© Photo: RexEven before her engagement to James Matthews was announced, Pippa Middleton had access to one of the most exclusive hotels in the world, Eden Rock. Located on the Caribbean island of St. Barths, the luxurious resort belongs to the Matthews family and was bought by James' parents David and Jane more than two decades ago.
Last summer Pippa and her boyfriend were spotted relaxing at the chic retreat, as were Pippa's parents Carole and Michael. James' brother and Made in Chelsea star Spencer Matthews has also been pictured taking his friends and girlfriends to the resort.
Take a look inside Pippa and the Middletons' favourite holiday hotspot...
In its heyday in the fifties and sixties, Eden Rock was visited by Greta Garbo, Howard Hughes and other guests including the Rothschild and Rockefeller families, who eventually bought holiday homes there.
Having been transformed over time, Eden Rock is still a bolthole for the rich and famous. Guests have included Jessica Alba, Nicole Richie, Bono and the Middletons while Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl also filmed Five Killers there.
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In September 1995 David and Jane Matthews upped and left London, moving their four children to the island of St. Barths in search of a sunnier and more adventurous life. The couple had purchased Eden Rock from legendary island aviator and local adventurer Rémy de Haenen.
It was the first hotel to be built on the island, constructed around 1950 by Rémy himself.
Shortly after the Matthews arrived, category four Hurricane Luis struck the island. The family nevertheless got to work, repairing the rundown buildings and occasionally having to take shelter under the concrete sinks in the old kitchen.
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Described as "an intimate hotel," Eden Rock has 34 rooms and villas that are located on the rock, along the beach or set within the gardens, all styled individually.
Two suites have been named after the hotel's famous guests, the Garbo Suite and the Howard Hughes Loft.
The Loft, situated on top of the iconic main house, has three terraces and a 360 degree view of the stunning bay area.
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The Garbo Suite, which was used by the actress when she felt she needed "to be alone", is a one-bedroom space that reflects the glitz and glamour of the fifties.
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Paying tribute to the island's founder, the Christopher Columbus suite is a single-bedroom suite that features oak wooden floors throughout, an oversized and decadent bed and cutting-edge art.
The romantic suite can also be connected by exterior terraces to the Howard Hughes Loft and the Garbo suite, perfect for a group of friends or family.
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The hotel also offers two entirely secluded villas that offer total privacy – Villa Nina and Villa Rockstar.
The contemporary Villa Nina has oversized doors and windows that open directly onto the bay of St Jean offering unobscured views of the ocean, while guests can also relax in the comfy king-sized loungers scattered around the property's two pools.
Whiskey lovers will also find pleasure in the Glen Affric whiskey bar that boasts 40 different whiskeys.
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The Villa Rockstar resembles "a hundred million dollar yacht on land" and lives up to its name. Its 16,000 sq feet comprises north and south houses connected by a fountain courtyard and cloisters.
The properly has its own gate that leads onto a pink and white sand beach, while a Harley Davidson and Mini Cooper are also provided for getting around the ten-mile-long French island of St Barths.
Twenty-four hour butler service and personal staff, as well as a VIP meet-and-greeting from the airport, are also included in the hefty price tag.
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The Rockstar comprises four main suites plus two other rooms, two swimming pools, a recording studio – whose equipment includes the 1974 Neve mixing console that John Lennon used to record Imagine – and a viewing room.
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World class dining comes in the form of the hotel's Sand Bar and restaurant On The Rocks.
The first sits on the white sandy beach of Saint Jean and offers a breathtaking panorama over the Caribbean Sea.
Roasted mahi-mahi for 36 euros and porcini crusted salmon for two euros more are on the dinner menu, created by Michelin-starred masterchef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and executive chef Eric Desbordes.
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On The Rocks is, naturally, situated on the top of the Eden Rock, with unforgettable views over St Jean Bay. It's fine dining with an exotic twist, with veal filet mignon priced at 64 euros, and lobster Bolognese at 68.
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It's easy to see why Pippa and her family love to holiday in St Barths. The exquisite island is dotted with 14 white sand beaches and turquoise and azure seas.
Each has its own distinctive charm and personality. Shell Beach can be reached on foot from the town centre, while Saline is a little hike through the dunes. Petit Cul de Sac is secluded and quiet, while Toiny is wild and not for the faint hearted.
Pleasure seekers can swim, dive, snorkel or sail and take in the variety of wildlife that ranges from sea iguanas, turtles, pelicans and a myriad of fish on the coral reefs.
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Gustavia is the centre of all the action, a busy port that is home to sailing yachts and boats that offer day trips to other islands.
Guests at Eden Rock can also hire one of the luxury Princess motor yachts to explore the coastline.
Back on land, shoppers can go on an afternoon stroll and pop into the stylish boutiques that line the promenade including Ralph Lauren, Louis Vuitton and Roberto Cavalli.
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