FRENCH WEST INDIES IN A NUTSHELL
We have selected three very special resorts, two on St Barths and one on the French side of St Martin.
St Barths in a nutshell | Foodies should look no further! The decidedly stylish but seriously laid-back St Barths is stunningly pretty with, in our view, much of the best of France in an idyllic tropical setting with glorious beaches. It's all about food really - an oven-warm brioche and café au lait in the morning, grilled fish or a pizza perhaps with your toes in the sand for lunch, freshly flownin foie gras and lobster for dinner amongst the rich and famous! Virtually everywhere, there's minimal formality and maximum style. As you might tell, those of us who have been there love St Barths!
St Martin in a nutshell | The French part of St Martin, which is less developed than the Dutch (Saint Maarten), has wonderful beaches and many excellent restaurants with a distinctly cosmopolitan atmosphere - if you want to combine some stylish nightlife with your beachcombing and some good duty-free shopping, St Martin is a superb choice. It's not as scenically attractive as St Barths but has its own distinct atmosphere.
CARIBTOURS' PERSONAL VIEW
When she could drag herself away from the sublime restaurants, Gemma was especially struck by the sense of personal safety and well-being in St Barths – and we all rate the boutiques in Gustavia in particular! Gemma also enjoyed a visit to the market in Marigot, St Martin and also visited the Dutch side "It's more lively with casinos, nightclubs and so forth but you feel a million miles away from it in the seclusion of La Samanna".
DID YOU KNOW...?
Did You Know...? The inhabitants of St Barths originate from Brittany.
Dramatically perched on a rock overlooking a beautiful coral reef and 2 white sand beaches, the legendary Eden Rock was once the favoured Caribbean hideaway of Greta Garbo.
Eden Rock has been beautifully restored by an English couple, David and Jane Matthews and is now avery special retreat.
It’s intimate, stylish and seriously romantic and is now, justifiably, a member of Relais & Chateaux.
LOCATION
Located on St Barths in the bay of St Jean, 5 minutes from the capital of Gustavia and the airport.
SPECIAL INFORMATION
Minimum stay 10 nights between 21 December - 6 January.
*** The owners of Eden Rock have recently purchased the adjacent hotel as a result of which, Eden Rock will be closed for re-development between 31 March - 31 December 2004 ***
Facilities
There are no less than three restaurants, each with its own atmosphere and style – The Rock serving gastronomic French cuisine, The Sand Bar for a relaxed but stylish beach lunch and On The Rocks, the buzzing Tapas bar.
Watersports are available from the beach with complimentary kayaks and snorkelling equipment.
The unique Eden Rock Spa, set amongst sea water rock pools and inches away from the water, offers tailor-made treatments in the open air.
Hotel is suitable for
Adults only
Honeymooners
Extra features
Contemporary/chic
Rooms open onto beach
Available activities
Spa
Eating out
Accommodation
16 air-conditioned suites, rooms, cottages and cabins, each individually decorated with flair and style.
All have a private terrace with magnificent ocean or beach views (with the exception of the cottages and Garden Suite); each is air-conditioned and has a CD player and VCR.
The décor ranges from colonial African chic to Mediterranean simplicity.
We cannot over-emphasise the individuality of each room and suite – we will do everything possible to ensure we find the perfect match to suit your taste but individual rooms or suites cannot be guaranteed by the hotel.
For the ultimate in style and comfort, David and Jane’s own residence, Harbour House, is available from time to time and boasts its own plunge pool; it is one of our top recommendations for honeymooners.
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Eden Rock
