Villa La Isla

The silence that descends over Marigot Bay just before the light turns the water to glass marks the start of mornings at Villa La Isla.

The ocean breeze enters the house through the floor-to-ceiling doors, stirring the soft linen and bringing with it the aroma of palm and salt. The contemporary lines of this four-bedroom retreat, which is spread across two floors in a quiet area of Marigot, are warmed by wood cladding and vaulted ceilings, giving the interiors a sculptural and incredibly calming feel. The covered lounge along the façade becomes the natural gathering spot in the afternoon, shaded and airy, with cushions that seem to hold the day’s cool even as the sun slips toward the headland. The main living pavilion opens completely to the terrace and pool, framing the quiet blue of the bay and hills folded in green.

Villa La Isla’s interior is made for leisurely days that go smoothly. A cozy movie-night salon with an HDTV tuned and ready serves as the focal point of the great room, while a second, more subdued seating area is used for conversation. A well-equipped kitchen with a spacious breakfast bar makes cooking a part of the evening rather than a chore done behind closed doors, and an elegant indoor dining room for eight is situated beneath soft pendant lighting. The architecture draws your gaze out to the pool’s edge and the expansive horizon beyond, while the materials—pale woods, taupe textiles, and touches of stone—maintain the serene atmosphere.

The same feeling of comfort is brought by the bedrooms. An interior staircase leads to three suites, each with a king bed, an ensuite bathroom, and sliding doors that open to furnished patios; one suite is on the main level for easy access to the pool and terrace.

Black-out treatments make sleep as opulent as the scenery, and office nooks allow you to take a quick break for a few emails before continuing with your day. A few steps away, the outdoor lounge captures the trade winds and the last of the light, making it a great spot to pour a ti’ punch and watch the sky change. The pool itself is situated on a wide deck with loungers and umbrellas, and its water is the color of the bay on a bright morning.

The address feels worlds away, yet it keeps you close to everything. At roughly 17.906° N, −62.820° W, Villa La Isla is situated above Marigot’s shoreline. It is a short, paved turn off the coastal road that circles the island. The drive takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes in normal traffic and 15 to 20 minutes during peak hours from Rémy de Haenen Airport in St-Jean (SBH); Gustavia’s harbor, shops, and dining options are roughly 15 to 20 minutes away.

Grand-Cul-de-Sac’s serene waters and dining options are about 5 to 8 minutes away by car, while St-Jean’s groceries and pharmacy are typically within 10 to 12 minutes. Any standard sedan or small SUV is ideal for arrivals, and on-site parking makes comings and goings easy. The last kilometer to the villa is on well-kept residential lanes with mild grades. St-Jean and Lorient are simple, quick hops for beach days further out; for a little adventure, it takes about 20 to 25 minutes to get to the Colombier trailhead, from where you can take a picturesque walk along the coast to the island’s most famous cove.

A stroll through Gustavia’s quay in the late afternoon and a sunset drink above Shell Beach; a Colombier hike for turquoise panoramas and a leisurely swim before returning to your terrace for dinner under the tradewind glow; or a morning paddle or snorkel in the protected waters of Grand-Cul-de-Sac before lunch at the lagoon—if you plan your week around small pleasures, everything falls into place.

Villa La Isla stands out for its unique combination of modern architecture and warm wood details with genuine bay-view tranquility in Marigot. Its four equal king-bed suites open to a private outdoor area, providing hotel-level privacy in a single, tastefully designed residence.

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