JUST FIVE KILOMETRES north of Bridgetown’s bustling shops, and an equal distance south of Holetown’s buzzing nightlife, sits this quaint, clean and decidedly laid back seven-room villa. Access to a spacious kitchen and a beautifully tiled bistro area create the perfect environment to glean travel tips from other guests and Peter Hauslschmid, the knowledgeable and gregarious German manager.

Surrounded by a lush tropical garden sprouting mango, apple and lime trees, the Villa’s stunning dark wood patio will lure you in with glistening views of Paynes Bay beach, about 200 meters down the road. Although scuba diving, restaurants and a grocery store are all minutes away, the Villa’s residential area guarantees quiet evenings punctured only by inexhaustible crickets and neighbourhood roosters.

The simple yet elegantly decorated rooms are perfect for singles or couples, and the Villa’s striking loft-style apartment—complete with spiraling greenheart wood staircase, private kitchenette, dining and living room area—can accommodate up to four people. Hauslschmid constantly maintains the hotel, keeping it spotless and up-to-date, humidity be damned.

Rooms start at US$49 per night.

Villa Marie website