Villa Nagabaaja
A four-bedroom hillside villa above Anse des Cayes with ocean views and a heated pool
Why Go
Perched on the tropical hillside above Anse des Cayes, Villa Nagabaaja is the kind of place where you unpack once, kick off your sandals, and slide straight from the heated pool to sundowners on the terrace — with the sparkling Caribbean fanning out below and Gustavia only a short drive down the coast.
The Experience
Nagabaaja was fully reimagined in a recent renovation that leans into a relaxed tropical-chic aesthetic: bleached woods, natural textures, and clean contemporary lines that let the panorama do the heavy lifting. Split across two levels, the villa holds four ensuite bedrooms — two with framed ocean views, two opening quietly onto the tropical garden — so groups can spread out without stepping on each other. The heart of the house is the open-plan living space that spills onto a wraparound terrace and the heated infinity-style pool, with a well-equipped wood-and-stainless kitchen for private chefs or long, unhurried breakfasts. It sleeps up to 12 adults (or 11 adults plus 2 kids), which makes it a natural pick for multigenerational family weeks and small friend groups who want independence without sacrificing polish. Anse des Cayes beach is minutes away for a morning surf or swim, and Gustavia's boutiques and restaurants are a quick drive over the ridge.
What to Try
Book the villa with a private chef for at least two nights — the kitchen and long dining terrace are designed for it, and it's the easiest way to experience St Barth cuisine without giving up the sunset view. Claim one of the two ocean-view bedrooms if you're the first to arrive: waking up to that horizon is the single best thing the house offers. And use the heated pool at dawn, before the trade winds pick up — the water is glassy and the light on the bay is unreal.
Insider Tip
The Anse des Cayes hillside sits between the airport and Gustavia, which sounds noisy but actually works in your favor: St Barth's airport closes at sunset, so evenings on the terrace are dead quiet, and you're closer to under-the-radar spots like Maya's To Go and the local surf breaks than guests staying on the Grand Cul-de-Sac side. Ask the villa manager to arrange a Mini Moke or small SUV rather than a full-size car — the road down to the villa is steep and narrow, and small wheels make daily beach runs and Gustavia trips dramatically less stressful.
The Practical Stuff
Four ensuite bedrooms across two levels, sleeping up to 12 adults or 11 adults plus 2 children. Heated pool, multiple terraces, ocean-view living room, fully equipped kitchen, free WiFi, and complimentary private parking on site. Location: hillside above Anse des Cayes on the west side of St Barth, roughly a 5-minute drive to Anse des Cayes beach, 10 minutes to Gustavia, and under 5 minutes to Rémy de Haenen Airport. Rental is villa-only (no on-site restaurant or front desk); staffing, provisioning, chefs, and car rental are typically arranged through the villa manager. Best suited to families and small groups; not ideal for solo travelers or anyone wanting a full-service resort experience.
Pair It With
- Anse des Cayes Beach — The villa's home beach — a short drive down the hill, favored by locals and surfers and quieter than the marquee bays on the south coast.
- 6e Sens Massage Wellness Beauty Saint Barth Guide — Book in-villa massages on your terrace after a day in the sun; they're one of the closest wellness operators to Anse des Cayes.
- Abyss Restaurant Guide — An easy dinner option nearby when you don't feel like driving into Gustavia — good for a low-key first or last night.
- Absolute Hot Yoga (Gustavia) — Morning class in town, then coffee and a wander through Gustavia's boutiques before heading back up to the pool.
- Gustavia Harbour — A 10-minute drive over the ridge for sunset drinks, superyacht-watching, and the island's best concentration of restaurants and shops.
