Villa K
A four-bedroom contemporary hideaway with its own path to the surf at Anse des Cayes
Why Go
Tucked into the leeward hillside above one of St-Barth's most under-the-radar beaches, Villa K trades the see-and-be-seen scene of Gustavia for a private, architect-designed retreat where the loudest sound is the Atlantic breaking on the sand below.
The Experience
Designed by French architect Patrick Raffeneau, Villa K is a study in clean lines, open volumes, and framed sea views. The heart of the property is an 18-metre heated pool wrapped by a broad teak deck, waterfall feature, and clusters of palms that give each lounger its own pocket of shade. Two of the four ensuite bedrooms sit upstairs, including a master suite with a private lounge and steam-shower bath, while the ground floor flows seamlessly between a chef-ready kitchen, indoor-outdoor living rooms, and dining terraces built for long lunches. What sets Villa K apart from the island's cliffside trophy rentals is its own gated pathway down to Anse des Cayes beach - no car, no shuttle, just barefoot access to a crescent of fine sand favoured by local surfers and largely ignored by the day-tripper crowd.
What to Try
Book a private chef to cook Creole langouste on the pool deck at sunset, then walk the beach path down for a dawn swim before the surfers paddle out. The villa's layout is ideal for two couples or a family of eight, with the upstairs master offering enough separation for genuine privacy. Arrange a pre-arrival provisioning run so the kitchen is stocked with Ligne St Barth breakfast pastries, local rum, and cold rose before you land.
Insider Tip
Anse des Cayes is one of the only swimmable beaches on the island with a reliable surf break - if the swell is up, walk five minutes north along the shore to watch the local longboarders at the reef point, then duck into Abyss Restaurant just above the sand for a lunch of grilled catch that most Gustavia visitors never find. Ask the villa manager to reserve you a table on the terrace; walk-ins get turned away in high season.
The Practical Stuff
Address: Anse des Cayes, 97133 Saint-Barthelemy. Four bedrooms, four bathrooms, sleeps eight. Heated 18m pool, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, chef's kitchen. Roughly 5 minutes by car to Saint-Jean and Flamands beaches, under 10 minutes to Gustavia harbour, shops, and nightlife. Two minutes on foot to Anse des Cayes beach via the villa's private path. A rental car is essential - the road down to the villa is steep and there is no walkable village nearby. Booked through Sibarth, Corcoran St Barth, Marla Villas, and other island rental agencies; weekly rates apply and vary sharply between low and high season.
Pair It With
- Abyss Restaurant Guide — The closest walk-to lunch spot from the villa, right above Anse des Cayes beach - grilled fish, cold rose, and a terrace built for post-swim afternoons.
- 6e SENS Massage Wellness Beauty Saint Barth Guide — Book an in-villa treatment on the pool deck the morning after arrival to shake off the jet lag before you tackle the beach path.
- Absolute Hot Yoga (Gustavia) — A 10-minute drive into town for a sunrise class, then coffee on the harbour before heading back to the villa for a lazy afternoon.
- A fleur de peau (Saint-Jean) — Stop in Saint-Jean on the way back from the airport to pick up resortwear and beach reads for the week - it is the villa's closest proper shopping stretch.
