Caribbean Queen With its upscale shopping, fine dining, and vibrant nightlife, St. Barts is perhaps the most well-rounded destination in the Caribbean. Fifteen swimmable beaches, several of which are protected, encircle the island, and the harbor in Gustavia attracts a mix of superyachts and sailboats. A handful of hotels offer villa-style accommodations, but many visitors opt to stay in St. Barts’ stunning stand-alone homes, which are overseen by various villa management companies and range from modern, all-white beach bungalows to traditional, French Colonial–style homes. Pricing fluctuates depending on the time of year, with the peak season being between mid-December and the first week of January.
Silver Rainbow If the Balinese-influenced elements in this home seem at odds with the white leather sofas and neon accent lights, so be it—it is the property’s prime location and spacious layout that make the experience for guests. The house’s massive, curved pool sits just above the beach in quiet Petit Cul de Sac, an area well suited to those desiring seclusion. For privacy indoors, the bedrooms are spread out between the main house and a cottage, and a home fitness room is outfitted with weights and cardio machines. Neighborhood tennis courts are a few minutes’ walk away.
Bedrooms: 5. Rates: $50,000 to $140,000 per week. Contact: Wimco, 800.449.1553, www.wimco.com
Jasmine This villa is one of three affiliated properties (Rose and Olive are the other two) situated a ways apart from each other in a gated cul-de-sac near Gouverneur Beach. Each has light gray woods and white linen fabrics—a look common to many homes on the island—but Jasmine is distinguished by its sweeping views, which span from Gouverneur to St. Jean. Each also offers four bedrooms, making the trio of separate structures, which can be rented individually or as a whole, ideal for large groups looking to spread out.
Bedrooms: 4. Rates: $11,500 to $90,000 per week; $53,000 to $270,000 for all three villas (if availability permits). Contact: Wimco, 800.449.1553, www.wimco.com
Teman The photographer turned designer Wolfgang Ludes developed this property in 2011. He set it on one of the island’s highest peaks, giving it a bird’s-eye view of popular St. Jean Beach. The warm, contemporary design includes furnishings from B&B Italia, Maxalto, and Flexform and incorporates walls of stone and floors of travertine. The three bedrooms are similarly sized and set discretely so that each feels like a master suite.
Bedrooms: 3. Rates: $35,000 to $100,000 per week. Contact: Eden Rock, +590.690.77.87.87, www.edenrockvillarental.com
