Villa Héliconia

High on a wooded hillside, Villa Héliconia looks out over treetops to the open sea. On clear days, faint island outlines show on the far horizon, and the dusk skies turn bright with color. Dense tropical trees fill the slope below the pool deck. As a villa in Gouverneur, St Barts, it combines a resort feel with a lot of shade and privacy.

The house is a set of contemporary tropical pavilions under gray shingle hip roofs. Long timber pergolas rest on wooden posts, and tall louvered timber shutters fold back from walls of glass. The living room opens fully to the terrace. Inside, white beamed vaulted ceilings rise over pale gray stone floors. Low taupe sofas and ottomans keep the room relaxed. The glossy white kitchen has a long wood topped bar with stools.

The large infinity pool is finished in gray green stone, with a wide shallow ledge for lounging in the water. A shingle roofed cabana stands on a platform at the far end, sheltering a daybed. Outdoor lounge sofas fill one corner of the pool, and loungers with umbrellas line the deck. The long covered terrace holds a dining table for about 10 under pendant lamps, with sea views from every chair. Behind the house, a shaded garden courtyard has two daybeds among palms and ferns. Deck lights come on at night.

Sleeping arrangements cover 10 guests across five bedrooms, with three king beds and four single beds. Several rooms open through louvered doors onto the pool deck. Walnut and black wardrobes, floating shelves and cove lighting give the bedrooms a calm look. Each en suite bathroom has double basins and a walk in shower. Slate mosaic walls frame concrete vanities with glass basins, while teak louvered windows and skylights bring in light. Robes are provided. The house also has a gym and a BBQ.

Below the hillside lies Gouverneur beach, a wild and undeveloped stretch of the south coast. Up here, the neighborhood stays quiet. Travelers who like Gouverneur may also like Villa Marée, known for an infinity pool facing the open sea.

A big pool and plenty of shade make it a strong match for a group of ten. This villa in Gouverneur, St Barts is the sort of place where the cabana daybed gets claimed early.