Villa Rivage

Villa Rivage puts you right on the beach. The pool terrace sits just above the sand, behind a strip of sea grape, with palm trees and the surf straight ahead. It is the kind of villa in Lorient, St Barts where you can go from a swim in the pool to a walk on the beach in a few strides.

The house is modern, with a flat roof and big sliding glass doors, and it is built against a dark rock wall. Glossy white tile runs across the floors. In the living area, rattan sofas with red cushions face a wall mounted TV. The white lacquer kitchen has black counters and an island, with plenty of space for cooking.

Outside, a rectangular pool edged in gray stone faces the beach. A round plunge section is joined to one end of it. Sun loungers sit on the stone terrace, and a covered area holds white Adirondack chairs and a table for meals in the shade. There is also a BBQ. Out past the beach, a rocky headland frames one side of the view, with an islet offshore.

Two bedrooms sleep up to 4 guests, each with a king bed on a dark wood platform. Orange curtains add color, and glass doors bring the sea into view. Each bedroom has its own bathroom, one with a double sink, and there is a walk in closet.

Lorient is a bay and village on the north coast, just east of Saint-Jean. Surfers love its beach. The feel is relaxed and local, with less bustle than other parts of the island. A matching stay for larger parties is Villa Opale, featuring a long infinity pool above the bay and reef.

Villa Rivage suits couples or a family of up to 4 who want the beach on their doorstep. Days at this villa in Lorient, St Barts drift from the pool to the sand and back to the shaded terrace.