The legendary Eden Rock resort on St. Barths was originally established in the early 1950s by the flamboyant aviator, adventurer, and local politician Rémy de Haenen. It was the very first hotel built on the island, perched dramatically on a rocky promontory in St. Jean Bay. Throughout the 50s and 60s, it became a sanctuary for the world's elite, hosting famous guests like Greta Garbo, Howard Hughes, and the Rockefeller family. After decades of serving as a private hideaway, the property was sold to David and Jane Matthews in 1995, who transformed it into the world-class Oetker Collection resort it is today. Although it has undergone several major renovations—most notably following the devastation of Hurricane Irma in 2017—the resort has meticulously preserved the original "Rock" structure and the 1950s spirit that de Haenen envisioned. In 2026, it remains one of the most exclusive and recognizable hotels in the Caribbean, celebrated for its unique history as the "original" luxury escape of St. Barthélemy.