BELLISSIMA

Nestled in lush tropical gardens on the tranquil Gouverneur hillside, the elegant Villa Bellissima provides all that's best about St Barts rental villas: ocean views, outdoor living, space, privacy and luxurious comfort, with the added advantage of easy access for the less mobile.

The indoor and outdoor living areas join seamlessly together when you open the glass sliders and the 40-foot pool becomes the centre piece. It's perfect for swimming or just wallowing on the wide, shallow steps with a good book. The backdrop is the sparkling Caribbean and the neighbouring island chain, and at sundown, the colors can be spectacular.

The three en suite bedrooms, of which one can be a twin and the other two feature romantic four-poster beds, are havens of tasteful comfort, and the sumptuously-appointed bathrooms let the outside in.

A large gourmet kitchen and plenty of parking space make Villa Bellissima an impressive spot for entertaining friends, and it's conveniently situated for the beautiful, quiet Gouverneur Beach, local shopping in Lurin, as well as the boutiques, bars and restaurants of Gustavia and St Jean.

If you're looking for a slice of the St Barts lifestyle, Villa Bellissima won't let you down.