On an island where bling is the norm, the deliciously discreet Villa Marie Saint-Barth stand head and shoulders above the rest. Quite literally, because it's up in the hills overlooking ravishing Flamands Bay. But beach bunnies needn't be alarmed: the sea is 20-minute walk. Here it's all about privacy, peace, views - and the fabulous interiors. White clapboard cottages reveal an explosion of colour: juju hats, carved wooden pineapples, palm trees and parrots galore (including the two resident birds, Jao and Mahé). At sunset, the hanging swing on your porch may beckon, but chef Emmanuel Motte's scallops with blue lobster at the restaurant, François Plantation, deserves your full attention. Hurricane Iram may have knocked this beauty, but she's right back on track.

And another thing : sail or walk to Colombier beach - there are no roads, so it might be all yours.