Mer Soleil

The approach to Mer Soleil sets the stage for an exotic French Creole villa with a Mediterranean flair. Colorful mosaics embedded in whitewash walls hug the teak main gate further flanked by tall palms in oversized planters. Past the gate, the stone-paved drive is edged with colorful tropical shrubs and palms. Arches, terracotta roofing, columns, and ironwork define the entrance. The view dazzles as you enter the home. The turquoise pool edged by tropical foliage draws your eye to the Caribbean Sea and brilliant blue sky. Within view are the island of Saba, Baie Lounge Beach, and the luxury hotel La Samanna. At night, sunsets are simply brilliant.

The villa flows seamlessly from the interiors to the covered terraces and onto the spacious pool terrace. The open-plan great room mixes Caribbean touches with French style. Arched windows, doors, and ironwork add to the exotic attitude. Rattan, teak, painted, and tiled furniture accent the local art and interesting accessories. Cream and blue tones connect the seating and dining area. A large Provencal-style kitchen, with beautiful wood cabinetry and marble tiles with high-end appliances, is a very elegant place to prepare a meal, whether by a professional or amateur Chef. The main kitchen opens to the view and to a gorgeous blue tile Moroccan-inspired covered outdoor kitchen and dining gazebo. It is a stunning place to cook and dine alfresco. The gazebo also houses additional living room seating overlooking the gardens and ocean view.

Three bedrooms are in the main villa; two off the upper terrace and one at the garden level. Two additional bedrooms are in a private cottage tucked behind the villa. All bedrooms have either sea or garden views plus private seating inside and out. Poster beds, rattan and teak furniture, charming Provence and tropical-inspired fabrics in blues, yellows, and white create a romantic feel to the rooms. The en-suite bathrooms are gorgeous in traditional Provencal tiles and mosaics, each room in a different color. Several bathrooms have either sea or garden views from their walk-in showers. The cottage bedroom suites each have a wet bar and fridge while also providing an interconnecting door, a great feature for families.

You are close to amenities. Two minutes to Baie Nettle's culinary stars Le Sand, Dreams and Mezza Luna. Wonderful gourmet food and wine stores are just a short drive in Cupecoy along with the Starz Casino and fine dining options Escape and Temptation. A short 15-minute drive and you are at the International airport or the nightlife of Maho. The French Capital, Marigot, is only 15 minutes from the villa where you can enjoy Duty Free shopping, boutiques, bakeries and the Creole Market.

The French Lowlands or Terres Basses are a neighborhood of million-dollar estates, build on the rolling hills of St. Martin's westernmost region

The Lowlands are the location of some spectacular beaches: Baie Longue and Baie aux Prumes (Long Beach and Plum Beach) are secluded, have public parking, but no services. Neither beach is ever crowded. Baie Rouge is set amongst some dramatic red cliffs. The elegant homes in Terres Basses are sitting on generous lots, most of them with gorgeous views of either the Lagoon or the ocean, or both. Many villas can be rented on a weekly basis as the ultimate vacation-get-a-way.

By car its about 10 minutes away from Marigot, and 15 minutes away from the airport.