Eden Rock – St. Barths Resort Evaluation

St. Barts is named a fancy, tropical playground the place the sybaritic set slips into sandals (or forgo footwear solely) and trades actual life for a sun-dappled fantasy of sprawling on sandy seashores, swimming in turquoise tides, and savoring connoisseur delicacies. The proper combine of stylish and easygoing, it’s a vacation spot that might have simply invented the phrase “barefoot luxurious.”

Funds? Nicely, that’s simply not a standard phrase uttered by the holidayers wearing designer kaftans. Discerning vacationers for whom cash isn’t any object have many selections on the French-speaking Caribbean island. However none match the status or panache of Eden Rock – St Barths.

The unique iteration of the now legendary lodge was constructed by intrepid explorer Rémy de Haenen again within the Nineteen Fifties. Over the higher a part of the previous 75 years, the high-end retreat has continued to develop and increase. It unveiled a two-year renovation in 2019 and launched new suites in 2021. At this time, Eden Rock, which is a part of the Oetker Assortment, contains essentially the most coveted actual property on the island. In fact, it is not simply the historical past and privileged perch that makes it such a rare keep. The seaside setting can’t be beat. The service is extraordinary. And the design and environment are unparalleled.

If in case you have the money to splurge on a rare five-star keep in St. Barts, it simply doesn’t get any higher. Learn on to seek out out why Eden Rock – St. Barths lives as much as the hype.

The Rooms

Eden Rock has 37 individually adorned rooms, suites, and villas both on the rock, alongside the seaside, or within the verdant gardens. All the hunt quarters wow — it’s only a matter of which vantage level and the way a lot privateness you favor.

On a latest journey, I had the immense pleasure of staying within the Diamond Suite – Waterlily. From the second I entered by way of the Eden Rock–crimson arched gate and the patio plunge pool backed by the rock and turquoise sea took form, I used to be in awe. That is the magic of St. Barts (or, extra precisely, essentially the most iconic property on the island). The interiors have been no much less spectacular. Every little thing felt crisp and shiny with shades of white and sand. The intensive artwork assortment and ornamental objects imbue Caribbean character. The mattress faces the ocean for essentially the most gorgeous rise-and-shine views. The spa-like lavatory was outfitted with twin sinks, a rainfall bathe, a soaking tub, Dr. Barbara Storm merchandise, and an unique fragrance spray specifically created for Eden Rock by Parisian perfumery Diptyque. The lounge and galley kitchen made it really feel even homier. As if all that weren’t sufficient, the rear terrace beckoned with a scorching tub and solar mattress.

Meals and Drink

The Sand Bar, the signature restaurant that includes a menu conceptualized by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an open-air area cooled by sea breezes.

For breakfast, there’s a curated buffet unfold of housemade yogurt, fruit, and pastries, plus a wide range of scrumptious a la carte choices. I may fortunately have began the day with fresh-pressed juice and banana toast for every week straight.

Visitors can get pleasure from lunch on the Sand Bar or get ever nearer to the waves with a noon meal of hamachi crudo in a zippy ardour fruit sauce and frosé on the beachfront loungers.

Dinner blends lavish and native (a recurring theme all through the lodge). Even the gifted staff executing the imaginative and prescient of the world-famous gastronome isn’t above getting inventive to accommodate diners. I used to be instructed by a number of individuals to order the caviar egg toast, however because it turned out that didn’t jive with my dairy allergy. So the kitchen whipped up a divine uncooked tuna creation topped with caviar, so I may get my caviar repair. The kitchen would fortunately customise any dish on the child’s menu, too. Nevertheless, it by no means got here to that as a result of our tykes have been loopy in regards to the rooster fingers and fries and grilled mahi-mahi with mashed potatoes.

Among the finest — and positively essentially the most glamorous — spots on the island to sip and savor, Remy Bar & Salon, provides a menu of signature tipples just like the Eden Colada, with rum and Champagne, in addition to expertly combined classics.

Experiences and Facilities

Eden Rock boasts a spate of first-class facilities. In addition to the bar and restaurant, there’s a shocking spa, a big resort pool, and an elegant boutique to select up Missoni kaftans, Zimmerman clothes, and hand-crafted Maison Michel hats.

Though most individuals will, little question, favor to get their coronary heart fee going by way of swimming, the totally outfitted fitness center supplies an indoor different. There are additionally every day yoga courses on the deck atop the rock, and the spa staff can coordinate personal circulate periods.

The lodge can organize loads of actions, from water sports activities to non-public yacht charters. And the property not too long ago partnered with Island Nature Experiences (INE) and the Territorial Atmosphere Company (ATE) on a coral reef restoration challenge. Visitors can dive into the sustainable aspect of issues by snorkeling across the Eden Reef, collaborating in coral planting, or adopting a coral.

The Spa

The Eden Rock spa is a halcyon hideaway constructed into the rocks. Whereas it is arduous to be burdened at Eden Rock, with services and coverings this good, why not use the chance to do away with each final lingering knot? Blissful physique rituals and massages use a heavenly artisanal line referred to as Ligne St Barth. Dr. Barbara Sturm formulation energy the facials. Hydrafacials are additionally out there in addition to cutting-edge medi-spa therapies, in partnership with Dr. Pierre-Michel Havet.

Household-friendly Choices

One would possibly assume {that a} lodge recognized for its glamorous environs and toile-splashed bar won’t be a haven for teenagers. However anybody making assumptions about Eden Rock – St Barths will certainly discover that every one preconceived notions fall to the wayside upon arriving. I discovered the property to be one of the vital welcoming locations I’ve introduced my youngsters up to now. First off, the in-suite check-in is a savior for households after an extended journey day. Our little guys performed with cute stuffed whales, ate home made Madelines, and drank apple juice whereas our devoted concierge collected our passport data. In addition to plush toys, our suite was stocked with mini robes and slippers, coloring books and pencils, goggles and floaties, and Dr. Barbara Sturm youngsters’ merchandise.

Having fun with household meals was simple because the bar and eating places provide youngsters’ menus (and the kitchen was even completely happy to whip up one thing for our hungry gents earlier than dinner service formally began).

Whereas Eden Rock doesn’t have a devoted youngsters’ membership, the pool and pristine seaside are the proper playground for littles. The employees was all too completely happy to offer shovels and buckets — actually, the employees was all too completely happy to do just about something to please the youngsters. The Eden Youngsters Program, for youngsters ages 5 and up, consists of artwork, pottery, meditation, yoga, swimming classes, sandcastle constructing, and water sports activities. Our boys have been too younger to take part on this journey — simply one more reason to return sooner or later.

Accessibility and Sustainability

Sustainability and environmental duty are a part of the every day operations. Eden Rock places practices in place to attenuate meals and water waste. The meals menu highlights domestically sourced produce and freshly caught fish. The property works with native environmental organizations — particularly Island Nature Experiences and the Territorial Atmosphere Company — to protect the pure surroundings. The coral restoration challenge is a superb instance of how the lodge works environmental duty into the visitor expertise. The initiative has led to a resurgence of marine life, serving to greater than 200 coral fragments develop considerably and growing the fish inhabitants.

Eden Rock’s widespread areas, public areas, and rooms and suites — together with the over-the-top, six-bedroom Villa Rockstar — are wheelchair accessible.

Location

The Eden Rock – St Barths advantages each from its enviable perch on picture-perfect Plage St. Denims (the delicate sand and turquoise water seem like a postcard) and its central location. It’s one of many only a few luxurious resorts on the island that affords friends walkability to outlets, eating places, and seaside golf equipment.

Tips on how to Get the Most Worth From Your Keep

Charges begin at $950, plus a 5-percent native tax. Included within the worth are heaps of VIP perks — together with a complimentary bottle of Krug Champagne upon arrival (Eden Rock – St Barths is the first-ever lodge to associate with the long-lasting bubbly model) and Dr. Barbara Sturm skincare minis. Whereas the model would not have a loyalty program, it usually publicizes promotional offers on the web site. The property is a part of each Virtuoso and the Main Resorts of the World networks, giving vacationers entry to resort credit and room upgrades.