Twelve years on from its humble genesis as a small bar atop a rocky outcrop in the center of gorgeous Baie de St. Jean, this too-fab collection of suites, houses, and villas warrants its fame as one of St. Barths' best hotels. The main building and its two restaurants are built upon the rock and hill, spreading onto the beach on either side. Some cottages face the sea, others are set back into the gardens. Regulars will note Eden Rock has expanded, with 15 new units (coined the "Heavenly Beach House" cottages) and a fleet of beach rooms, all decorated with a more contemporary touch than their more classical counterparts in the original lodgings. Levels of privacy vary: For maximum invisibility consider the Howard Hughes suite, a huge wood-paneled and copper-clad space with a panoramic view of the bay, two floor-to-ceiling-tiled bathrooms, and three private balconies. But of course it's a Relais & Châteaux property, with dining as fine as the lodging. Both the informal Sand Bar and the three-story On the Rocks restaurant are headed up by Chef Jean-Claude Dufour; the roasted rack of veal is a must-order.

Closed September through mid-October.

This compact beachfront complex is one of the island's best bets for penny pinchers and families. Ten simple rooms are splashed in sea colors and face either the courtyard or the ocean. Don't expect fancy, because the hotel isn't even especially stylish, nor are the rooms amenity-filled. What is worth seeking out, though, is one of the 15 poolside tables at the hotel's popular La Langouste restaurant, a sure bet for French Creole delights (and yes, spiny lobster). The pool is a must on this part of the island; the Atlantic can get pretty rough.

You'll pay for the privacy and million-dollar view from this glam property, which sits on a hilltop in the chic capital of Gustavia. Each of the 14 harbor-facing units has its own private terrace and plunge pool, marble floors, tiled bath, dual-jet shower, and kitchenette. Everything looks shiny and well cared for, too, as rooms were renovated in the summer of 2006. The restaurant serves excellent French fare, which you'll work off getting back to your room along a steep wooden staircase. Or head to Shell Beach, about a minute's walk away, which is a choice spot for sunsets or libations at Do Brazil.

Closed September through early October.

St. Barths' only full-service resort is wedged on an isolated peninsula between two beaches, Marigot and Grand Cul de Sac. The fact that the latter is reef-protected from the ocean makes this 16-acre retreat popular with families. The (not inconsiderable) per-person rate includes breakfast and transportation to the airport. Sixty-eight pastel-colored cottages, some with private pools, are scattered on a palm-covered bluff. Beachfront units are the most convenient but least private; rooms throughout have new wooden floors. The grounds have seen improvements, too, such as a new pond in the center of the property, and the gardens have been spruced up. Marble baths stocked with Bulgari and Frédéric Fekkai are a plush plus. A fully equipped gym, two swimming pools, two tennis courts, water sports, and the luxe Clarins Spa just might justify the mile-high rates. L'Indigo restaurant buzzes at lunch; Le Bartolomeo serves up fine French cuisine nightly.

Year after year, you're likely to see the same clientele. No wonder moneyed Americans and très cool French are devoted to this stylish yet laid-back property on Baie des Flamands beach. Management is equally devoted to pleasing their guests and delivering a consistently excellent experience. The 12 ocean-facing rooms are the most popular and priciest; consider asking for a second-floor unit, away from the noisy pool area. Four large (1,500-square-foot) Beach Suites debuted in late 2008; located directly on the beach, they have private plunge pools, full kitchens, and indoor/outdoor showers. The rest of the 37 rooms are housed in the garden across the road. These roomy cottages are pretty desirable themselves, as they feel secluded among all the greenery. All have terraces and simple, pared-down French decor, with whitewashed walls, sky-blue accents, and faux-antique furniture. What "scene" does exist is unpretentious and centered on the swimming pool. At lunch, wannabes who couldn't score a room here savor pan-fried foie gras at the excellent La Case de l'lsle restaurant.

Closed September through mid-October.

La Banane is a lush hideaway for hipsters near secluded Baie de Lorient beach. Completely refurbished in white and pastel shades by its Belgian owners, this hot spot features nine one-bedroom bungalows. Extras like outdoor bathrooms, private verandas, Casa Milano beds, and Artemide halogen lights grace each unit. The glam guests work on tans around the multilevel pool. There's no restaurant, but you can order room service from chichi K'fe Massaï next door.

Closed September through late October.

Formerly the Sereno Beach Hotel, this remade, rebranded property opened in 2005, looking to match the cast of other high-enders on the island. Located in the bay of the Grand Cul de Sac, it shoots for simplicity and understatement, as evidenced by Christian Liaigre's design. A whitewashed beach-cabin look can be found in all 37 of the rooms and suites. The sea here is not quite the bluer-than-blue fantasy to be found in other places, such as St. Jean and La Saline, but it's a popular spot for water sports, and the long sunken pool just off the beach is hugely inviting. The Grand Suite Plage rooms (numbered 1 through 4) have full sea views, and the Villa du Pêcheur has its own small pool. The more compact (and less expensive) suite terraces are quite charming, each with its own garden and glimpses of the sea. In summer 2009, Le Sereno opened three additional Liaigre-designed, four-bedroom villas, each with over 6,500 square feet of space (indoors and outdoors), a private pool, a full kitchen, 24-hour butler service, access to the hotel's amenities, and a price tag upwards of $9,000 per day in high season.

Closed September and October.

It's always a party at Thierry de Badereau's beachside boutique hotel. The same hip crowd that dances on the tables at the owners' wildly popular Le Ti St. Barth bar also holds court nightly at the hotel's Casbah-style outdoor eatery, La Plage, site of occasional (and wacky) theme nights. The 12 rooms (two on the beach) match the mood, with bright colors, chic canopy beds, high ceilings, and tiled baths. All have private terraces or patios. Not recommended for those seeking seclusion.