St. Barts Villas by

Villa Aya has just about the ideal St Barts location. Only a short drive – but far enough – from the airport, this centrally located home is also in strolling distance of Saint Jean’s chic shops, restaurants, clubs and beach, plus neighbouring Nikki Beach, with other glorious shores from Saline to Shell only slightly further.

Even so, you may still struggle to leave. Tucked into tropical hillside overlooking Saint Jean Bay and the ocean beyond, Villa Aya affords unimpeded, wonderful views from its stone-lined infinity pool, an undulating deck, sunbeds and various lounge and dining spaces – including a covered gazebo. Just to one side is a walled garden, its grass lawn dotted with palm trees and, handily, a barbecue.

Inside, amid minimal, modern interiors, Aya’s classic villa layout sees two ensuite bedrooms – each with king-size beds, US satellite TV and pool-deck access – privately positioned on either side of the main communal area. A single, Caribbean-style ‘great room’, this contains connecting white sofas, another dining area and a long, impressive kitchen separated by an island. To allow in trade breezes and sunshine, the room can be opened up to that pool deck.

Aya works perfectly for a small family or group of friends; bigger groups of up to eight can also book the nearby Ivy, a few metres down the road.