Lo d'Amour

It's easy to fall in love with Villa Lo d'Amour. As you descend the few steps from the parking area to the villa, you discover a haven of tranquility that's right on Marigot Beach. You hear the waves lapping at the shore as you settle in - and throughout your idyllic St Barths vacation. This luxury rental property is the quintessence of Caribbean style, with cheerful pops of color on the exterior walls and soothing seas of white indoors.

Of course, 'indoors' isn't exactly the feeling you'll have here, as the villa consists of three separate bungalows built around a split-level deck, with plenty of shaded outdoor nooks for socializing - or for solitude, if that's what you crave. The buildings are fully air-conditioned, but the wide doors and windows are screened to allow for the natural air-conditioning of cool sea breezes.

The siren call of the sea is strong at Villa Lo d'Amour, as the beach is just a short staircase away. Hammocks and beach chairs are at the ready, and paddle boards, kayaks and snorkeling gear can be rented. And it should, as Marigot Bay is one of the loveliest in St Barth, a marine reserve with a reef that's rich in sea life and devoid of jet skis and boats.

The largest of the Lo d'Amour's buildings contains a living room and well-equipped kitchen, which are separated by a breakfast bar, allowing for the conversation to continue to flow as you prepare meals. The master bedroom is upstairs and has an ocean view, Euro King bed and en-suite bathroom with a rain shower.

The other two bedrooms occupy separate buildings, making for excellent privacy whether you're traveling as a family or with a group of friends. One has two twin beds that can be made into a king, and the other has a queen bed. Both have ocean views and en-suite bathrooms.