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The Grenadines Islands’ Mystical Mustique
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Blue waters and white sand beaches only add to the appeal of Mustique. Photo: Janice McDonald
At first glance, Mustique looks like just another tropical paradise. But once you set foot ashore this small island in the Caribbean, you realize that this place is special. And it’s not just because you get a sense that you’ve escaped the rest of the world.
This is a place where people who do need to take a break from the public eye often do. For a few weeks out of the year, international celebrities and business tycoons steal away from their busy lives and call the island of Mustique “home.”
They can afford to escape to just about anywhere in the world, but choose to come here. It is part hidden sanctuary, part Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.
The 14-hundred acre island refuge is part of the Grenadines, just 18 miles south of the island of St. Vincent. It is privately managed by the Mustique Company, which is owned by the island residents themselves. Islanders are very careful to limit just what development takes place here in an effort to maintain the exclusive atmosphere.
Visitors are always welcomed, but it’s important to residents and guests alike to maintain the air of privacy the island exudes. The overall mood is one of relaxed, everyday life of privilege. The exclusivity and remoteness of Mustique, away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi and outside world, are part of the charm of the island.
Getting there is part of the adventure. There is only a small airstrip which handles private planes, charters and the regional Grenadine Airways. Most visitors come as we did, by boat. Aside from the fact that by having a vessel you are able to hop to several islands, there is also the practical issue of limited places for you to stay on Mustique.
This is an island designed for those who live here.
A few private villas are available for rent from time to time, but there is only one small hotel called the Cotton House and one guesthouse called the Firefly on the whole island. Between them, there are a total of just 24 rooms. Guests of the island’s full and part time residents get booked in early and prices are not cheap.
For those coming by boat, moorings can be found on the leeward side of the island near the one truly public area of Mustique. Here you can find a few small shops to restock boats and buy essentials from tanning lotion to clothes. Of course remember who normally would shop there. Prada swimsuit anyone? Gucci sandals?
Because it’s such a small island, everyone knows when someone new arrives. Even as we were making our way to shore in our dinghy to check out the beaches, a taxi pulled up to offer us a ride and a tour.
Our driver was more than happy to point out who lived where as he made his way around the manicured roads, showing us our options of places to sun bathe. L'Ansecoy, on the Caribbean side has the added bonus of being the beach where most of the celebrities such as Tommy Hilfiger and Mick Jagger’s live.
Only a few minutes away is Macaroni Beach, which is the best known and most visitor friendly. With its white sand and gentle surf, this was the best place to get dropped with an understanding the taxi would come back to check on us. As with most of the public areas on Mustique, it has picnic facilities available for day-trippers.
For dining, there is just one real restaurant on the island. The reality is, that is enough.
Basil’s Beach Bar is the center of most social activity on Mustique and on any given night, the place is packed. That is especially the case during the so called “season” between December and January.
Located near the mooring area, it stretches out over the water on pilings with bright flags flying and music playing. Internationally known for its food and its celebrities, it is owned by Basil Charles who has become a celebrity in his own right for both his flamboyant personality and his efforts to help preserve the island.
An unofficial welcoming committee for the island, Basil is the consummate host, He greets one and all and will happily regale you with tales of how the island has changed over the years. He came to Mustique when he was 17 years old as a bartender and now owns the restaurant where he worked. A lover of music and parties, he has also started a jazz festival, which draws musicians from throughout the world each January.
The restaurant’s menu changes daily, but he’s partial to the escargot and grilled lobster. Seafood in general is the specialty.
It only seemed appropriate that Basil’s was both our first and our last stops on our stay. Nothing spells relaxation like sitting overlooking the water at sunset to the tapestry of color of the ocean, the lush trees and the restaurant’s colorful flags and the strains of music. Just by being there, you get the sense that you are part of the privileged and this is a place to visit again.
For more info:
Internet: www.mustiquefirefly.com
The official website - http://www.mustique-island.com/index.php
Basil’s Bar Mustique –
Check the website for a host of activities at the restaurant including the annual Blues Festival.
Tele: 784-488-8350
Web: www.basilsbar.com
The Cotton House
The Cotton House was originally an 18th century cotton warehouse and sugar mill. It is recognized as one of the most exclusive and romantic inns of the
Toll Free: 877-240-9945
Internet: www.cottonhouse.net
Firefly Guest House
Firefly is a three storey, tree house-like villa, perched on a hill with panoramic views, and offers four unique guests rooms.
Internet: www.mustiquefirefly.com
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