A private island in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines archipelago in the Caribbean, Mustique Island is one of the few destinations on the planet where you never have to seek luxury. Like the destination’s white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters, it surrounds you. Mustique went relatively unknown until the island’s owner, Colin Tennant, give Princess Margaret a 10-acres plot as a wedding gift. Tenant founded the Mustique Company in 1968 and turned the commodity crops into a luxe hideaway that’s only accessible via a private jet or boat.
Sleep
The Cotton House
As the island’s only full-service resort, the Cotton House provides an idyllic setting for the rich and famous. The resort offers five oceanfront rooms and eight suites with walkways that lead to the beach. If you seek a bit more seclusion, book one of the cottages or the villa. All accommodations feature private verandas, dressing rooms, bathrooms with marble touches, and a pillow menu. Pressing and full unpacking services are also included, as well as weekly sunset cruises.
Firefly Mustique
An all-inclusive accommodation situated on a steep hillside overlooking Britannia Bay, you’ll find Firefly Mustique in a dense tropical forest setting. The inn was originally a private villa with sweeping sea views. Today, it’s a relaxing retreat with five unique rooms and a waterfall that connects its two pools. All meals are included, along with afternoon tea, evening snacks, and picnic lunches. Because Firefly is on a hillside, most of its rooms are accessible via spiral staircases.
Mustique Villa Rentals
With the exception of the two accommodations listed, Mustique is mostly comprised of 85-plus unique private villas available for rent through Mustique Villa Rentals. The villas have between one and nine rooms and include laundry service, at least one vehicle, and a full staff, including a cook. The styles of the accommodations range from rustic chic with high-end amenities to grand mansions with a butler.
Eat
Basil’s Bar
A humble wooden deck on stilts over the sea, Basil’s Bar is the place to be on Mustique Island. Its thatched roof and open-air dance floor add to the establishment’s charm and allure. The food served is simple and comforting—banana pancakes, homemade ice cream, seafood, burgers, and salads. Because celebrities frequent the island often, there’s a good chance you’ll spot one at Basil’s.
The Veranda
Located at the Cotton House, The Veranda focuses on fine dining while staying true to traditional Caribbean flavors and cooking styles. The restaurant offers an a la carte menu that uses locally-sourced ingredients, seafood, and an award-winning wine list.
Beach Café
Also located at the Cotton House, Beach Café offers relaxed dining and a beach bar on Endeavour Bay. The seafood restaurant is open for every meal of the day and is a social hub during sunset cocktail hours. If you’re tired of seafood, try the sourdough pizza or a treat from the Ice Cream Parlour.
Play
Horseback Riding
The Mustique Equestrian Centre is the only island in its archipelago chain that offers thoroughbreds to ride. Go on a guided excursion, fine-tune your show-jumping skills with private lessons, or enroll your child in a pony camp.
Water Sports
Mustique Island is surrounded by coral reefs teaming with wildlife, as well as 20 nearby dive sites ready for exploring. If you don’t know how to dive, take PADI instructions from Mustique Watersports on Endeavour Bay Beach.
Mustiques waters are also known for their great sailing conditions. Learn to sail on a Hobie Cat. If you’re more experienced, charter Catamaran or Schooner and take a day trip to a neighboring island.