Eden Rock - St Barths

Eden Rock began in the 1950s as the island's first hotel, built by an aviator on the quartzite promontory that splits St Jean bay, and it remains the property that defines St Barths' particular formula: French Riviera manners transplanted to Caribbean water. The rock itself holds the original suites; wings and villas spread along the two beaches on either side.

A thorough rebuild after hurricane damage returned the hotel sharper than ever—nautical reds and whites, art and photography collections layered through individually designed suites, and bathrooms of yacht-grade joinery. Villas up the hillside add pools and full staff for the island's high-season set. Service delivers French polish loosened by barefoot island ease.

The beach club's daybeds and champagne lunches anchor the social scene, while the Jean-Georges-directed restaurants swing from beachfront seafood to evening fine dining as planes buzz the famously short runway across the bay. Watersports launch from the sand, and the boutiques of St Jean are steps away. For glamour with a sense of humour, this is the island's beating heart.