Villa Récif

The Grand Cul-de-Sac lagoon is calm and shallow, and Villa Récif faces it from a gentle rise just above the mangrove pond. Palms frame the view across the pond to the turquoise lagoon and the sea beyond. Homes dot the green hillside on the far side. This long, low house reworks the traditional Creole style in a very contemporary way. If you want a modern villa in Grand Cul-de-Sac, St Barts close to the water, this one belongs on the list.

Black framed glass walls cut through the white facade, all under a gray shingle roof. Inside, white vaulted ceilings rise over gray stone floors, and marble appears among the modern materials. Gray sofas set a relaxed tone. Framed surf photographs line the walls, and a couple of surfboards lean in as decor. The kitchen is the center of the house. Its white stone island doubles as the dining table, with bar stools along one side, and it opens to the living room and the outdoor dining room. Woven pendant lamps hang overhead.

A long, narrow heated pool lined in green gray stone tiles runs beside a wide teak deck. Red cushioned loungers sit under a big cantilever shade sail. The covered terrace has a dark timber pergola hung with woven pendants. Under it, a dining table seats about 8 next to a red lounge. In a private walled courtyard, an outdoor hot tub sits beside a single palm on artificial grass. Glass balustrades keep the view open.

Four large bedrooms sleep 8 guests in king beds. Two have tall wooden four poster beds. One opens straight onto the pool deck and looks out over the pond. The four bathrooms use stone tiles, with walk in rain showers and stone vessel basins on wood vanities. The house is adapted for disabled guests. A safe and satellite TV are provided, and there is a BBQ outside.

Grand Cul-de-Sac is a lagoon on the north east side, protected by a reef. Its clear, shallow water is a nursery for small fish, and the area is known for kitesurfing and paddle sports. If this layout feels tight, Villa Azurite brings 4 bedrooms for up to 8 guests around a glass-fronted wine wall in the kitchen.

Couples and families of up to 8 who want a stylish, easygoing villa in Grand Cul-de-Sac, St Barts will settle in fast. Pack a mask and snorkel.