Villa Solstice

Villa Solstice is built for a big group that likes to spread out. The estate sits on a wooded hillside above the sea in Gouverneur, inside a large landscaped compound reached by a curved driveway. From the decks, the view runs over treetops and palms to the open sea. A small rock islet sits offshore. As a villa in Gouverneur, St Barts, it pairs a lot of room to roam with real quiet.

Several pavilions make up the house, each under a gray shingle hip roof. Wide teak decks link them together. White board walls sit in dark timber frames behind louvered sliding shutters. A lower level is set into the slope. Inside, pale timber vaulted ceilings rise over white slipcovered sofas and dark wood accents. In the kitchen, a dark veined marble island sits under oversized black pendant lamps, with bar stools pulled up for casual meals.

The outdoor spaces are the real draw. At the outer rim of the deck, a long dark infinity pool holds the sea view. Next to it, a square spa pool glows green at night beside a sunken lounge pit lined with cushions. Loungers and large white umbrellas fill the deck. A long covered dining table seats a big group in the shade. Up top, roof terraces with sofas look out to sea, and a slatted timber outdoor shower stands nearby. Lawns and a lit garden walkway greet you at the entrance.

Twelve guests sleep in six bedrooms, every one with a king bed. The rooms shown have white board walls and pale vaulted ceilings. One opens through louvered sliding doors straight onto the pool deck, with the sea in view. The six bathrooms are finished in marble, with twin stone basins and walk in showers. A gym and a safe round out the house, along with a BBQ.

Gouverneur sits on the south coast, on a hillside above Gouverneur beach. The beach is unspoiled, and the area feels quiet and elevated. A larger stay is easy at Villa Héliconia, which has 5 bedrooms for up to 10 guests and features an infinity pool with a cabana daybed at one end.

Large families and groups will get the most from this villa in Gouverneur, St Barts. Everyone can find a corner of their own, then gather around the long table at dinner.