Despite its name, only one home in the gated community of Dawn Beach Estates contains direct access to its titular, famous white-sand shore, on St Martin’s famous east coast. And that’s Bell’mare. Named after the “beautiful sea” just a few barefooted steps away past palm trees, this stylish villa capitalises on its prestigious geography by offering constant, sun-drenched ocean views.

That includes from the multiple outdoor terraces, which fit in an oversized plunge pool, sun decks, teak-wood loungers and covered, open-air living and dining areas. A staircase leads down to Dawn Beach and there are daily, unimpeded views of the island’s magnificent sunrises. Inside, via large sliding glass doors, is a sprawling, bright ‘great room’ whose open-plan layout unites another lounge and its TV, a stylish dining table and the stellar kitchen, distinguished by its stainless-steel appliances and hardwood cabinetry. Interesting artworks and pottery pieces enliven pale walls below a high, pitched wooden ceiling typical of the Caribbean.

Equal in size and spaced apart to suit couples travelling together, the three air-conditioned bedrooms each come with their own private terrace, plus king-size mattresses and large bathrooms featuring gorgeous stone showers. Only the master suite, however, boasts a wooden canopy bed and opens onto the pool deck.