a place where the musical lilt of the French language and Provençal cuisine combine with the pure white sands and lush green hills of the Caribbean, in a setting that is both chic and sublime …and you have the island of St. Barts.

The French island serves as a haven for those seeking an antidote to large Caribbean resort islands, overrun by the cruise ship crowd. Through a providential accident of nature, tiny St. Barts cannot accommodate cruise ships or commercial jets (or even private Gulfstreams, for that matter). Adventurous souls seeking St. Barts’ chic but laid-back scene need first to travel to San Juan, St. Martin or Antigua, then board a puddle-jumper, seating fewer than 18 people.

The reward for that last, short leg is an unspoiled island blessed with a dozen undeveloped beaches, charming villages reminiscent of those detailed in Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence, and over 60 restaurants serving an exciting range of world cuisines. “It’s a chic and quietly sophisticated island, yet one where all formality is suspended,” says Stiles Bennet, President and COO of WIMCO Villas. “You can walk right off the beach into any restaurant or shop, wearing a short-sleeved shirt, flip-flops and shorts, feel totally welcomed, and have an extraordinary experience. The island is focused on service, since the island’s economy is dependent on it. Everyone who lives and works on St. Barts goes out of their way to make you feel welcome.”

There are no large hotels or resorts here, thanks to the island’s strict zoning laws. Instead, the island boasts an impressive array of private villas that are available to rent by the week. WIMCO Villas has been creating memorable villa vacations on St. Barts since 1983, and it offers a carefully curated portfolio of villas, ranging from romantic one-bedroom hideaways to spacious six- to eight-bedroom compounds.

As a guest of WIMCO Villas, you will be treated to full concierge service from the moment you arrive, including VIP airport pickup and drop off service and a reservations desk to book boat charters, restaurants, babysitting, tennis, grocery deliveries, private chefs and more. Each WIMCO villa includes AC and daily maid service, along with Dish Satellite TV service and iPod docking stations.

For customers of V&M, WIMCO Villas is extending an exclusive offer with each villa rental in St. Barts, or any other destination where WIMCO represents private villas, including St. Tropez, Provence, Tuscany, Maui, Riviera Maya and 11 Caribbean islands.

Upon arrival, you will find an array of gourmet treats pre-stocked in your villa, along with a bottle of champagne.

This recently renovated villa offers an amazing view over the Bay of St. Jean and surrounding islands. Just two minutes from popular St. Jean beach, the villa offers a centrally located base from which to enjoy all that St. Barts has to offer.

Villa WV DSA features three bedrooms with king beds, a living room (equipped with a large movie screen and projector), dining room and kitchen, which all open onto the pool and terrace. The villa’s hillside location means the pool terrace has great sun exposure, but is cooled with gentle ocean breezes.

Stunning four-bedroom contemporary villa with oversized pool, and sweeping ocean views. Spacious, modern and well accessorized, Villa WV ECO villa is the ideal base for your St. Barts vacation. Massive shaded outdoor areas let you enjoy the views and the breezes, under a cooling shade. The beaches in Gouverneur, Saline and St. Jean are just a short drive downhill from this impressive perch.

This spectacular modern hillside villa has everything for a peaceful vacation. The villa’s outdoor living space is truly exceptional, furnished with white sofas and chairs surrounded by an emerald green lawn. The pool, shaped like a nautilus shell, has steps leading to a small central plateau, the perfect spot to enjoy a drink. Villa WV REP has an elegant, gourmet kitchen that is a fusion of dark slate with stainless steel. In the evening the villa takes on a magical feeling, with dramatic lighting around the pool and terraces. All three spacious bedrooms have teak beds and en-suite bathrooms.