If the shoe fits...One must not be a jet setter, in high cotton, a social butterfly or a fashionista, to walk the mythical red carpet runway at St. Barths. By repute, one might expect a ubiquitous red velvet rope cinched securely around the rocky promontory accommodating Eden Rock.If you are beguiled by the charms of the French Riviera, Hotel Eden Rock most certainly will enchant.  The hotel caters to the seen and be seen crowd, however mere mortals will also relish the luxury property. Location is also a factor; it is built atop the rock on St. Jean Bay in a central beach location. Fancy a late lunch including a Jeroboam of Dom Perignon at Nikki Beach? Footsteps away on a strip of delicate white sand, easily navigated in beach sandals. Location, location, location.

In 1945, the first plane to touch down on the island of Saint Barthélemy was piloted by the eccentric and celebrated adventurer, Remy de Haenen. In 1950, he built a private home, a rambling structure barely clinging to the rock; it became a haven for his Hollywood friends. During the fifties and sixties his numerous cinema cronies including Howard Hughes, Robert Mitchum and Greta Garbo flocked to the island. Guests were not limited to Hollywood; he attracted old New York families, including the Rockefeller and Rothschild families who subsequently built homes on the island.

Each room is distinctly decorated at Eden Rock – in some, the decor is almost whimsical, yet tastefully decorated, tongue in cheek with a nod to celebrity. Owner Jane Matthews in her unique style individually decorates each guest room. There are 34 highly individual accommodations located “on the rock”, dotted along the beach or set within the lush green garden.  The ocean front suites are vast, really more like small homes on the beach, gated and extremely private and would easily house an extended family or a full entourage of swells; wide swath of white sandbox beach directly out the gate.Greta Garbo 1930’s style one bedroom suite has a perfect location with wrap around terrace and and divine views across the turquoise Baie de St-Jean, her spirit remains in a stunning art deco room featuring a curvacious ceiling and an oversize bed. In fact, Greta Garbo did indeed stay here when she felt the need ‘to be alone.’Although the island is French, hold on to your chapeau, it is cheeky and sophisticated. Family owned and managed by the Oetker Collection, the property owners pay impeccable attention to detail, also one of the promises of Oetker Collection hotels.

The Howard Hughes Loft Suite Eden Rock –  is located on the top of the rock and offers 360-degree views of the bay. This spacious 500 square foot single bedroom suite includes three sun terraces – two copper clad bathrooms – and a home cinema. Imagine becoming a recluse here?

Soak up the sun on the long pale sandy strand lapped by the translucent blue sea and a lovely coral reef full of wild sea life. The hotel is very conveniently located in the center of the island, which allows quick jaunts to sophisticated and fun boutiques, vibrant art galleries, fine dining, fun bars and renowned ice cream in the village of St Jean.Villas Ultraluxe Eden Rock offers two entirely secluded villas of extravagant style combined with refined hospitality with access directly to the St Jean beach. Dedicated Butler service is provided around the clock and links the house to Eden Rock’s luxury hotel services.Villa Rockstar  is an enormous 16,000 sq. feet and includes beautiful detailing, perfect cuisine and superb staff. Villa Rockstar comprises north and south houses connected by a fountain courtyard and cloisters. The property is particularly private and secure, with its own gate onto a vast beach of soft pink and white coral sand.

Contemporary Villa Nina includes fabulous detailing, perfect cuisine, superb staff and an outstanding art collection on show in its own private gallery exhibiting original paintings, photographs and lithographs. Oversize doors and windows open directly onto the bay of St Jean with clear views of the ocean beyond. The property’s two pools overlook the bay and comfy king-sized loungers scattered around the extensive stone terraces are perfect for soaking up the sun. Outdoor dining is set for 10 or more in the shade, with speakers to deliver your favorite music from within the villa.

Restaurants Eden Rock restaurants are a must for all visitors, the legendary hotel offers world class dining at ‘The Sand Bar’ and ‘On the Rocks’, both overseen by the celebrated Master Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Luc Lanza and Renaud Liou manage these exceptional St Barths restaurants.Sand Bar with Jean-Georges Lunch at the Sand Bar is sparked by the brilliant New York City ABC kitchen concept of Jean-Georges Vongerichten, unquestionably one of the world’s most celebrated international chefs. Located on the beach of St Jean, the Sand Bar is the only place on the island to enjoy fantastic whole-wheat crust pizza plus local fish grilled or baked in the wood fired oven and also deliciously light salads with herbs home-grown from Eden Rock’s greenhouse.

On the Rocks with Jean-Georges Eden Rock – St Barths’ Executive Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, provides stimulating globally inspired menus throughout the year celebrating ‘the best of’ his personal favorite dishes. Island-chic with a relaxed atmosphere, On The Rocks with Jean Georges is spectacularly set with views over the coral reefs and beyond.

Aquatic activities include boating, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing and windsurfing.

PLUS – Full service  Eden Rock Villas off property.   A choice of inclusive five-star services linked directly to the Eden Rock Hotel is the magical ingredient that sets Eden Rock Villa Rental’s ultraluxe properties apart. Enjoy mouthwatering menus prepared by your in-house private chef and the luxury of a dedicated butler – so why not choose your favorite St Barths villa now and make your sunniest dreams come true?