Mustique is one of 32 islands that make up St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Mysterious by its somewhat out-of-reach nature, Mustique is privately owned and operated, and there are no direct flights from the U.S. or Europe. It has a reputation for being an if you know, you know destination, often visited by the celebrity elite. Aside from its beautiful beaches, cerulean water, and largely untouched landscape, it may be hard to pin down what keeps A-listers coming back to this three-mile-long stretch of paradise.
Read on to discover what’s behind Mustique’s enduring appeal and how you can plan a visit to see for yourself.
The Local Vibe
Courtesy of Mustique Island Tourism
Visitors largely come from the U.K., but the island has been drawing more U.S. and Canadian travelers. Those who enjoy Mustique most tend to prefer an understated atmosphere and thrive on life’s simple pleasures. Although there’s a general understanding that everyone staying on the island has plenty of disposable income — especially since nightly rates at the island’s only hotel range from about $600 to over $1,000 — Mustique is not where they come to flaunt it.
In fact, it’s the opposite — an escape where phones are down, cameras are off, and hair and clothes are not expected to be pristine, as guests mostly drive in open-air vehicles called “mules” and frolic between the sea and the beach bar. From the dress code to the restaurants to the design aesthetic, everything is a bit pared down — chic without having to prove itself. It’s not the place for Instagram photo ops or general tourism. This environment, combined with 24/7 security to ensure safety, is perhaps the island’s main appeal.
Mustique is the destination where A-list celebrities, entrepreneurs, creatives, top executives, and even royalty come to unplug. Guests can opt for complete privacy, never needing to leave their massive villas, but after seeing the same smiling faces at the restaurant and other community spaces, people quickly become friends and end up hosting one another for dinners and private pool parties. Many return at the same time each year to see the same people and relive that same sense of community.
The Best Time to Visit Mustique
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Like most Caribbean islands, peak season for Mustique is December through April, when visitors from Europe and the northern U.S. trade the winter blues for balmy temperatures and sunshine. One event that draws crowds is the annual Blues Festival, which typically happens at the end of January through February at Basil’s Bar. June through November is a quieter period since hurricane season can bring heavy — though typically fleeting — rainfall.
How to Get to Mustique
The most common way to get to Mustique is to fly into St. Lucia or Barbados. Once you arrive, a representative from the island will greet you and fast-track you to the Mustique lounge, where you can await your next flight. The island’s 18-seater Twin Otter aircraft shuttle passengers to the private island in approximately one hour. The less common, but faster, alternative is to travel directly from St. Vincent either by catamaran or a seven-minute private flight.
Planes are not allowed to land on Mustique after the sun goes down, so plan to arrive at your first destination no later than 3:30 p.m. so you have time to make the transfer. All arrangements can be made by contacting the island’s travel concierge at [email protected].
Where to Stay on Mustique
Courtesy of Mustique Island Tourism
The Cotton House is the only hotel on the island, offering a selection of luxury suites and cottages, a spa, and three dining options serving everything from local fare to international cuisine. The hotel can also arrange water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, kayaking, and fishing. If it’s your first time visiting Mustique, or you’re traveling solo, staying here can help you settle into the unique culture of the island. Many visitors and locals congregate at the hotel for regular social events like Friday night’s “happy hour-and-a-half” and the weekly beach bonfire barbecue.
Alex Amengual/Courtesy of Mustique Island Tourism
Island regulars and large groups often opt to stay at one of the private villas available for rent. There are more than 80 of these lavish properties, and many belong to notable names such as Tommy Hilfiger, who owns the popular Palm Beach villa. Some are designed by world-renowned architects and interior designers like Paolo Piva and David Kleinberg, whose work comes together in the Hummingbird villa.
All villas are staffed with housekeepers, chefs, and butlers to handle everyday needs and desires. Choose from two to nine bedrooms, an assortment of pools, modern European and traditional Caribbean design features, and views of either the Atlantic Ocean or the Caribbean Sea. From some villas, like Paradiso and Les Jolies Eaux, you can enjoy vistas taking in both bodies of water. The latter property was designed for Princess Margaret, who was a regular on the island and even has a beach named after her.
Things to Do on Mustique
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Aside from villa-hopping and endless water activities, this idyllic island offers more than you might imagine given its size. Macaroni Beach, Lagoon Beach, and Princess Margaret Beach are among the strands where guests come to sunbathe, swim, partake in water activities, and have group picnics in dedicated huts on the sand.
Basil’s Bar has been the meeting point for locals, guests, and boaters since 1976. This casual haunt overlooking Britannia Bay is perfect for lunch, dinner, and cocktails at sunset. For a livelier scene, check out weekly events like Wednesday night’s Jump Up featuring live music or Taco and Tequila Thursdays.
If you’re feeling sporty, the six-court Mustique Tennis Club is a social hub of the community. Visitors can enjoy complimentary tennis lessons from the resident coach, daily drop-in games, and, during peak season, regular camps and tournaments. The equestrian center offers guests the opportunity to explore the island’s hills on horseback, and provides lessons for children and adults at all experience levels.
Lastly, one of the best aspects of the island is that it’s so small and safe, you can explore easily on your own with a car or open-air mule vehicle, often complimentary with your accommodations. Drive to any of the destinations mentioned above, or just get lost and stumble on a remote beach, hiking trail, or something new that will make you want to return for more.
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Publish date : 2023-07-15 03:00:00
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