Stellae

Ideally located on the western Camaruche hillside over Lorient Bay, Stellae stands out as one of the most remarkable new properties on the island, combining high-quality craftsmanship and contemporary design with numerous ecological features and conveniences. The spacious and comfortable living room is fully air-conditioned and looks out through sliding glass doors at the expansive tropical gardens and spectacular ocean view. Aesthetically pleasing indirect lighting and carefully selected original artworks lend this home the ambience of a luxury penthouse suite magically transported to the Caribbean. The chef's kitchen adjoins the living and indoor dining areas, and provides the latest in technology and efficiency, with Liebherr and Neff appliances and an advanced water-filtration system.

The partially sheltered terrace just outside the main living area offers additional dining for up to twelve as well as sofas for relaxing, an outdoor sound system and dramatic lighting that accentuates the property's natural beauty in the evening. Down the sloping green hillside, guests will find the large, lower terrace with its sparkling pool, along with a gazebo and umbrellas for a break from the sun. High-tech artificial turf that is soft underfoot and minimizes allergens helps make large areas of Villa Stellae' gardens available for relaxing, playing with children, or just strolling around taking in the view.

The four bedrooms on Villa Stellae' upper level are equal in size and luxuriously furnished, giving their guests the comforts of sumptuous king beds, rain-head showers, pleasant views and privacy. At the level of Villa Stellae' lower garden, the fifth bedroom is actually an inviting independent apartment with its own kitchenette and dining area, king bed, leather sofas and en-suite bath. The nearby air-conditioned fitness room offers a full range of professional equipment as well as an HDTV and a view of the garden and sea.

Villa Stellae's charms and surprises are so numerous they become difficult to list. Also in the lower garden, in the shade of palm fronds and sea grapes, is a classic Creole 'Case' - a West-Indies style bungalow lovingly preserved and restored as Villa Stellae was constructed. This makes a perfect place for children, with beds and furnishings all adapted to a smaller scale. From there, a set of stone steps takes you down to the property's petanque terrain, where guests can test their skill at this traditional French game with a glass of rose under the brilliant flowers of a flamboyant tree. And less than a ten-minute walk from the property is the white-sand beach of Lorient, known for surfing at its west end and placid waters at its east end.