A perfect combination of large social areas and small, secret hideaways, Caro Estate is a superb choice for larger groups who want to experience the best of St Barts. With nine bedrooms and welcoming up to 18 guests, the two villas that form this estate are exquisitely furnished, elegantly designed, and with little touches that capture the spirit of this beautiful Caribbean island. Spectacular ocean views and tropical gardens make this a stunning retreat for those who want to escape the modern world for a while, kick back, and relax.

St Barts may be a small island, but it packs a lot in. A lush forested heartland is surrounded by some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean, dusted with white sand and lapped by crystal-clear waters. The Trade Winds keep the temperature on the pleasant side of warm, ideal for exploring historic forts or trying out water sports like kayaking or wakeboarding. And at the end of the day, it's time to head back to the villa, where your personal chef will introduce you to the delights of Creole cuisine, all washed down with some potent rum cocktails.

The two villas both use traditional St Barts styling to create light and airy spaces that utilise the indoor/outdoor concept of living that’s so typical of the island. The high vaulted ceilings keep the interiors cool, while the open-plan design allows you to make the most of those views. Both villas have gourmet-standard kitchens with breakfast bars and outdoor dining rooms. The nine bedrooms are all air-conditioned and are split between the villas. Eight of the nine have king-size beds, while the ninth bedroom has two twin beds. All of the bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms and ocean or garden views.

Outside there are no fewer than three pools, two of which are heated. The expansive gardens are filled with little nooks where you can snooze in the shade or dive into a bestseller. And just a short walk from the sun terrace is a pristine beach, where sugar-soft sand is lapped by the clearest water you can imagine. Caro Estate is quite simply sublime.