St Barts offers a relaxed pace of life, unique cultural flourishes, and some of the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean. It’s only fitting, then, that such a beautiful island should be home to some exceptional villas. Aqua is just such an example, offering up to 12 guests comfort, elegance, and serenity. This six-bedroom villa is right on the beach at Grand-Cul-de-Sac and combines that bohemian beach hut feel with some serious refinement.

With a combination of French and Afro-Caribbean cultures blending seamlessly together, glorious sunshine and a surprisingly lush island interior, St Barts is unlike any of the other Caribbean islands. It prides itself in its laid-back lifestyle, where good food, good rum and good company are the top priorities. The tastes are Creole with a twist of French fusion, so expect red snapper in a signature Creole sauce, mahi-mahi simply fried and served with plantain, or the legendary accras, salted cod fritters served in a spicy sauce. All those flavours are complemented perfectly by the island's rum cocktails, shared with friends as the sun slips below the horizon.

Aqua takes its name and theme from the turquoise lagoon just a few steps away from the terrace. The large living area features a high vaulted whitewashed ceiling - a typical feature of St Barts villas. The colours are neutral to allow the carefully chosen artworks and the natural beauty of the lagoon view to take pride of place. The kitchen is gourmet standard and has its own wine cellar, while the indoor dining room has space for up to 12 guests. The six bedrooms are tranquil oases of calm. All have king-size beds and ensuite bathrooms. Four have views over the ocean, while two have gorgeous garden vistas.

Outside, a heated pool echoes the colour of the lagoon, and an al fresco dining area is ideal for meals under the stars. But it’s the sublime simplicity of walking along your own private beach as the sun sets, feeling the warm sand between your toes and listening to the breeze rustling through the palms that make Aqua so very special.