Aerial view of Villa Embrace and its two infinity edge swimming pools. Image by Laurent Benoit
In an idyllic location, etched into a lush emerald hillside with spectacular views across Gustavia Harbor, Villa Embrace evokes the very best of Caribbean luxury, imbued with European flourishes that pay homage to St. Barth’s rich heritage.
Every room in Villa Embrace has its own story to tell, and every custom piece of furniture, iridescent tile, handcrafted silk rug and light installation is unique. The villa - a passion project of Vancouver-based Marty and Michelle Weinberg - was curated by a team of hand-picked international architects, designers and engineers.
The remarkable villa has achieved worldwide acclaim and positioned itself amongst the foremost ultra-luxury villas in the world. Here are some of the amazing design features that came together to create the incredible end product.
Glass Elevator
Upon arrival through the ultra-private entryway of Villa Embrace, guests are guided to a magnificent feat of engineering created by the Otis Design Group - the island’s only four-story glass elevator. While ascending to one of the five design suites from the impressive 10 car underground parking garage, guests can glimpse the villa’s waterfall, a breathtaking feature that alludes to the myriad sensory experiences that await.
Waterfall, Topiary Gardens and Living Wall
The four-story-high waterfall, located adjacent to the elevator, cascades alongside a Living Wall adding tranquil ambience and a visual focal point for guests. Additionally, beautiful topiary gardens can be enjoyed while relaxing on the expansive deck or soaking in Japanese tubs on the private terraces of the Gouveneur and Saline guest suites.
Indoor & Outdoor Blend Windows
Highly sustainable, floor-to-ceiling Sky-Frame windows and sliding doors offer 90% UV protection, major solar gain and insulation, reducing the need for air conditioning. The argon gas, multiple pane frameless windows appear to disappear into the neutral tone walls, allowing rooms to be bathed in natural sunlight while highlighting the views across Gustavia Harbor and beyond.
Custom Made Furniture
Villa Embrace contains a wide selection of enviable custom design pieces by a range of talented artisans from all across the globe, ranging from Bernhardt and Roche Bobois Credenzas to Casa Fendi bar stools and tables. In The Great Room and Family Room, B&B Italia and Minotti sofas elevate spaces with fluid lines, versatility and luxurious tactile fabrics. The floors are graced with handmade Indian silk and custom Stark rugs. In the primary suites, wake up to Barbarini & Gunnell white onyx and mother-of-pearl headboards, Cassini Utrecht chairs and colorful tables by Reda Amalou. A Walter Knoll black nutwood and leather desk in the top floor study offers an elegant workspace with stunning harbor views.
Unique Art Collection
Elegant, yet modern spaces are intentionally decorated with white walls and gray/taupe eucalyptus accents to highlight each individual artwork. Evocative Pop Art paintings from the Roy Lichtenstein “Nude” series and 10 rare pieces from the ‘Jews of the 20th Century’ series by Andy Warhol have been chosen from the owner’s personal art collection to bring an expressive dynamic to each room. They are complimented by custom cast glass pieces in the colors of the ocean.
Barbarini & Gunnell Nautical-Inspired Dining Table
The custom made Barbarini & Gunnell nautical-inspired dining table takes center stage in the Dining Room. The maritime design was inspired by the superyachts that dock in Gustavia harbor. The table was crafted with mathematical precision - steel chain links act as the table base, providing stability to the polished rectangular glass tabletop, creating the ultimate finish.
Moonlight Murmuration LED Installation
Suspended above the dining table, Moonlight Murmuration mesmerizes with a cluster of 52 solid glass droplets that illuminate with soft LED lights. The personalized light installation, custom designed by Ochre, brings a romantic and reflective ambiance to every dining experience.
Barbarini & Gunnell Dining Table, Moonlight Murmuration LED Installation, painting by Roy Lichtenstein and the view of Gustavia from Villa Embrace. Image by Laurent Benoit
Bespoke T.T. Trunks Game Table
Marty and Michelle Weinberg selected the exclusive French brand T. T. Trunks to create a bespoke game table. A beautiful, hand-stitched cowhide leather table made with Okoume plywood, accessorized with solid brass nickel plating and a eucalyptus wood veneer. The table, residing in the Games Room, features concealed compartments and reversible boards that incorporate a selection of games from chess, poker and backgammon to Scrabble™ and Monopoly™.
Vladimir Kagan Avant Garde Armchairs
While enjoying games on the T. T. Trunks game table, relax with a glass of wine in an avant-garde, sensuously formed Vladimir Kagan armchair. Each chair is covered with the owners’ chosen fabric and comes with a polished chrome swivel base, combining a sophisticated aesthetic with modern sensibility and luxurious comfort.
Bespoke T.T. Trunks Game Table and Vladimir Kagan Avant Garde Armchairs at Villa Embrace. Image by Laurent Benoit
Infinity Edged Swimming Pools
Two heated infinity edge pools are positioned on expansive decks with sophisticated CocoWolf loungers and sofas for relaxation. The main pool spans 30 meters in length – almost 100 feet, making it one of the islands’ longest. Each infinity edge pool is lined with hand-picked iridescent tiles in a cobalt blue shade - chosen to emulate the colors of the Caribbean Sea at dusk.
Villa Embrace took 12 years to build from conception to completion. The incredible attention to detail and sheer depth of artistic talent required to create such an impressive structure ensure it stands apart on a global stage. As a testament to this, Villa Embrace was honored with the Best Luxury Villa in St. Barths Award by Luxury Lifestyle Awards for 2024. A unique expression of contemporary architecture and design, Villa Embrace continues to set new standards of excellence for vacation property owners throughout the Caribbean and the world.
