Xanadu

In ancient China, Xanadu was an emperor’s beautiful summer compound. In Marco Polo’s writings, it was the site of “a very fine marble palace, the rooms of which are all gilt and painted with figures of men and beasts and birds, and with a variety of trees and flowers, all executed with such exquisite art that you regard them with delight and astonishment.” In a Samuel Coleridge poem, it was a symbol of splendor and opulence. In Citizen Kane, it was Charles Foster Kane’s estate. And in St. Barth, Villa Xanadu (XAN) is a private rental home that abounds with charm and character.

Located in the heart of St. Jean, in an area that is central and convenient yet feels very private and secluded, Villa Xanadu is a paradise for true Caribbean living. Its designers and owners have managed to preserve the house’s original St. Barth spirit—the one that has led many frequent visitors to fall in love with the island, defined by open doors, lavish gardens and stunning ocean views at nearly every turn—even as they recently upgraded the villa to bring modern-day comforts. The four-poster beds are still draped with romantic, atmospheric mosquito netting, but now, for instance, the kitchen is up-to-date, and the air-conditioning is fully functional.

Because the house has a design in which all the bedrooms are separated and independent, each with its own ensuite bathroom and shower, Villa Xanadu is easy for groups of friends or adult family members to share. (That said, children are also welcome, and the concierge can create custom surprises for guests of all ages.)

The property consists of three freestanding bungalows. A kitchen bungalow has a partial view of St. Jean Bay and a connected outdoor counter and grill. It opens onto a shaded dining terrace for six in front of the pool, which in turn leads to a sunny poolside area with lounge chairs for sunbathing and socializing.

A separate, larger bungalow contains the living room, which has a comfortable L-shaped sofa, a plush armchair, a big TV, and views over the pool. There are two bedrooms on opposite sides of this living room, each with a queen bed. One of these has access to the pool; the other to a side deck. A floating staircase goes up to the large master bedroom, which has a king bed. The fourth bungalow occupies its own bungalow near the entrance to the villa compound, which also contains a TV room decorated in African style.