VARUNA

Villa Varuna will take your breath away as soon as you step through the gate. The staggering view over Bay St Jean is visible from every part of the property, The villa itself is an oasis of calm, cool white and pale wood, sandwiched between the turquoise ocean and the green rear garden with its luxuriant vegetation.

Brand new on the St Barts Villa rental market, Villa Varuna has all the state of the art rental criteria, like a pool which is long enough for real swimming, but also has two shallow "beach" areas for lying around all day with your favourite novel.

Four bedrooms are well separated for maximum privacy and the master benefits from a huge indoor shower with sea view and an outdoor shower deep in the jungle vegetation. All have pop-up TVs, sleek, streamlined en suite bathrooms, and either ocean or jungle view.

The long terrace includes a shaded gazebo for eating or relaxing al fresco next to the pool, with an adjacent summer bbq kitchen .

The villa is situated at the midpoint of the coveted St Jean Hill, from where the heart of St Jean Village, with its fabulous beach, boutiques and world-renowned restaurants such as the Nikki Beach and the Eden Rock, is just a mildly strenuous walk down the hill. Those with a heart pacemaker or just a lazy gene may prefer the 40- second drive!

Altogether another new jewel in the crown of St Barts rentals. Book it fast, it's undoubtedly going to be a favourite.