Villa Makasi brings a new level of design sophistication to the peaceful and little-known St. Barth neighborhood of Grand Fond. Located just a ten-minute stroll from the island's dramatic "cote sauvage", this home offers its guests exceptional levels of comfort and amenities in an ambiance of real escapism. The massive door at the entrance to Villa Makasi opens to reveal a cool and restful retreat, with a large and shady living area that leads directly out to a sheltered courtyard and pool that enjoys sun during the day and cool breezes in the evening. Decorated in earth tones and hardwood, and with numerous aesthetic touches like hammered-copper lamps and polished cement floors, the atmosphere of Villa Mikasi makes it one of the warmest and most welcoming homes on the island.

The kitchen offers a wealth of modern conveniences combined with the pleasure of cooking in an open environment, without being cut off from the rest of the household. A Lacanche range with a super-burner for wok cooking opens up all kinds of culinary possibilities. The layout combines the ease of under-counter refrigerators with a full-size fridge, ice maker, and EuroCave wine-storage unit in the pantry. Plentiful seating in three sheltered dining areas just outside the kitchen make entertaining simple. There is even a wet bar and barbecue beside the pool.

The living room is a great place for a cool respite from the sun after a trip to the beach, and in the evening it makes an ideal home cinema with many high-tech touches. A 55" HDTV connects to high-definition satellite TV, AppleTV with Airplay, an on-screen Internet connection with a wireless keyboard, and DVD, and all of it can be controlled from an iPad using the RedEye app.

The master bedroom steps from the living area across the deck, with a king-size platform bed, a dressing area and an ensuite bath with a large bathtub, a rain-head shower and dual vanities. An HDTV hides away in the footboard of the bed when not in use. The second and third bedrooms offer full-size beds, integrated ensuite baths with rain-head showers, and open directly onto the pool and terrace. A fourth bedroom located behind the main living area, with its own bathroom as well as a private entrance from the parking area.

The pool and terrace area will naturally become the focal point of the lifestyle of Villa Makasi. Nice touches like comfortable chaises and an ice machine at the poolside bar make this the perfect place to let the day pass by at a leisurely pace. When evening comes, the attractive lighting and cool breeze in the palms make the same space delightful in a new way. Designed by the renowned architectural firm of Olivier Dain Perspectives, Villa Mikasi will no doubt become one of the island's most in-demand rentals.