Travel Thursday takes us to the island of St Barth's and my family's extraordinary Villa  Les Amis du Vent, also known as Villa JAY, named after my brother. With direct views of Marigot Bay and the Atlantic ocean beyond, the villa lies at the end of the peninsula, in the exclusive gated community of Mont Jean.

My husband and I love to visit family in St B after Christmas. As you can see, this is a villa like no other on the island. The simple, natural beauty of the entrance  with it's terraced garden of palms masks the extraordinary luxury of the hidden retreat beyond... 

A spectacular double staircase at the entrance leads to a large living room with high ceilings and arched French doors overlooking the pool area and a panoramic view of Marigot Bay. Doors on three sides allow Off-white sofas, Manuel Canovas fabrics, Swedish antiques  and two large Oscar de la Renta tables impart a refined luxury.

 We love grabbing one of the "walking sticks" and trundling down the beaten path besides the pool, to explore the rocky cliff and acres of land between the villa and the beach. Afternoons we love lazing by the pool, reading or taking a long, luxurious nap and shower in the outdoor bath, before hitting favourite shops and restaurants.

(MORE on our St B faves in a future post!)