Mustique

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Have you ever been waiting outside some extravagant venue, wanting to get behind the velvet rope but just couldn’t?  That experience is analogous to gaining access to Mustique, an exotic 1400-acre island with lush terrain, pristine beaches, and beautiful Caribbean views from every vantage point.  Until recently, the velvet rope has been impenetrable- keeping most of us in the dark about this island’s existence. But now, those who can afford a bit higher price tag for a vacation, or a second home, can finally sample one of the best-kept secret islands in the world. Lucky for 203 Modern Affluent Living readers, this editor got a sneak peek, and what follows will give you a taste of the (extremely) good life. You may even decide you simply must go!

Discovered by Spanish sailors in the 15th century, Mustique is one of many islands that make up the Grenandines. These islands were used by pirates to hide their ships and treasures. In turn, Mustique  became one of those treasures. In 1958 Lord Glencooner, also known as Colin Tenant, purchased the Island and began to develop Mustique as a playground for England’s royals. In 1960 he gave away a ten- acre lot to the British Princess Margaret as a wedding gift. She built a magical residence called ‘Les Jolie Eaux’. It still exists today and has been featured in Architectural Digest. Princess Margaret and her guests made Mustique a mystical place in which only royals were known to have access. The famous, infamous, and Hollywood elite soon followed –Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall, Hugh Grant and Elizabeth Hurley, Tommy Hilfiger- and Mustique’s level of exclusivity was firmly established.

To arrive at Mustique, you must first fly into Barbados- which most major airlines’ routes include. One hundred villas await you on the Island and seventy-two of those are currently in The Mustique Company’s rental program. The management has indicated that the development of the island has neared its peak, and maintaining Mustique’s natural beauty is now the main goal of The Mustique Company. To further this effort and ensure that an optimal balance between man and nature exist, the company has hired an onsite, full-time conservationist to manage those efforts.

The Cotton House is a full-service hotel with a variety of suites. Located between two beaches, it functioned as an actual cotton warehouse and sugar mill in the 18th century. These suites are grand; complete with king size beds, marble bathrooms, and private verandas. The two suites downstairs even come with a plunge pool. Many non-motorized sports including, windsurfing, snorkeling, and diving are available. There are sailing charters, tennis courts, and jeeps you can rent for island sightseeing. Nature hikes, fitness trails, and beach strolls are favorites. Mustique even has its own equestrian center where you can take lessons or just ride. Of course many of these activities you can do elsewhere, but set against the majestic Mustique backdrop each recreation feels like a dream.  A separate two-story building, the relaxing Cotton House Spa shares the elegance of its surroundings. Four treatment rooms provide sea and garden views which in itself feels like a spa service. A complete menu of treatments is available for both men and women.  And for your epicurean delight, The Cotton House features two gourmet restaurants.

The privately owned villas, only available for rent through The Mustique Company, create the mystique of Mustique.  Seventy-two of the one hundred villas on the island participate in the rental program, and no two are alike. One of the most impressive is the seven-bedroom villa, Hummingbird. Recently completed, this Balinese style structure is perfectly integrated with the outdoors. The main common area is open air from the front of the house to the rear facing the Caribbean Sea. The Grand Villa Plantation is a bit more classic and reminiscent of a bygone era in Southern American culture. White is all you will see and the villa truly harkens back to the early 20th Century. With six bedrooms, this is a perfect villa for larger groups. For smaller families, or just a couple, 2-bedroom villas like Blue Waters, and Moana offer just as extravagant amenities within less square footage.  The Mustique Company has taken all its guests’ needs to heart in creating the perfect array of options to make the trip an unforgettable experience.

At Mustique, you are offered all the same services you will find in a luxury hotel, and yet on a much more personalized level. The staff will provide customized meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with foods of your choice. They will serve you mixed drinks to your taste and will set up dining inside, or out at the dining table or near the pool. One highly recommended excursion is to set up a lunch picnic at one of the huts on Mustique’s beaches. Your staff can prepare a full course of meals and prepare hot food right on the beach property. Ah, herein lies the mystique of this island. You are away from home and yet feel at home. You are waited on hand and foot, among islanders who love to welcome and care for their guests, but you now have been transformed. Your visit to Mustique has subtly changed your life.