Villa Anakao St Barts

Anakao: Asian-Inspired Hillside Retreat in St. Jean

Anakao looks out over the rolling green hills of St. Jean. The view is one of lush vegetation and quiet countryside, a serene panorama of tropical slopes that frames the villa’s outdoor living spaces.

This two-bedroom villa in St. Jean is defined by a unique and well-documented design character, a feature that immediately sets it apart. A strong, consistent Asian-inspired aesthetic influences every corner, from the exotic wooden masks on the kitchen wall to the woven fiber furniture and dark wood accents. It is a warm, eclectic, and thoughtfully assembled environment that creates a distinct sense of place. That aesthetic is felt first in the great room. High, vaulted ceilings with exposed dark wooden beams and light wood planks soar overhead, creating a spacious and airy volume. The space is open-plan, with the living, dining, and kitchen areas flowing together under this canopy of wood. Large sliding glass doors and wooden sliding screen doors open the entire room to the covered terrace.

The villa’s two bedrooms offer private, air-conditioned spaces, each with its own character. The primary suite, Bedroom 1, commands the most attention. It opens directly onto the terrace and the pool. The room enjoys a dual view of the hills and the glimmering pool. A queen-size bed (5.91 × 6.56 ft) is centered in the space, dressed in linens that likely continue the villa’s palette of natural tones and colorful accents. It comes fully equipped with air conditioning, a fan, a safe, and a TV offering both French satellite Orange TV and US Dish Network, all behind mosquito screens. The en-suite bathroom is fitted with a shower. The room’s decor, consistent with the Asian-inspired theme, may feature wall-mounted paddles or oars and furniture of dark wood. Bedroom 2 provides a comfortable and private alternative. Located near the villa’s entrance, this queen-bedroom (also 5.91 × 6.56 ft) is fully air-conditioned and includes a safe and a TV with US satellite Dish Network, protected by mosquito screens. It features an en-suite bathroom with a shower. While it does not share the same open vista as the primary suite, it offers a quiet atmosphere, elegantly furnished with the same attention to dark wood and textured details that run throughout the property. For larger groups or families, an optional third bedroom is available on request. This additional space is located on a mezzanine above Bedroom 2, is air-conditioned, and features a king-size bed, providing flexible accommodation perfect for children, though it is subject to an additional fee.

The living area features a fan and is oriented toward the hillside view. It is equipped for relaxation with a Sonos sound system, French satellite Orange TV, Dish Network, and Apple TV, all behind protective mosquito screens. Plush sofas with vibrant pops of color in teal, pink, or orange-toned cushions provide comfortable seating, while shelves of exotic wood display unique lamps and decorative objects that reinforce the Oriental theme. Just steps away, the kitchen maintains this theme, pairing modern convenience with a carefully selected aesthetic. A breakfast bar separates it from the living area, providing a perfect spot for a quick coffee or a casual snack. It is outfitted with a fan, microwave, a coffee machine, an espresso machine, a toaster, and a dishwasher, including a specific Nespresso coffee machine. The white cabinetry offers a clean contrast to the exotic wooden masks that hang as artful focal points on the wall. This careful juxtaposition of sleek, functional surfaces with handcrafted, textural decor is a hallmark of the villa’s design.

The outdoor living at Anakao is centered around a heated swimming pool, measuring 13.1 by 19.7 feet. It is a refreshing centerpiece for the wooden deck, surrounded by loungers for sunbathing with the hills as a backdrop. The pool’s heated function ensures comfort can extend into the cooler winter months. The terrace itself wraps in an L-shape around the villa, a design that creates multiple distinct zones for relaxation and dining. A covered portion shelters a beautiful wooden dining table, a setting for alfresco meals that can accommodate a group. Here, you can utilize the gas barbecue for casual grilling. Other outdoor lounge areas, furnished with comfortable wicker and cushioned seating, offer spots to retreat with a book or enjoy a cocktail as the day cools. The entire terrace is an extension of the home’s living space, an open-air room where you can listen to music, enjoy the villa’s Wi-Fi, or soak in the quiet of the hillside.

Anakao’s location in the hills of St. Jean offers both privacy and superb convenience. The vibrant beach, shops, and restaurants of St. Jean are just a five-minute drive away, with the sands of Lorient and Gouverneur also within easy reach. The capital of Gustavia is similarly only about five minutes by car. The airport is a convenient 10 to 20-minute transfer, and access to the villa does not require a four-wheel-drive vehicle, simplifying arrivals and daily exploration. This positioning makes the villa an ideal base for experiencing the best of St. Barts. For over 20 years, Premium Island Vacations has connected travelers with properties that offer genuine character, and Anakao, with its warm woods, woven textures, and peaceful hillside outlook, is a distinctive example.