if I’d like a Villa where we’d get shade in the afternoon and calmer waters, would you say that the north villas in the Aura section is what we should ask for? Any precise villa number you felt was better/calmer/more private? TYIA.[/QUOTE]
The north villas will have shade in the afternoon (no sunset view though). Depending on the wind direction, both sides can be calm or choppy (depending on the day). I went there in November and some day it was ok, some day it was windy. Checking the app you will see Dec-Apr the weather will be much better and not windy anymore.

Least privacy (not bad though) will be found in villa 501 (north / closer to Spa) and 502 (south / closer to Eden). On the other hand, it's quite nice to walk from these villas to restaurants (Eden, Origin, Beach shack, Habitat) so you don't need to wait for buggy (not that you will have to wait a lot since they will come to pick you up within few minutes).

For calm water, the best can be found in beach pool villas area facing south (302-366 and 202-252).