Villa Captiva, Marigot

High ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass walls define the main living space, letting natural light and sea views into the room from most angles. The open-plan design keeps the lounge and dining area connected rather than separated into distinct rooms, which suits a smaller group of up to ten more than it would a larger one.

The private pool overlooks the ocean, though without an infinity edge -- a more modest outdoor setup than the villas built around a horizon-blending pool. Shaded terraces and landscaping surround the pool, giving guests a spot for al fresco dining or just sitting outside with the water in view.

Five en-suite bedrooms sleep up to ten guests, and every one of them has a sea view -- not just the primary suite, which also gets its own private terrace. The remaining four bedrooms are built for comfort and privacy, suitable for couples or for children sharing with family.

Marigot is described as a calm area of St Barts, and Villa Captiva sits with direct access to the oceanfront within it. That positioning suits guests who want a quieter coastal setting over a more built-up one, while still being a short drive from the island's dining and shopping. It's a smaller, five-bedroom property, which fits the quieter positioning better than a larger villa would.