"How did it strike you on arrival? St. Barts is probably the most beautiful place I've ever been. You can become a little numb to beauty, but even after having been on island for days, I think I squealed when I pulled into Eden Rock. It's just so perfect—so chic, so glamorous, but in this really easy, island-appropriate way. The hotel sits on a point and is almost entirely surround by calm, gin-bottle blue water. Many of the rooms are built into the rock and are simultaneously elegant and cozy. It's the type of place that, just being there, makes you feel like the most glam, sun-kissed version of yourself. It sounds silly, but you feel a little famous when you're there. What’s the crowd like? It's a pretty diverse crowd in some ways, but the common denominator, to tell it straight, is money. This place is not cheap, but it's one of the rare hotels that is absolutely worth it (everyone has that deep, smooth, achieved after years of island holidays, rich-person tan). This is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of place. The guests range in nationality—lots of elegant French couples and families, as well as well-heeled American newlyweds and older travelers who have been coming to Eden Rock for decades. Unless you're just there to party, the property will appeal to you. How was check in? Check in and check out were a breeze. We had a short tour of room, which wasn't overly hi-tech. Eden Rock was significantly damaged during Hurricane Irma in 2017 and has since reopened, having undergone extensive renovation, turning the disaster into an opportunity to refresh and expand—including adding a new bar, Rémy Room and Bar, a brand new spa, and several new suites. The good stuff: Tell us about your room. We stayed in a premium suite, the Fontaine suite. I'm not totally sure what it will look like post-renovation, but when we stayed it was one suite with a king bed and an attached little cabin, where our kids stayed, with two twin beds. The suite and the cabin shared a private back deck with a plunge pool, and the suite had a front patio with sun chairs that looked out over the water. Both were beautifully decorated: subtle Carib-meets-nautical vibe, but bright and airy. The suite is sort of tucked into the rock, and it feels a little like the most elegant gnome home. I mean that in a magical, fairy tale way. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase? The bath products were dreamy—all from Ligne St. Barths. I think my husband, who normally could not care less, left with a slightly heavier dopp kit. Room service and food: Worth it? The rooms are lovely and private, and you could have a delightful breakfast by your private pool, but the people-watching here is too good—you'd be missing an opportunity if you stayed in room. Also, the breakfast spread is insane in scope and quality; don't miss it. Rockstar chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is in charge of the menu at the main restaurant, Sand Bar, which, apparently, once it is reopened, will take cues from Vongerichten's ABC and ABCV restaurants. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why? General Manager Fabrice Moizan was made to do his job. He is so smooth, so welcoming, so competent while seeming totally relaxed. The entire staff is fantastic. When we were leaving, it was pouring, like sheets of water. My husband and I had traveled with our huge longboard surfboards that needed to be tied onto the roof of our rental jeep. The attendants just carried our bags, held umbrellas over us, got our kids settled in the car, and then spent about 10 minutes tying on our boards. They were laughing, and not fighting the rain. They were absolutely soaked by the end and smiling like it was nothing. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you. The water is heavenly for a swim. There's a diving platform a little ways out, and you can take out rafts and paddle around the point and there's a reef if you want to snorkel. Bottom line: worth it, and why? Absolutely. The setting is unparalleled and the food, service, and design are top of the top. There is no way you'll go and not dream about going back (maybe nightly)—it's that special." - Rebecca Misner
