Villa Aka | 3 BR

Villa Aka is one of those uncommon new-build retreats that feels both subtly private and effortlessly connected to the island’s energy, perched on a hillside in St. Barths with the bay glittering below.

You immediately recognize the benefit of the location: you’re close enough to stroll down to the bustling bay and its beach whenever the mood strikes, but you’re also high enough to take advantage of cooling breezes and expansive views. Additionally, it’s the type of shoreline where you’ll frequently see larger yachts anchored in or just outside the bay, making it simple to arrange a beach pickup or a tender ride out for a day on the water.

The layout of the villa, which is divided into two main levels, is intended for actual family living. A lengthy stairway leads from the parking lot to the first floor, where the bedrooms are situated. This is something to consider if you’re traveling with small children or someone who prefers fewer steps, but it’s also one of the reasons the villa feels cozy and serene once you’re inside.

The day takes place upstairs on the second floor, which has a large, open-plan main room with a contemporary kitchen, dining area, TV lounge, and guest bathroom. The indoor-outdoor rhythm that makes St. Barths so alluring can be created by keeping the entire living area completely air-conditioned when the sun is high and opening up to let the island air flow through when the breeze is just right.

The shaded terrace outside Villa Aka becomes the focal point of the house. It’s spacious, private, and perfect for leisurely times—a sunset drink when the bay turns golden, breakfast in the shade, or a book in the afternoon. Adjacent to you, the heated corner pool is angled so you can enjoy the view while feeling protected from nearby sightlines. Because it’s always “on the way” to a comfortable location—the dining area, the lounge seating, or the easy flow back into the kitchen for fresh fruit or something cold—you’ll actually use the pool every day.

Villa Aka’s distinctive detail is revealed in the master suite. It has an open-style bathroom with a shower and a bathtub with water jets—ideal after a long dinner out or a beach day—as well as a European king-sized bed, an Apple TV, and plenty of closet space. The underwater window into the pool, however, is what visitors remember most.

It’s a fun, avant-garde feature that gives the suite the feel of a real modern getaway and gives the villa a personality that you won’t find in most St Barts villas. With a shared bathroom across the hallway, the two guest bedrooms are set up for convenient family stays. A European king-sized bed is available in one guest room, while a smaller queen bed is available in the second—perfect for children, a lone visitor, or anyone who doesn’t mind a smaller space in exchange for being a part of the group.

Service is incorporated into the stay in a way that makes things simple. With the exception of holidays, Villa Aka provides housekeeping six days a week, allowing you to concentrate on the beach, the boat plans, and the sheer joy of returning to a clean home. It’s also important to take note of the holiday policy, which is standard for many popular St. Barths holiday weeks and helps set expectations early for families traveling with a smaller party. During the December festive period, the villa rents at full occupancy rate regardless of how many bedrooms you use.

Travel times and distances: Villa Aka is situated on a hillside above a bustling bay area, close to the beach and waterfront ambience. Practically speaking, most visitors discover that, depending on their pace and the precise route, they can walk to the bay or beach in about 8 to 15 minutes, with the return walk taking longer because of the incline.

Short car trips to necessities like pharmacies and groceries usually take 10 to 20 minutes on St. Barths, and popular restaurants in Gustavia or St. Jean can take 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic. Villa Aka sits above the shoreline where tenders and yacht activity are common, making it particularly convenient for guests planning time on the water. For clear map cues, orient yourself using the bay and its anchorage as your landmark.

Arrival and logistics: Depending on traffic and road conditions, the majority of arrivals arrive at hillside villas in 20 to 35 minutes from the closest airport, Gustaf III Airport (SBH) in St. Jean. It will take about 20 to 30 minutes by car to get to the villa area if you arrive in Gustavia by ferry. Although usually paved, the final 1-2 km to hillside homes in St. Barths is frequently winding and narrow with sporadic steep sections, rewarding a confident driver. The simplest setup is usually to pack lighter bags and use a small SUV for comfortable daily driving because you’ll also have to deal with the villa’s lengthy stairway from parking to the bedroom level.

Unique value proposition: Villa Aka is a modern, newly constructed hillside retreat with a heated corner pool and a unique master suite with an underwater pool window—an experience you don’t often find nearby—all just a short stroll from a bustling bay.

Read More The Ultimate St Barts Escape: Where Style Meets Seclusion