Villa Epicure, Marigot, St. Barts

Indulge in the delectable views at Villa Epicure, St. Barts. A stately villa atop a seaside hill, Epicure exudes opulence in a subtle, unflashy way, letting rich natural textures, eye-umami views of Marigot Bay, and architecture that utilizes gracious amounts of space. With a capacity to sleep up to fourteen guests, two dining room tables, and delectable ocean views from a cliffside infinity pool, Villa Epicure is a feast for the soul to be had in good spirits and the best of company.

The interior decor is striking stone and distinguished comfort in the form of a slate-stone wall and cream-colored couches arranged at right angles around a large sandbox table. The table’s interior is lit and features a glass vase with palm fans and alternating tones of teak wood in a striped pattern.

The slate stone wall is in fact a stage with lighting for impromptu or professional performances. The stage is directly next to the kitchen, which is decorated with black cabinets and brown stainless steel appliances for a stately show-lounge bar feel, complete with bar and chairs. The dining table behind these sits fourteen and another dining set for alfresco eats is just beyond on the veranda. In-villa gourmet meals can be prepared by chefs on-site, and events featuring any live performances or parties can be catered. In-villa spa treatments are also on the menu when guests are sure to utilize the complimentary concierge services.

The veranda features solid teak wood above and below, with a long teak wood table highlighted by a large, sumptuous gold urn and nothing else. Villa Epicure seems to highlight the essentials with just a dash of this and a splash of that to let the ingredients of its beauty stand for themselves. The infinity pool, for instance, is a simple, elegant stretch of clear blue water at the edge of the terrace that blends seamlessly into the ocean view. For guests who enjoy the water, the ocean is also nearby, but the showers are their own slice of heaven.

With sprawling open-plan showers, one bathroom features a sky-lit slate stone shower that is actually outdoors. One enters through the two water closets on either side and enjoys a waterfall shower head and tropical ocean air. Another shower opens directly into a private garden with palms. Each of the seven queen-sized bedrooms has air-conditioning, wi-fi, an Apple television, a ceiling fan, an en-suite bathroom with a shower, vanities, and WCs. Some rooms include expansive walk-in closets and ocean views, while all have terrace access.