Significant Property CLEAVAGE

Designed in 2006 by acclaimed American architect Carl Abbott, this award-winning residence features stunning views of both the sea to the south and the valley and hills to the north. Cleavage is situated between two hilltops high above the desirable Pelican Key area of the island offering both privacy and convenient accessibility to shops, restaurants and the airport while providing prospective owners the significant tax benefits of its Dutch-side location.

Upon entering the villa grounds, you first arrive in the grotto courtyard complete with fountain. Stairs lead to the two-story Great Room which features a state-of-the-art kitchen with a 14-foot granite work-surface and a lounge seating area with bespoke maple furniture and detailing throughout. Floor to ceiling glass opens onto an expansive patio facing the sea. A sun room with opening roof and sun curtains provide comfortable sitting during the heat of the day and enjoyable lounging under the stars in the evening. The terrace flows out into an adjoining infinity pool that features a high-tech filter/salt chlorination system that ensures crystal-clear water.

The accommodation includes five bedrooms, one of which is a self contained guest/staff efficiency apartment and five and a half bathrooms finished in river-washed granite. The master suite has a double outdoor rain shower and rooftop garden with magnificent views overlooking Pelican Key and the sea beyond. Other features of the villa include a private downstairs guest terrace, a breakfast terrace, a shade terrace, an outside covered dining area, a gym and a wine cellar. The spacious garage can accommodate two full-sized vehicles and offers ample storage space.

Cleavage offers the best of both worlds – sun-drenched and shaded. The extensive landscaping, designed in English garden style, allows for enjoyable evening strolls among the lush foliage and picturesque scenery.

 

Uninhabited Islands around SXM

Every other Sunday my friends and I stock up the boat with fresh baguettes, fruits, cheese and rosé and go explore the nearby islands that are barely touched by humanity.

PRICKLY PEAR CAY

Prickly Pear is a small uninhabited island 650 meters north of Anguilla. When we approached it from the North West side I had to rub my eyes to make sure I was not dreaming – crystal blue water, white fine sand, bright sun and the colorful boats docked next to the beach created a postcard-like scenery.
The island is relatively small and extremely picturesque. There is only one building and it is a restaurant called Johnno’s Prickly Pear that offers fresh BBQ fish, lobster, chicken, and ribs. It is a perfect spot to spend a day with a group of friends or family.

SANDY ISLAND

This island is a tiny sandy treasure – just 250 by 75 meters located 2 miles away from Anguilla. It looks like something you would see in an illustrated children’s book. It is literally a pile of sand in the ocean with some vegetation and a restaurant in the middle. The beach beds there are extremely comfortable and the BBQ Lobster is one of the best I have tried in the Caribbean. Definitely worth a visit!

DOG ISLAND

This is our favorite place to come back to. There is so much to discover about this island. There are three beaches, but only one in the Southeast is easily accessible by boat. The island is low, rocky, wild and full of life. It is home to large numbers of nesting seabirds, mainly sooty terns. BirdLife International identified it as a bird sanctuary and we did feel like we were guests in a bird land. The birds are mainly occupying the cliff areas, gracefully sitting atop and facing the winds. During our last visit, we docked our boat in a small bay surrounded by rocky cliffs on the Western side and spent a day sun tanning, swimming, snorkeling, hiking and picking pretty shells from a tiny beach.

TINTAMARRE ISLAND

From the listed above, Tintamarre is the closest island to St.Martin – located 3 km away from its eastern side. It is uninhabited now, but between 1946 and 1950, it was the base for the airline Compagnie Aérienne Antillaise, which flew planes from the island’s 500-meter (1,600 ft) airstrip. It no longer exists, but it always exciting to take a hike and find the remains of the runway.
We love going to the beach on the Western side of the island. It has a fantastic view of the hilly St.Martin, especially when the sky behind these hills changes colors during sunset. It is also an excellent spot for snorkeling to sea turtles.