From the air, the sunlight seems to dance off the fronds of the shimmering palm trees, synchronizing its movement with those of the shadowy outlines of graceful sea turtles feeding in the clear shallows of Britannia Bay off the island of Mustique. The view from the plane sets the tone for what is to come once on land, where a single strip of solitary runway acts as the welcome mat for many visitors bound for what is often referred to as “the world’s finest private-island retreat.” 

The runway rests in a sleepy verdant meadow, surrounded by tropical trees and bushes spaced just far enough from the tarmac to allow an 18-passenger Twin Otter airplane to land, often filled with a passenger list of celebrities, entrepreneurs and financiers. As passengers deplane, the unspoken rules of Mustique begin to play out almost instantly, where, instead of phones coming off airplane mode, they remain stowed away. Windblown hair is allowed to be free and untamed. Any talk of celebrity-, professional-, or “real world”-status ceases. 

Those social morays have made the island attractive for an interesting mix of visitors looking to unplug and enjoy the simple things in life, like joining in on a beachside game of volleyball or enjoying a hot-from-the-griddle taco on a pier-side perch. It’s not unlikely to watch Mick Jagger hop up to play a set at Basil’s Bar while he’s in town or receive a nod from Tommy Hilfiger on the way to the Tuesday night cocktails in the Great Room at the Cotton House. Johnny Depp, Jennifer Lopez, Paul McCartney, and even the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have left footprints on the island, enjoying the paparazzi-free paradise to its fullest. 

Despite being part of the 32-island St. Vincent & The Grenadines archipelago, the island of Mustique is on a different level than any other destination in the world, and it can often feel worlds away as well … which is a big part of the island’s allure. Unlike its neighboring islands, the only real presence of tourism on Mustique is a single hotel and a handful of standalone restaurants. That hotel, The Cotton House, also happens to be one of the finest in the Caribbean, and is, on its own, a piece of art. It operates from the elaborately renovated halls of the island’s old cotton warehouse, where guests can find British stage designer Oliver Messel’s theatrical fingerprints in every detail of the 17 bedrooms and lavishly appointed public spaces. The hotel shares its 13-acre grounds with tropical gardens and plunge pools, a spa, and a gorgeous beach with an adjacent watersport center. Snorkels, Boogie Boards, and paddleboards are always on hand, and the center also offers PADI certification courses and bespoke diving expeditions for visitors looking to immerse themselves in Mustique’s offshore culture. 

The rest of the accommodation on the island come in the form of privately-owned villas, each with its own personality and flair for architecture. Of the 107 privately owned villas on the island, roughly 75 are available to rent at any one time, including Princess Margaret’s former estate, Les Jolies Eaux. “The Terraces is the largest villa on the island and has just come onto the market for both rental and for sale for the first time in several decades,” says Roger Pritchard, managing director of The Mustique Company. “It occupies the most spectacular hilltop position and is set in 17 acres with two swimming pools, an entire standalone building dedicated to entertainment, and incredible murals throughout the bedrooms. It has to be seen to be believed.” 

There’s a noticeable lack of street signage — or even street names — as visitors traverse the easily navigable streets of Mustique via small buggies known as mules. Passersby give a friendly wave as they zip by one another, often pausing to extend invitations for a poolside brunch at someone’s cottage or sundowners on the terrace. The dress code is casual, where “shoeless on Mustique” is a vibe only those who have visited can understand. 

“Of course, there are white sand beaches, warm Caribbean seas and some of the best villas in the world,” Pritchard notes, “but I think that it is the uniquely welcoming and unpretentious atmosphere on island that make it so special.” 

While on Mustique, there’s no need for cash (you’ll sign for everything while on the island), and time is marked by a series of social events. “The Tuesday night cocktails at The Cotton House tend to mark the ‘start’ of a week in Mustique after a day or so relaxing after a flight,” explains Pritchard. “The days are then filled with beach picnics under palm thatched shelters, games of tennis, diving, snorkeling and paddle boarding, amazing hikes to the wilder parts of the island, horseback riding in the surf at L’Ansecoy Bay ... and the list goes on. The evenings are spent enjoying ‘Cook in the Sand’ at the Beach Café, dining at Veranda … and, of course, partying at world famous Basil's Bar!” 

Many islands can claim to have similarly stunning beaches, comparably as colorful a history, or even equally as exciting water sport options, but Mustique contains within itself an extra quality that no other island could even aspire to achieve. “It is a beautiful destination, and it is wonderful to see our guests being able to relax in a pristine, secure environment with a committed team of staff, who are the heartbeat and soul of the island,” Pritchard adds. “There is something a little bit magical about Mustique.” 

It can seem hard to pin down what exactly it is that makes Mustique so different from other islands; some say it’s the level of privacy while others claim it’s the island’s refreshing focus on community. Maybe it’s a combination of both, but either way, there’s no denying that the people who live and work on the island have created something truly special. Something so rare, that, instead of trinkets, jewels, or duty-free spirits, it’s the carefree attitudes and community-centric atmosphere that become the souvenirs visitors most long to take home. 

mustique-island.com 

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