As chic as they come, Villa-Lodge 4 épices opened for the 2008 season to an immediate island buzz. With a nod to the lovely guest houses of France – and their acclaimed hospitality – the eclectic décor here is the creation of French interior designer, and The Lodge’s owner Marie-Aimé Perrier. Madame Perrier’s attention to detail is superb. The complex itself is a contemporary-styled structure and the juxtaposition of the fanciful and funky accoutrements mixed with elegant baroque pieces, and ultra modern touches combine for a huge WOW factor.

Terraced into a hill overlooking Grand Cul de Sac, The Lodge is laid out on two levels; the lower level encompasses a covered dining terrace and the pool, bordered by a sun deck with a little ajoupa for shade-seekers.

The accommodations, all on the upper level consist of a trio of identical Lagoon Suites, a 2 bedroom Villa and their very luxurious 1 bedroom Pool Suite.

Each of the Lagoon Suites, with its cool-gray polished concrete walls, is accented in a different Crayola Crayon-hue of royal purple, blue and pistachio. The configuration includes an anteroom with a sleek stainless steel unit (housing sink, mini-fridge, coffee maker, wine ceilor (etc.) providing a convenient place to fix a snack or pack a beach picnic. Pretty little dinette tables sitting under striking over-sized suspended lampshades are a nice addition.

Open the door to the bedroom and it’s hard to know where to look: the panorama of those gorgeous turquoise waters, or the king-size platform bed all elaborately decked out in sculpted velvet and heaped with pillows. Sliders open to a deck – and that view. Elongated open bathrooms meander along the side of the suites. Each has a shower big enough to dance the cancan, a matching pair of marble-topped vanities and, the can itself, natuerllement.

The Villa, essentially a main house with a comfortable living area, a spacious deck and a guest bedroom housed in separate pavilion, would be the perfect spot for a family with older children.

The pièce de résistance here is the Pool Suite; its private courtyard includes a covered dining terrace, an outside shower and a small infinity edge pool flanked by lounges. Inside, the open floor plan encompasses a fully-equipped kitchenette and dining and living areas. The bedroom – separate and private - has an en suite bath whose shower opens via glass sliders to the pool. One can literally step in!

A lovely breakfast of fresh fruits, cheeses and baked goods is included each morning. And how do you like your eggs? Fresh-squeezed OJ? You have but to ask. We love the large common table on the dining terrace and the opportunity it provides to chat with other guests. But for those wishing to sip their morning cappuccino – solo – there are smaller tables available. In season, lighter fare and cocktails will be served poolside and a resident chef will present a dinner menu; guests can opt to reserve a “seat at the table”. The Villa Lodge is a delightful addition to the island and to the Hotels of St. Barth collection.

A Few of Our Favorite Things

• Oh, those beds…
• The amenities, an exotic Middle-Eastern line called Tadé Pays du Levant

Who Would Just Love it Here

Sophisticated sorts who relish an intimate setting. The Lodge, in its entirety, can be reserved and would be a wonderful spot for a gathering of a dozen friends or family members – and just perfect for a wedding party.