The view from this apartment’s terrace is exactly what you want from a stay in Barbados – a swirling turquoise sea lapping the bone-white sand of Payne’s Bay Beach. Looking out from the sun loungers or big dining table, you can see just how close you are to the beach which you can access through a private door straight onto the sand. Beach chairs and umbrellas are set up on the sand every day. A ten-minute drive sees you at Holetown for freshly grilled fish in restaurants by the beach, rum shacks and plenty of shops and supermarkets. Returning to your modern abode, wash sandy toes beneath the private beach shower before settling on the terrace for a cold drink as the sun sets. The open-plan kitchen, dining and living room is glass-fronted for perfect Caribbean sea views indoors too. Perhaps enjoy a cocktail at the marble-effect breakfast bar or relax on plush velvet sofas. For those that enjoy a little extra privacy, the fifth bedroom is in a separate guesthouse with its own kitchenette and living area. Home truths: *The fifth bedroom is in a separate guest cottage accessible via the ground floor and has its own kitchenette and living area *This home is staffed with a housekeeper and cook, and guests here have access to a concierge service *Catering for one meal a day is included at this home – the chef will make two consecutive meals at Christmas time only *Some of the bedrooms have laptop-friendly desks that double as vanity units *For those hiring a car, there is secure parking *This home is on the first floor so you may need to climb a set of stairs to reach the entrance