Combining the benefits of urban living with the advantages of an exclusive location, Villa Casa Paraiso is a sophisticated four-bedroom villa in the heart of Gustavia. Welcoming up to eight guests, it’s only moments away from the bars, entertainment and restaurants of St Bart’s main town, yet manages to achieve a sublime level of tranquillity accented by refined features and a truly spectacular view.

While the overwhelming influence in St Barts is French (hence the delicious Creole cooking and French language), Gustavia is actually named after a Swedish king - Sweden bought the island from the French in the 18th century. That eclectic heritage has made this vibrant town bold, colourful and distinctly European in character, with a splash of Afro-Caribbean to give it that laid-back atmosphere. Filled with boutiques and small restaurants and focused around a deep harbour that welcomes superyachts and cruise liners all year round, it's a fun town that's warm and welcoming. After spending a day wandering its twisting streets, the harbourfront restaurants are where you'll find the best fresh fish, including mahi mahi, conch, and red snapper.

A stroll out of town brings you back to Villa Casa Paraiso and its serene gardens. The interior intertwines modern décor and bespoke furniture with attractive architectural accents made from natural wood and honey-coloured tiles. The overall effect is one where the outside and inside transition seamlessly. The living area is welcoming and spacious, while the kitchen is filled with the latest appliances for discerning chefs. Meals are eaten at the unique, extensive wooden dining table on the covered terrace. All four bedrooms have king-size beds, ensuite bathrooms, and décor features that give each room its own distinctive personality. If you want to keep on track with your workouts, a fully equipped fitness room is available and includes a jacuzzi with hydromassages to ease aching muscles.

Outside, the 5m x7.3m pool is the centre of attention on the sun terrace, and beautifully manicured gardens surround the villa to give it that secluded feel. An outdoor lounge is the perfect relaxation area in the evening, where you can sip a glass of wine and watch the sky change from azure to golden as the sun slowly sinks below the horizon.