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All images by Henry Barnett. ©2022
The Villa Henson has an almost unique spot on St Barts. It is one of the rare villas that can actually boast "Tranquility" and yet nothing is very far away. The Villa is situated on our family domain and on the less windy, Leeward side of the Island. With huge Caribbean Sea views, it is probably one of the calmest and most private villas on the island. The entrance to the port of Gustavia, the islands of St Kitts and Nevis, St Eustache, Saba, and St Martin are all visible from the terrace. Luxury yachts moor in the sea below and in March you'll have front row seats for the Bucket regatta. All the best beaches are only a few minutes drive away.
The sun sets opposite.
A short story!
Scroll down to read more about the Villa Henson, St Barts, its Beaches, and Restaurants
but first a bit about us.
Scroll down to read more about the Villa Henson, St Barts, its Beaches, and Restaurants
but first a bit about us.
Anne-Marie and Henry are the Villa Henson’s owners. Anne-Marie is from St Barts and she traces her family - Magras - back to 1690 (ish). I’m English and had no idea where St. Barthélemy was when I first met Anne-Marie some 30 years ago!
We met horse-riding in the North of France and later had two horses, Cadeau and Champagne. They were Hensons, a race created and bred by friends at the stables. Hence “Villa Henson” - the villa’s name. A painting of the horses hangs over the bar at the villa.
We met horse-riding in the North of France and later had two horses, Cadeau and Champagne. They were Hensons, a race created and bred by friends at the stables. Hence “Villa Henson” - the villa’s name. A painting of the horses hangs over the bar at the villa.
There are several good reasons to choose the Villa Henson for a luxury vacation. Firstly, the Villa Henson’s situation is almost unique on the island.
Anne-Marie’s mother always took Anne-Marie down to where the Villa Henson is now and sitting on a rock said, “This is where you should build your house”. On my first trip to St Barts her mother took us there again and I have an old photo to remember that moment. I remember pointing to the rock saying that will be at the corner of the pool. And it is!
Anne-Marie’s mother always took Anne-Marie down to where the Villa Henson is now and sitting on a rock said, “This is where you should build your house”. On my first trip to St Barts her mother took us there again and I have an old photo to remember that moment. I remember pointing to the rock saying that will be at the corner of the pool. And it is!
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After a short drive through the village of Colombier you arrive on our family domain. The Villa Henson is well isolated from the few other villas. In fact, you can only see the roof of one villa from the terrace and that villa, the only one nearby that is a vacation rental, is not often occupied.
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Not a long flight from the US East coast, and well worth the journey from elsewhere, it’s a perfect luxury vacation for a small family, one or two couples, and ideal for a honeymoon or a romantic anniversary. Great too for a short break.
View our Drone Video of the Villa. Inside and Outside!
Here are just four of the many Guest Comments in our guest book, used since 2001.
It that doesn’t convince you, little will!
It that doesn’t convince you, little will!
- We are over the moon and in heaven here. So relaxed and happy. Thank you for sharing your paradise with us. I’m having the best birthday ever!
- Best villa on the island. We've stayed in many Villas over the last 17 years. This is our second visit to the Villa Henson and so happy … can’t wait until next year
- Third time here, honeymoon in 2002, then brought our girls back in 2012 and 2016. Villa Henson is my happy place… Thank you Anne-Marie and Henry for all you do and sharing this wonderful treasure.
- Anne-Marie and Henry, thank you very much for sharing your very special villa and lovely corner of St Barts with us. My husband and I have been coming to St Barts for 23 years starting with our honeymoon. Villa Henson is a notch above the other Villas we've stayed at because of all the attention to detail. We have enjoyed your villa with the stunning views and gorgeous weather. Thank you so very much...this is a great vacation
The Villa Henson is about 70 meters above the sea. In the mornings and you can often see turtles surfacing below. There is a dirt road (not advised by car) that goes from the villa down to our land at the bottom and the rest, down to the sea, belongs to the close family.
To the right it is virtually green forest for a long way (see the image below) The villas you can see are almost a kilometre away. That land in fact is also owned by close family.
To the right it is virtually green forest for a long way (see the image below) The villas you can see are almost a kilometre away. That land in fact is also owned by close family.
All of this, and with the sunsets opposite, makes the view from the Villa Henson as stunning as a luxury vacation should be.
Even St Barts’ locals who arrive at the Villa Henson for the first time normally step out of their cars and say “Wow”
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The layout of the villa showing the proposed new placement for the spa. It should be finished by October 2022
Secondly, the large living area and fully fitted kitchen, as well as the two bedrooms, are all air-conditioned and all have a TV with US Dish Network and Chromecast.
The living area - 650 sq feet - is spacious and has three large sliding doors, two of which open onto the terrace. There is a bar, a media centre with surround sound, US and French TV plus terrace speakers.
Included, in the living area is the large fully equipped kitchen, completely renewed in 2021 with a large island table should you wish to eat inside. We kept the blue granite worktops!
Thirdly, the terrace has comfortable loungers, a BBQ, and the infinity pool is heated and has coloured lights that you can change (using the light switch!) to suit your mood!
The living area - 650 sq feet - is spacious and has three large sliding doors, two of which open onto the terrace. There is a bar, a media centre with surround sound, US and French TV plus terrace speakers.
Included, in the living area is the large fully equipped kitchen, completely renewed in 2021 with a large island table should you wish to eat inside. We kept the blue granite worktops!
Thirdly, the terrace has comfortable loungers, a BBQ, and the infinity pool is heated and has coloured lights that you can change (using the light switch!) to suit your mood!
Finally price. For a luxury vacation you’ll find our villa rates very competitive. We have the same rate whether you use one or two of the bedrooms. They are both open for your use. Rates
Some of the best Beaches.
Of course you won’t want to stay at the Villa Henson all day long. No place is far away on the Island and you should visit some of the best beaches. Here are our favourites:
Grand Colombier was bought by David Rockefeller in the 60’s - and for the history - from Anne-Marie’s Grandmother. He paid very little for it at the time and that was because tourism on St Barts had not started. You can get there by boat or driving past the village of Flamands, parking up at the very end of the road and then a short 20 minute shaded walk. Take water and cover yourself as there is little shade available.
Of course you won’t want to stay at the Villa Henson all day long. No place is far away on the Island and you should visit some of the best beaches. Here are our favourites:
Grand Colombier was bought by David Rockefeller in the 60’s - and for the history - from Anne-Marie’s Grandmother. He paid very little for it at the time and that was because tourism on St Barts had not started. You can get there by boat or driving past the village of Flamands, parking up at the very end of the road and then a short 20 minute shaded walk. Take water and cover yourself as there is little shade available.
The start of the path to Grand Colombier
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On the Beach at Grand Colombier
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St Jean - access after the airport at the end of the runway. Parking is just beyond that. There’s more action on this St Barts favourite beach than most. Nicky Beach is a bit further down just before the Eden Rock Hotel. There are also a few places nearby where you can get food or drink. You get a great view of the small planes taking off but don’t get too close to the runway.
Grand Cul de Sac. A calm lagoon with warm waters and great for small children. The wind surfing is very good there. Two beachfront restaurants. O’Corail - we love their sweet potato chips, the best we’ve had. Next door, La Gloriette. At one end (right) the Barthelemy Hotel, one of the latest big hotels to open, and left is Le Sereno.
Gouverneur. One of the locals favourite beaches especially on Sundays. Lovely warm waters. It gets deep quickly and is great for snorkelling under the cliffs on the left as you arrive.
Saline. Before you get to the parking you pass the salt ponds where Anne-Marie’s grandfather worked many years ago. He would walk to the ponds from Colombier! This image is of the petrified trees (shot in infrared!) The beach has a bit of nudity but nothing offensive. The waves are always great fun there.
One of our favourite restaurants is there too. Last one on the left.
Le Grain de Sel. Do go there and try the Lambi (Conch), delish.
One of our favourite restaurants is there too. Last one on the left.
Le Grain de Sel. Do go there and try the Lambi (Conch), delish.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
Petit Cul de Sac. A lovely beach and lagoon. Quieter than some of the others and less crowded. Although the other beaches are never exactly crowded. A bit of shade at the far end and under some palm trees in the middle. Deliciously warm sea and we’ve seen many turtles pop their heads above water very near us when swimming.
Petit Cul de Sac. A lovely beach and lagoon. Quieter than some of the others and less crowded. Although the other beaches are never exactly crowded. A bit of shade at the far end and under some palm trees in the middle. Deliciously warm sea and we’ve seen many turtles pop their heads above water very near us when swimming.
The two Natural swimming pools.
Near Petit Cul de Sac. From the end of the beach above, there is a route that follows the edge of the lagoon around a private villa. When you pass the villa you climb up the hill and down the other side. (I’ll send the exact route if you email me). It consists of two pools side by side and they are both quite deep. Behind them is a funnel that sucks the sea in and then out, creating a short fountain and then the water disappears back like a toilet. WARNING: This is a dangerous place and even the descent down is only for sure footed people wearing correct shoes.
Near Petit Cul de Sac. From the end of the beach above, there is a route that follows the edge of the lagoon around a private villa. When you pass the villa you climb up the hill and down the other side. (I’ll send the exact route if you email me). It consists of two pools side by side and they are both quite deep. Behind them is a funnel that sucks the sea in and then out, creating a short fountain and then the water disappears back like a toilet. WARNING: This is a dangerous place and even the descent down is only for sure footed people wearing correct shoes.
Washing Machine Near Grand Fond. At one end of the most southeastern beach of St. Barth is the Toiny hotel. Drive to the other end of the beach, park up and walk down to the stony beach, turn right and an easy walk along the cliff edge for about twenty minutes. There you will find the Washing Machine. Be careful getting down but the bathing is great and when the sea is a bit rough you will understand how it got the name, as the waves rush in but not very far, just like a washing machine might do.
Near Petit Cul de Sac
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Washing Machine
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Dining and Drinking!
One of St Barts main attractions are the restaurants ranging from very reasonable to crazily expensive. Too many eating places to mention all so here are a few more, apart from the ones mentioned above.
Le Bananier. 0590 27 93 48 The nearest restaurant to the Villa Henson, and loved by the St Barts locals (always a good sign). It’s next door to the boulangerie, Le Petit Colombe.
Santa Fé. 0590 27 61 04 Highly recommended. In Lurin on the right just after passing the road down to the beach, Gouverneur. Tell David you are staying at Anne-Marie Magras’ villa!
Eddy’s. 0590 27 54 17 In Gustavia near the far end of the quay. Formally Eddy’s Ghetto, it is owned and run by Eddy who is a son of Marius Stakelborough, the late owner of Le Select (see below). A really great restaurant with lovely decor and a large choice of really tasty and interesting dishes. We’ve been there many times and have never been disappointed.
La Langouste. 0590 27 63 61 In Flamands. One of the best. Beautiful indoor setting amongst the hotel’s villas and swimming pool. Very romantic. No need to tell you what to eat!
L’Isoletta. 0590 52 02 02 Gustavia. Great Italian place to eat casually. Pizzas and other Italian specialities. They have their main restaurant...
L'Isola 0590 51 00 05 also in Gustavia, expensive but fabulous food. Real Italian restaurant buzz.
Le Grain de Sel. 0590 52 46 05 Excellent calm dining on an open terrace. It's the last restaurant before the parking at the Beach for Saline. Their Lambi is really good. Great cooking.
L’Entracte. 0590 27 70 11 On the quayside. Well worth eating there and we’ve been many times. Reasonable for St Barts.
O’Corail and La Gloriette. Grand Cul de Sac. Two restaurants, both great. Turn in down the road to Grand Cul de Sac and it's straight on. O'Corail was a beach bar and La Gloriette another restaurant next door. They were both destroyed in the 2017 hurricane. I believe they have been rebuilt and we have not tried them yet. Hopefully in October.
Le Select. Probably the most famous bar and hamburger joint on the island. A ‘ti Punch there is a tradition and I believe in traditions! It is a mistake to go to St Barts and not to the the Select. Lunch time you can have their unique Cheeseburger in Paradise, made famous by Jimmy Buffet in a song of the same name.