Villa Albatros

Curved, wing shaped roofs give Villa Albatros a bold silhouette on the hillside above Saint-Jean. Tropical gardens and neighboring villas surround it. Its wide view reaches over the bay with its beach and reef surf, past the village and hills to offshore islands. For friends after a modern villa in Saint-Jean, St Barts with a gym and a long infinity pool, this one stands out.

The house is striking and contemporary. White cubic volumes sit under the curved roofs, set off by black stone feature walls. Big sliding glass walls open onto teak decks on two levels. Inside, white floors and walls keep things crisp under cove lit ceilings. Gray sofas carry bold cushions in primary colors. A long wood dining table sits near the sleek black and white kitchen, which has an island under green pendants.

The long infinity pool has a sun shelf and faces the bay. Loungers line the teak deck. A covered outdoor lounge holds sectional sofas, and outdoor dining for about 8 sits under an umbrella. On a lower level there is a second pool. At night, colorful lighting glows in the gardens around the pools. There is also a gym with a view.

Four bedrooms sleep up to 8 guests, each with a queen bed and its own bathroom. Most have glass walls that open the rooms to the sea, and gray and white linens keep them calm. Bathrooms have dark mosaic tiled rain showers and double basins.

Convenience is a big part of the appeal of Saint-Jean, where beach clubs and restaurants ring the bay. The small airport runway sits at one end of the beach. If this villa is booked, Villa Cobalt nearby still gives you a sweeping St Jean bay view from the pool deck and 4 bedrooms for up to 8 guests.

Villa Albatros suits families or friends of up to 8 who like bold design. Wake up to the bay through the glass and swim a few lengths, and a day at this villa in Saint-Jean, St Barts is off to a good start.