1. Eden Rock – St Barths
As the first hotel to open on St. Barts, Eden Rock has been welcoming sun-seeking vacationers for more than 60 years. A-listers like Greta Garbo and Howard Hughes have graced this hotel’s hallways. And after undergoing an extensive reconstruction effort following damage sustained during Hurricane Irma, the Eden Rock remains just as elegant, according to recent guests. Each accommodation is unique, with pops of bright accent colors and private terraces, and guests describe a stay here as worth every penny. Splurge on a specialty villa and you’ll have access to such extras as a private art gallery (in the Villa Nina) or a recording studio (in the Rockstar Villa). Eden Rock sits on St. Jean Bay on the island’s northern shore, granting visitors access to pristine sands and a nearby coral reef.
2. Jade Mountain Resort
Rising above its sister property, Anse Chastanet, Jade Mountain offers high-rise vistas of The Pitons, with architecture that draws on St. Lucia’s natural beauty. Each of its «sanctuaries» boasts only three walls (the space where the fourth wall should be is completely open), 15-foot ceilings and furnishings crafted from tropical wood. Some suites also feature infinity pools that create the illusion of a limitless space between you, the Caribbean Sea and The Pitons. However, recent guests warned that modern conveniences like TVs and telephones are not available in any accommodations. Additionally, some said that although the open wall yields majestic views, it also means you’re up close and personal with some of the island’s high-flying wildlife and the occasional rainstorm. In addition to the panoramic views, Jade Mountain touts a varied list of island sports, including snorkeling in the Anse Chastanet bay, sunset sailing on the resort yacht and scuba diving with experts from the on-site PADI dive center.
