Villa Tourmaline

From the hillside directly above the bay, Villa Tourmaline takes in the full Saint-Jean panorama. The hotel sits on its rocky promontory while boats ride at anchor off the beach. Beyond the far headlands, an islet floats offshore. In the late afternoon the bay turns gold. For families or friends who want a large villa in Saint-Jean, St Barts with room to spread out, this compound is built on that view.

The house is a group of single story pavilions that step down the slope around courtyards. Gray slate hip roofs sit above timber cladding and stone walls, with floor to ceiling glass facing the bay. Inside, the palette is natural and calm. White vaulted timber ceilings rise over large gray tiles, and the walls mix wood with stone. White sofas fill the living areas, while woven pendants hang above long rustic dining tables. The open kitchen is finished in dark cabinetry. There is even a home gym with a view of the sea.

A long, narrow lap pool runs through a lawned courtyard, lined with loungers and umbrellas. Next to the lawn, a stone walled alcove piled with cushions makes a cozy place to lounge. Covered terraces hold outdoor dining and seating. At the view terrace, a pair of binoculars on a tripod waits for anyone curious about the boats below.

Five bedrooms sleep up to 10 guests, with four king beds and two single beds, and each of the five bathrooms is private to its room. Several bedrooms have black metal four poster beds and look out to the sea or the garden. The twin room is a good fit for children. Bathrooms feature double vanities and walls with a stone look, and one has a carved bathtub with the same stony finish.

Saint-Jean is the central stretch of the north coast and the most convenient base on the island. Below the villa are the beach and the bay, along with beach clubs and boutiques. Restaurants are close at hand too. The small airport runway sits at one end of the bay. A clean alternative in Saint-Jean is Villa Firmament, with 3 bedrooms for up to 6 guests and a two pools: a lap pool and a courtyard pool.

Villa Tourmaline is designed for groups of up to 10 who want a modern compound with plenty of space. From the terraces of this villa in Saint-Jean, St Barts, the bay is the constant backdrop.