilities and treatments this good, why not use the opportunity to get rid of every last lingering knot? Blissful body rituals and massages use a heavenly artisanal line called Ligne St Barth. Dr. Barbara Sturm formulas power the facials. Hydrafacials are also available as well as cutting-edge medi-spa treatments, in partnership with Dr. Pierre-Michel Havet.
One might assume that a hotel known for its glamorous environs and toile-splashed bar might not be a haven for kids. But anyone making assumptions about Eden Rock - St Barths will surely find that all preconceived notions fall to the wayside upon arriving. I found the property to be one of the most welcoming places I've brought my kids to date. First off, the in-suite check-in is a savior for families after a long travel day. Our little guys played with cute stuffed whales, ate homemade Madelines, and drank apple juice while our dedicated concierge collected our passport information. Besides plush toys, our suite was stocked with mini robes and slippers, coloring books and pencils, goggles and floaties, and Dr. Barbara Sturm kids' products.
Enjoying family meals was easy since the bar and restaurants offer kids' menus (and the kitchen was even happy to whip up something for our hungry gents before dinner service officially started).
While Eden Rock doesn't have a dedicated kids' club, the pool and pristine beach are the perfect playground for littles. The staff was all too happy to provide shovels and buckets -- truly, the staff was all too happy to do virtually anything to please the kids. The Eden Kids Program, for children ages 5 and up, includes art, pottery, meditation, yoga, swimming lessons, sandcastle building, and water sports. Our boys were too young to participate on this trip -- just another reason to return in the future.
Sustainability and environmental responsibility are part of the daily operations. Eden Rock puts practices in place to minimize food and water waste. The food menu highlights locally sourced produce and freshly caught fish. The property works with local environmental organizations -- specifically Island Nature Experiences and the Territorial Environment Agency -- to preserve the natural environment. The coral restoration project is a wonderful example of how the hotel works environmental responsibility into the guest experience. The initiative has led to a resurgence of marine life, helping more than 200 coral fragments grow significantly and increasing the fish population.
Eden Rock's common areas, public spaces, and rooms and suites -- including the over-the-top, six-bedroom Villa Rockstar -- are wheelchair accessible.
The Eden Rock - St Barths benefits both from its enviable perch on picture-perfect Plage St. Jeans (the soft sand and turquoise water look like a postcard) and its central location. It's one of the very few luxury hotels on the island that affords guests walkability to shops, restaurants, and beach clubs.
Rates start at $950, plus a 5-percent local tax. Included in the price are heaps of VIP perks -- including a complimentary bottle of Krug Champagne upon arrival (Eden Rock - St Barths is the first-ever hotel to partner with the iconic bubbly brand) and Dr. Barbara Sturm skin care minis. While the brand doesn't have a loyalty program, it often announces promotional deals on the website. The property is part of both Virtuoso and the Leading Hotels of the World networks, giving travelers access to resort credits and room upgrades.