A La Mer

This magnificent waterfront estate lies within an oasis of stately palm trees, boasting one of the largest private pools on St John.

Within the sun-kissed world of A La Mer, the villa takes center stage, embraced by the aquamarine pool and cabana, bordered by a faux white-sand bulkhead beach set with chaise lounges and a fire pit brazier. The expansive fully air-conditioned two-story Villa features 7 bedroom/bath suites and a beautifully-proportioned Great Room graced with high arched windows and artistic stonework crafted in the classic St. John style.

White slipcovered sink-into sofas and chairs are grouped around the Great Room to accommodate a large party, and a mahogany dining table for 14 is flanked by a stunning model yacht in full sail.

Adjoining the Great Room, on the other side of the tiled entry foyer, is the large gourmet kitchen with a Viking range, a center island, lots of countertop space for several cooks, and a convenient pass-through window to the outdoor poolside dining area. The kitchen area also offers a wet bar with a beverage cooler and ice machine; behind that is a powder room looking into a walled garden.

Beyond the spacious kitchen is the blue family room, a cheerful space for lounging with a large flat-screen TV and a table for cards or games. Screened french doors open out to the front of the house from the family room, to A La Mer's outside front patio which features a bubbling fountain. On the other side of the family room, more french doors lead out to patios and pool. A hallway leads past the large laundry room to two of A La Mer's king bedroom/bath suites, both of which offer generous ensuite baths and screened french doors opening outside to small covered patios and to the pool beyond.

Twin mahogany staircases ascend from either side of the family room to A La Mer's upper floor, where five more air-conditioned bedrooms/suites overlook the pool and majestic yachts riding at anchor on sparkling Great Cruz Bay. These suites all enjoy central air-conditioning, large ensuite baths tiled in charming designs, and via screened french doors, each has its own balcony.

One of these five upstairs suites is A La Mer's primary suite, a larger suite with a king four-poster bed, a private roofed patio with seating, and a spacious bath. The sumptuous primary bath features a double vanity, a separate WC with a bidet, and a semi-alfresco double shower clad in glass tile and travertine. The other four suites have romantic four-poster king beds and ensuite baths (the corner suite has a tiled semi-alfresco shower).

Two of these suites have a connecting door between them, perfect for parents who wish to be near their children. At the top of one staircase is an alcove with a desk with a printer and a two-twin trundle bed for children under 16 years.