PLEIN CIEL

With a tremendous view over the most protected area of the St Barts' Marine Reserve, Villa Plein Ciel sits tucked into the hillside of Camaruche. The pool deck runs the length of the house to take full advantage of the view, and the long pool has an underwater bench where you can sip cocktails and drink in the panorama before you - Marigot, Turtle Island and Grand Cul-de-Sac.

Decorated in perfect imitation of the African colonial style, the large open plan living area is subtly divided into different spaces, including a cosy TV corner, an elegant sitting area between pool and garden, and various dining tables inside, outside, poolside or gardenside, all conveniently served by the fully equipped kitchen and courtyard barbecue.

The comfortable and spacious bedrooms have a more restful Asian theme, the master having a large bathroom en suite and its own private Jacuzzi on a secluded terrace. The other two bedrooms, one of which has twin beds, share a bathroom with double vanity.

Just a short drive down the hill is the village of Lorient, with its shops, restaurants and fresh fish stall - perfect for stocking up before settling into the privacy of Villa Plein Ciel, the ideal rental villa for a family vacation.