You’ve most likely heard of St. Barths as the island where the elite go to vacation. Articles of Leonardo Dicaprio and other celebrities partying on a yacht off the island dominate headlines at least once a year. While the island is known for its parties, shopping, and chic aesthetic, it is still approachable and worth visiting. The Oetker Collection’s prized gem in the Caribbean (aside from Jumby Bay) is Eden Rock St. Barths, and it has a reputation for being one of the best properties on the island.

I had the pleasure of staying at Eden Rock last summer and was excited to see what the hype was about. Let me tell you, I was not disappointed!

Location

Eden Rock is strategically located at St. Jean Beach toward the center of the island. I love this location because St. Jean is a trendy and happening area with several beach clubs within walking distance. This area is also right by the airport which means you can lay on the beach and watch the small prop planes fly over the ocean before landing.

Getting to St. Barths is always tricky, but worth it! Most travelers prefer to fly to St. Maarten (SXM) and then take a short commuter plane to St. Barths. You can find direct flights from a number of East Coast hubs to SXM during peak season, typically November to January. Upon landing in St. Barths, you’ll find that your luxury hotel is only a 5 minute drive away.

Pulling into the entrance of Eden Rock, I was immediately struck by the vibrant red accents all around the courtyard. The window shutters, the doors, and the valet stand were all a striking red against the stone facade of the main entrance building. I was warmly greeted and ushered into the seating area of Remy Bar, just two steps above Sand Bar. In lieu of a traditional lobby, guests sit at the bar, have a welcome drink and eat nuts while the check-in associate asks questions.

Check-in is a breeze. The process feels more like an informal conversation between friends, and I cannot get over the phenomenal ocean views from where I am sitting. I see well-dressed guests laughing and taking pictures by Sand Bar, and families on their way to their beach chairs. I immediately start my site inspection which couldn’t have come at a better time as it allowed me get my bearings and take in this beautiful property.

The property is laid out following along St. Jean Beach. There is the “rock” where Eden Rock was first built (originally a bed and breakfast!), and host to many unique rooms and suites. Then, just past the Sand Bar through a short tunnel lies a flatter garden area with a sizeable beach deck, beach bar, and more rooms with garden and sea views.

Hotel Style

Eden Rock is known as one of the hottest places to stay on St. Barths, and their hotel design reflects that accolade. The hotel does not shy away from bold reds, complementary teals, and wood accents. You’ll find the signature Eden Rock red in every corner of the property from the stairs to the swinging egg chairs by the beach. Fragrant plumeria trees dot the property and fill the landscape with a sweet scent.

The property takes advantage of their five-star view of St. Jean beach and creates many open air spaces with views of the sea. This complements the contemporary nautical motif expressed by their submarine doors and sailor rope accents . Though the property is on the smaller side, you wouldn’t be able to tell as there’s a large green lawn on the garden side with plenty of benches and chairs around to take in the sights.

Rooms

Though the hotel boasts a large personality, there are only 37 rooms and suites on the property. The rooms are scattered between the rock, the gardens, and the beach. You’ll find more than usual room categories at Eden Rock, and this is because many of the rooms are uniquely styled and named after a significant personality.

I was fortunate to look at a few rooms and suites on the rock to get an idea of the design and views, and I was not disappointed! The rooms are bright, airy, and look out of an architectural magazine. Almost all rooms offer the option of a terrace or balcony and all rooms on the rock have sea views. A unique feature of the rooms at Eden Rock are the real books lining the shelves of each category. You’ll find ambient shelf lighting complementing the tasteful mixture of textures around the room, from wood wall accents to French stone floors.

During my stay at Eden Rock, I stayed in a Plantation Room. This ground-level room is located on the garden side of the property just a 2-minute walk from the beach. The building the room is housed in is actually two levels with a Beach Room on top and Plantation Room on the bottom. I found the room to be luxurious and well-appointed with updated technology options thoughtfully placed. The terrace, overlooking the expansive green lawn, was lovely and relaxing though a hotbed for mosquitos .

Amenities

The hotel shines when it comes to both hotel amenities and in-room amenities. As I had mentioned, a fruity welcome drink and nuts were waiting for me upon arrival at Remy Bar. When I arrived in my room, I found on the bed a Eden Rock beach tote, red vinyl sandals, a canvas pouch with my initials embroidered on them, a fresh pastry, and homemade ice tea. Talk about generous!

In addition to the amenities found in the room, the bathroom boasted even more freebies. Sitting on the vanity was a canvas makeup bag filled with goodies like hair ties, a faceroller, mouthwash, a comb, a nail kit, hair clips, and more. There were also full-sized Ligne St. Barth body lotion, aftershave, and Barbara Sturm lip balm products for the taking. For turndown service, a red vinyl case with an Eden Rock card and three sample sized skincare products were on the bed next to fluffy bath slippers. I have never felt more spoiled than at this property!

Aside from the room amenities, at Eden Rock anything is possible. They have a devoted concierge team who is committed to fulfilling most requests. There is a spa and gym on the rock, and both are well-appointed but on the smaller side. The spa only has 3 treatment rooms and new medspa services, so advanced reservations are a must. The hotel is very family friendly with options for painting classes, water sports, meditation, and more available to kids. The most valuable tip I can give is to have the concierge team book your restaurant reservations in advance!

Restaurants

There is one main restaurant and two bars on property, but I can assure you that is plenty! The heart of the hotel is the coveted Sand Bar headed by Chef Jean-Georges, a full service restaurant overlooking the ocean serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant is one of the trendiest places to dine on the island, and the seafood-inspired menu is to die for.

Just before reaching Sand Bar guests would pass through Remy Bar, a more low-key yet upscale bar experience. The bar serves up small bites throughout the day, but their cocktails are where they really shine. Finally, the Beach Bar is another staple of the Eden Rock experience. Located on the garden side of the hotel just before reaching the beach, you’ll find the Beach Bar next to the frosé cart. Here they serve up light island bites – think salads, sandwiches, elevated pizzas, and caviar, of course! You can also enjoy massages right on the beach from their Sun Spa menu with a refreshing frosé right around the corner afterward.

Beach Club

While not labeled as a beach club in the likes of Nikki Beach, Gyp Sea, Shellona, etc., the beach at Eden Rock is a great way to spend a day. Typically, non-guests who dine at Sand Bar can ask for beach chairs after but depending on availability it’s not always guaranteed. In-houses guests never have to worry about needing to jump through hoops to enjoy the beach club, which is a great perk to consider staying here for.

@farahildeblog

☀️ Eden Rock the iconic luxury hotel on St. Barths. Their beach club on St. Jean Beach is chill, refined, and luxurious. Massages on the beach? Caviar for lunch? Watching planes land? You’ll find all of that here. ✨ Read my full review at farahilde.com I’m also accepting new trip requests! Reach out if you want me to plan the trip of your dreams 🫶 #travel #traveltips #travelguide #luxurytravel #travelagent #travelagentsoftiktok #travelinspo #wanderlust #honeymoon #grouptravel #caribbean #caribbeantiktok #farahilde #travelblogger #traveltiktok #travelbucketlist #hotelreview #luxuryhotel #edenrock #edenrockstbarths #oetkercollection #stbarths

♬ the meaning of being alive – The National Park Travelers 📸

Nikki Beach Club is just a few steps next door, and it’s an iconic scene to be a part of. I would recommend Nikki Beach for those who prefer more of a party environment, loud bopping music, and shameless dancing. The beach club at Eden Rock is more of a refined scene with chill vibey music and well dressed guests eating, chatting, tanning, and relaxing.

There are plenty of fantastic beaches in St. Barths, but I particularly like St. Jean Beach because you can watch the planes land – a unique feature for any beach worldwide. The beach also gets great wind so windsurfers and kitesurfers dot the sea in the distance. St. Jean is great for families and couples alike, and the shape of the beach is great for long romantic walks during sunset.

Villa Rentals

Renting a villa in St. Barths is a tradition that many couples and families do every year. Besides the amazing selection of luxury hotels on the island, there are even more luxury villa rentals that are snatched up a year in advance. I mention villa rentals because Eden Rock has a separate villa rental service. They work with many villa owners to list their properties through Eden Rock and guests who rent villas through this channel will receive multiple benefits including:

• Eden Rock Concierge Services
• Daily breakfast delivery
• Roundtrip transfer services
• Daily maid service
• Eden Rock welcome amenities

Who I would recommend

I typically send clients to Eden Rock who are looking for an upbeat and fun St. Barths experience. They typically want to be centrally located to the best beach clubs and restaurants, and don’t mind buzzing St. Jean beach. I’ve sent both families and couples here and have received nothing but great feedback. I would not send clients here who are sensitive to noise as the area surrounding Eden Rock knows how to throw a party.

@farahildeblog

🏝️ Is it worth it to go to St. Barths? Yes, friends, yes it is. Some of the best beaches, food, hikes, and shopping are on this island. 🥂 Eden Rock St. Barths is popular with my clients who do annual girls trips and couples trips. And for good reason – it’s a fun time! ✨ Read my full review of this property on farahilde.com I’m also accepting new trip requests! Reach out if you’re ready to have your dream trip planned. 🫶 #travel #traveltips #travelguide #luxurytravel #travelagent #travelagentsoftiktok #travelinspo #wanderlust #honeymoon #grouptravel #caribbean #caribbeantiktok #farahilde #travelblogger #traveltiktok #travelbucketlist #hotelreview #edenrock #luxuryhotel #edenrockstbarths #oetkercollection

♬ Good Energy – Yung Wylin’

Cheval Blanc vs. Eden Rock

I’ve previously written about another ultra-luxury property on St. Barths, the Cheval Blanc. I’m often asked which property I recommend between Eden Rock and Cheval Blanc as they’re very different. Here is what I usually tell my clients:

• The Cheval Blanc is in a more secluded quiet part of the island compared to Eden Rock.
• Eden Rock is a more intimate beach-focused experience compared to Cheval Blanc which has a larger property, almost double the rooms, and have less ocean view options.
• Both are extremely luxurious and offer top-notch quality service.
• Cheval Blanc style is understated French elegance while Eden Rock is in-your-face bold chic design.
• Overall, I would send those wanting a more low-key luxury experience to Cheval Blanc and those who want a more buzzing luxury experience to Eden Rock.

Final Thoughts

All in all, during my trip to St. Barths to explore various luxury properties, the Eden Rock stood out above the rest. It felt so refreshing to experience FUN luxury instead of stuffy luxury. Eden Rock knows how to take care of their guests and have a good time, and I would highly recommend this hotel for the right clients.

Have you ever been to Eden Rock or an Oetker Collection hotel? What were your thoughts?