Sea Island Cotton

Step off the deck and you're on the sand – this beachfront villa in Weston, Saint James, puts the Caribbean directly at your feet. A saltwater pool and hot tub sit beneath the palms for when you want the ocean at arm's length rather than underfoot, while a large covered terrace with a private bar is made for long, unhurried lunches. Indoors, the eco-conscious design by Celia Sawyer is easy and considered, and the rate includes a resident cook – chef Cheryl comes highly praised – and a housekeeper, so the days unfold at your own pace.

Home truths:
* The pool and hot tub are not gated or locked, so if you are travelling with young children, bear this in mind and keep an eye on little ones around the water.
* The pool and hot tub aren’t heated, though they stay naturally warm in the sun – particularly the hot tub, which receives direct sunlight for most of the day.
* For those with reduced mobility, there's a ground floor bedroom and bathroom here.
* The beach directly in front of the villa is rocky rather than sandy – great for exploring corals and rock pools, but you'll want to bring water shoes. A sandy beach is a short walk away along the coastal path.
* The cook and housekeeper are included six days a week, not seven – so you'll have one day each week to self-cater or head out for all meals.
* You'll have three parking spaces inside the automatic gated entrance – plenty if you're hiring cars for a larger group.
* If you're travelling with a baby, your host can provide a cot upon request.