Who Owns Eden Rock St Barths?
Tucked away on a sun-drenched promontory in St. Barthélemy, Eden Rock St Barths stands as one of the world’s most legendary luxury resorts. Its captivating history, celebrity allure, and intriguing ownership story make it a focal point for jet-setters, travel lovers, and anyone fascinated by iconic destinations. But who exactly owns this Caribbean jewel? In this in-depth guide, we pull back the curtain on Eden Rock St Barths’ ownership, legacy, and the visionaries who keep its legend alive.
Essential Highlights
- Eden Rock St Barths was originally founded by aviator Rémy de Haenen in the 1950s.
- The resort was purchased in 1995 by David and Jane Matthews, who remain the current owners.
- The Matthews family extensively renovated and expanded the property, blending its rich past with modern luxury.
- Since 2014, the Oetker Collection—renowned for high-end hospitality—has managed Eden Rock St Barths, while the Matthews family retains owner-partner status.
- Jane Matthews, an accomplished artist, also serves as the resort’s artist-in-residence, curating the Eden Rock Gallery.
- Eden Rock St Barths continues to attract celebrities, global elites, and discerning travelers.
Table of Contents
A Storied Beginning: The Origins of Eden Rock St Barths
The Matthews Family: Visionaries and Owners
The Oetker Collection Partnership: Management Meets Legacy
Notable Guests and Celebrity Fascination
Eden Rock’s Influence on St Barths
Links for Further Exploration
Frequently Asked Questions
A Storied Beginning: The Origins of Eden Rock St Barths
The story of Eden Rock St Barths starts with adventure and vision. In the early 1950s, Rémy de Haenen, a daring French-Dutch aviator and the first elected mayor of St. Barthélemy, spotted a rocky bluff overlooking St Jean Bay. Envisioning its potential, he purchased the land, built a small hotel, and attracted an exclusive crowd with both charisma and hospitality[1][3][7].
- De Haenen’s Eden Rock became a magnet for celebrities like Greta Garbo and Howard Hughes, who found privacy and paradise mixed in equal measure.
- The hotel’s unique location—perched above a pristine bay—set the tone for St Barths’ future as a high-end retreat.
The Matthews Family: Visionaries and Owners
In 1995, Eden Rock’s legacy took a new direction when David and Jane Matthews acquired the property from de Haenen. The Matthews family, British entrepreneurs with a passion for hospitality, fell in love with the resort’s history and location[1][3][5].
- David Matthews led efforts to restore and expand Eden Rock, adding luxurious suites, villas, and seaside amenities while maintaining its bohemian spirit.
- Jane Matthews, an accomplished artist who studied at the Slade School of Art, curated Eden Rock’s art gallery and infused creative energy throughout the hotel, becoming its artist-in-residence[3].
- The Matthews family continues to own Eden Rock St Barths, shaping its identity and global reputation.
David and Jane Matthews’ stewardship turned the resort into an icon of modern Caribbean luxury while preserving its quirky roots and artistic spirit.
The Oetker Collection Partnership: Management Meets Legacy
In 2014, the Matthews family partnered with the Oetker Collection to further enhance Eden Rock’s prestige and global visibility.
The Oetker Collection—renowned for managing masterpiece hotels—now operates Eden Rock while the Matthews family maintains ownership and an active role as owner-partners[1][5].
- Oetker brings international hospitality expertise, ensuring Eden Rock meets the highest standards of service and elegance.
- The collaboration blends local ownership and artistic vision with world-class operational know-how, safeguarding the resort’s legacy for future generations.
Today, David Matthews serves as the executive chairman, with the family still deeply involved in Eden Rock’s operations and vision[5].
Notable Guests and Celebrity Fascination
From its inception, Eden Rock St Barths has been a haven for the elite, attracting an eclectic and glamorous clientele.
Greta Garbo famously intended to stay for three days and remained for three weeks. Howard Hughes, the Rockefellers, the Rothschilds, and Aristotle Onassis have all been guests, enchanted by the resort’s privacy and picturesque setting[3][7].
- Eden Rock’s reputation as a discrete sanctuary continues to draw Hollywood stars, musicians, and global powerbrokers.
- The resort’s unique blend of luxury, history, and artistry ensures its continued allure among the world’s most influential travelers.
Eden Rock’s Influence on St Barths
Eden Rock is not just a hotel—it’s an anchor for St Barths’ transformation into a global luxury hotspot.
As one of the first and most famous hotels on the island, Eden Rock has helped establish St Barths as a playground for the wealthy and well-traveled[1][7].
- The Matthews family’s restoration and expansion of the resort set new standards for excellence on the island.
- Eden Rock’s ongoing commitment to art, hospitality, and local culture continues to shape St Barths’ image as the ultimate Caribbean escape.
Links for Further Exploration
- Learn more about property ownership across the globe and Eden Rock St Barths at Who Owns
- Get specific details at Who Owns Eden Rock St Barths
- Discover broader context for Ownership Structures
- Explore the Oetker Collection’s official history of Eden Rock St Barths
- See U.S. News’ review of Eden Rock St Barths
- Get travel insights from Condé Nast Traveler
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Eden Rock St Barths today?
The resort is owned by the Matthews family—David and Jane Matthews, with Jane also serving as the artist-in-residence and David as executive chairman. The property is managed by the Oetker Collection, which oversees day-to-day operations as a management partner[1][3][5].
What is the history behind Eden Rock St Barths?
Eden Rock was founded in the 1950s by French-Dutch aviator Rémy de Haenen, who built the original hotel on the rocky outcrop overlooking St Jean Bay. It quickly became popular with celebrities. In 1995, the Matthews family purchased the property and began a restoration and expansion that continues today[1][3][7].
Who are the Matthews family?
David and Jane Matthews are British entrepreneurs. Jane is also an artist and established the Eden Rock Gallery. Their family remains actively involved in the hotel’s vision and operations[3][5].
What happened to Eden Rock during Hurricane Irma?
Eden Rock sustained significant damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017 but underwent a complete, two-year renovation before reopening in 2019, with expanded amenities and redesigned spaces[1][3].
Who manages Eden Rock St Barths?
While the Matthews family retains ownership, the resort is managed by the world-famous Oetker Collection, which specializes in luxury hotels and resorts[1][5].
Who are some famous guests of Eden Rock?
Notable guests over the decades include Greta Garbo, Howard Hughes, the Rockefellers, the Rothschilds, and Aristotle Onassis, along with countless modern celebrities[3][7].
Where can I learn more about luxury property ownership?
To explore more about hotel and resort ownership, visit Who Owns and related guides on ownership structures.
Eden Rock St Barths’ ownership story is a testament to the enduring power of vision, artistry, and stewardship. Whether you dream of visiting or are simply fascinated by legendary destinations, Eden Rock stands as a shining example of what happens when history and innovation meet on the shores of paradise.
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