St. Barts Villas by

To maximise its regal hilltop perch facing lush Flamands Bay and the island-speckled Caribbean Sea, stylish Rivendell provides a two-level terrace. The higher one includes shaded dining areas and a barbecue; below, the heated infinity pool is ringed by a bleached hardwood deck with chaise longues – wonderful for idly watching northwestern St Barts go by.

The villa’s modern design involves a main building and an adjacent bungalow. In the former, an open-plan communal space incorporates a long kitchen and breakfast bar, and a casual lounging area with an L-shaped sofa and TV. Connecting to the terrace, pull-back doors allow sunlight to stream in while crisp, straight lines and a whitewashed palette install an air of cool serenity.

One bedroom is found off here, with the other two in that bungalow. Great for groups of friends, all have their own ensuite bathroom and terrace access – a constant theme of this home being the fluid merging of indoor and outdoor spaces.

Wide and sandy, Flamands’ beach is a short drive away, as is the surf of Anse de Cayes and buzzy waterside capital Gustavia, replete with restaurants and boutiques. Then again, you may choose to stay put: the original Rivendell, in The Lord of the Rings, was a beautiful place which always felt like home – so it’s easy to see why this villa adopted the name.