Villa Ylang-Ylang

Life at Villa Ylang-Ylang centers on a lawn courtyard shaded by palms, where sculptural green and teal poufs sit on the grass. The house is built on several levels around it, on a hillside in Vitet. The northern view passes over a hillside of villas to a point. Beyond it sit an islet and, on the horizon, Saint-Martin. A reef fringed turquoise bay lies to one side. It is a relaxed, colorful villa in Vitet, St Barts with plenty of private corners.

Contemporary Caribbean pavilions with white walls and gray shingle hip roofs make up the house. Louvered timber shutters cover the windows, and timber stairs with steel cable railings connect the levels. Inside, whitewashed vaulted timber ceilings rise over pale gray tile floors. White sofas carry teal, lime and yellow cushions. Fish sculptures and modern art decorate the rooms. In the open kitchen there is a long black topped island with white stools, and the long wood dining table is ringed by colorful molded chairs.

The raised heated pool has gray stone coping and sits on a teak deck with cable railings. Loungers line the deck, and a built in banquette with teal cushions makes a good spot at dusk, when the deck lights come on. On a separate private deck, a second small pool in a timber surround has its own loungers. Tropical garden paths wind around the property, and a BBQ is available.

Ten guests fit comfortably, as each of the five bedrooms holds a king bed. One studio style room adds its own kitchenette and sofa, plus a sea view terrace. It suits older kids or another couple. Two or three rooms open straight onto the lawn courtyard. Another has a desk and a sea view. Bathrooms feature stone trough double sinks and walk in showers.

Vitet lies inland on the east side, in green hills well above the coast. Calm is the main feature of the area, along with long views. Compare this stay with Villa Constellation, which offers 5 bedrooms for up to 10 guests and a very long infinity pool with a gazebo daybed.

Anyone who likes a bit of color will settle in quickly. The courtyard poufs at this villa in Vitet, St Barts tend to become everyone's favorite seat.