Area Daily: Villa Nina at Eden Rock, St. Barthelemy

What recession? Our most frivolous find this year, the new Villa Nina at Eden Rock. Attempting to redefine luxury on St. Barths (an already quite luxe destination), beachfront Villa Nina is the first of two brand new homes in “Eden Rock Estates” – the hotel’s six-star villa compound.

A dedicated butler, exclusive use of Villa Nina’s own Mini Cooper, VIP greeting service in Anguilla or St Martin, and an in-villa art gallery exhibiting a changing mix of original contemporary paintings, lithographs and photographs are just a few of the many amenities that Villa Nina offers.

The 7,000 square-foot home’s oversized doors and windows open on to St. Jean beach and the long, naturally-lit art gallery provides a dramatic entrance to the villa. Both pools overlook the turquoise waters of the bay and comfy king-sized loungers on the villa’s several terraces are perfect for soaking up the sun.

Meals can be taken in the villa or at the hotel’s restaurants. And to top this off, guests can also host dinner parties in Villa Nina with cuisine prepared by Eden Rock’s famous - and famously good-looking! - young French chef, Jean-Claude Dufour.

The only downside: rates start at 49,000€ per week.