GEM

Luxury rental Villa Gem is a strikingly modern home in the quiet hills of Gouverneur, and is all about living al fresco. The long swimming pool is surrounded by a vast deck and landscaped garden, dotted with sunny or shady sitting areas, which blend so seamlessly with the chic interior space you hardly notice the difference.

The bedrooms are widely separated for privacy, and all have individual features, such as an outside shower, a window into the turquoise waters of the pool or a secluded terrace, while the sumptuous master suite has his-and-her walk-in closets and a huge bathroom with glass sliders opening onto the wraparound terrace. The lower level houses a gym room with treadmill and step machine, and a double hammock for recovering from your efforts.

And, of course, the spectacular backdrop to all of this is the sparkling Caribbean with the neighbouring islands of St Maarten and Saba, and those unforgettable tropical sunsets. If you can tear yourself away, the designer shops and fine dining of Gustavia and St Jean are just a few minutes drive down the hill, as is pretty Gouverneur beach.

Villa Gem is a tranquil retreat between forest and ocean, where designer furniture rubs shoulders with nature. This delightful, elegant home will give you a taste of the inimitable St Barts villa experience.