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I went to Eden Rock St Barths last October in ‘low’ season, although in truth it wasn’t yet so cold in the northern hemisphere that a trip to the sun was entirely warranted. But still. After my short holiday there, I have to confess that I would be perfectly happy to go back every month if that were possible. It’s warm and sunny all year round out and Eden Rock is that kind of place.
It is perched on a rocky promontory, overlooking the turquoise waters of Saint-Jean bay, one of the most spectacular settings I think I’ve ever seen. The red-roofed villas, the Sand Bar restaurant (decorated by my friend Martin Brudnizki) and the small library all face the hotel’s private white sand beach, with direct access to it. The spa is built in the rock. Above that there are a few suites where lucky guests – like me! – enjoy a wide-screen HD ocean view. I am a big fan of stripes and bold piping when it comes to seating, and the ones here, in red and white, were a visual joy.
The sun loungers on the beach get a similar treatment. It would be rude not to have spent much time on them, looking at the tiny silver Tradewind planes taking off from and landing at the nearby airport, all while I sipped frosé. Frosé! What a genius invention that is. Chilled rosé with grated ice, it is almost on the tap here. When drunk under the warm Caribbean sun, it tastes better still. Eden Rock is one of those hotels where never want to leave.
Of course it is impossible to get bored when the ocean is such a close neighbour, particularly when the water is crystal clear. Added to which, the food is excellent, the décor cosy (think English country house, with touches of European chic, all in a Caribbean environment) and the service never anything but attentive and smiley. Everything seems to be easy here. Even exercising. I ditched my daily jog in favour of electrostimulation in my villa. After 20 minutes I felt like I had worked out for an hour. Good preparation for more hours in the sun, and more frosé.
