Start your lazy days at Sea Star by walking 24 feet onto its stretch of a coral-and-sand beach. Equipped with chairs, a hammock, paddleboards, kayaks and snorkelling gear for explorations of the reef, this shore is also terrific for shell collecting. Later, devour lunch at outdoor tables before moving into the villa’s large, ocean-facing infinity pool or napping in the numerous shaded pavilions. Finally, as dusk approaches, settle into the hot tub and watch in wonder as sunset turns Great Bay a beautiful pink.

Handily positioned on the vibrant East End of St Thomas, Sea Star is just along the beach from the Ritz-Carlton resort’s amenities. Not that you’d know: walls and tropical gardens swathe the gated home in privacy. Its main floor hosts the ‘great room’ - an airy focal space incorporating an open kitchen, a dining area, the whopping TV and its DVD library, hand-painted murals and lots of attractive banana-leaf and teak furniture.

Three of the ensuite, luxurious bedrooms occupy that same main level and have their own verandas; below, two additional chambers afford private lounges. Quality Balinese beds feature throughout, while extra air mattresses comfortably allow families (cribs and high chairs are also provided), groups of friends or wedding parties of up to 20 to stay, aided by air-conditioning and wi-fi in every room. However many come, it’s easy for our concierge to arrange boat trips, catering or massages to further aid your relaxation.