The heated infinity pool is the focal point of an expansive deck furnished for vacation-mode outdoor living and dining – complete with a sound system. A guest bath and an outdoor shower are conveniently situated especially for those coming up from the beach. A kitchenette with a gas grill facilitates the fun of poolside BBQs. Indoors a spacious comfortable living room is perfect for conversation and feet-up relaxation, and the intimate dining area is lovely. A second guest bath is on this level.  A well-equipped chef kitchen has a cold room for storage and private chef services can be arranged for all, or a portion of or stay by St Barth Property’s fabulous concierge team.

This villa has two bedrooms in the main house. The first is off the living area and has a private terrace. The master suite is upstairs and includes an office area. It features a walk-in closet, a dressing area and en suite bath with indoor and outdoor rain head showers. Its wraparound deck offers sun, shade, and an incredible view. Four identical guest rooms are housed in two lower-level, separate pavilions, each of which features an outdoor shower with a view. They share an outdoor living area and a kitchenette. Each boasts a view of the sea. Additional features include an air-conditioned fitness room with a billiard table. TVs throughout, including in the bedrooms, have US and French satellite TV and Apple TV. Being ‘up the hill’ from gorgeous Gouverneur Beach, and close to Gustavia’s shops, restaurants, and its iconic harbor makes the stay on the island even more of an experience.

Thanks to Delta Private Jets (http://www.unnamedproject.com/travel/sky-access/) and Tradewind (http://www.unnamedproject.com/travel/tradewind-aviation/) getting on island is easy. After your villa is booked Julia Hurd of the St Barth Properties concierge team located in the US and Aurélie Janvier based on island can facilitate your every want. They can book a spa day for you or arrange an in-villa massage, recommend and reserve a private chef during your stay and make reservations at the island’s hottest bistros. For those traveling with children arrangements can be made for babysitters and childcare. VIP airport service and rental cars arrangements can all be done in advance. They will have the wine chilling for you when you arrive. Could you ask for more? A sunset cruise, a paddle-boarding lesson, yacht charters and more, can all be great pleasures when planned by Julia or Aurélie.

I look to change my experiences with each visit to the beautiful island of St. Barths. I avoid the new gimmicky hotels and prefer to stay in a villa or at one of my favorite resorts in the world, Le Guanahani where the perfect mix of island-casual-luxury and views to beautiful to describe welcome me with each visit. Traveling with a group of 6 friends we found a villa with perfect views and amazing style. Poised above the breathtakingly beautiful Gouverneur Beach, the dramatic views from the Villa Lyra are as stunning as the villa itself. Contemporary in design and décor, it’s configured over several levels with 6 bedrooms (all en suite, with king beds). Rich dark wood floors and louvered shutters add a traditional touch and complement the light neutral palette.