Mustique – it even sounds mysterious. You may not be familiar with it; you may have only heard the name of this Caribbean island, in the archipelago of St.Vincent and the Grenadines. It’s an island you must seek out, discreetly tucked away. The residents are trying very hard to keep it that way. Why? Many of the villa owners and visitors are celebrities who simply wish to relax and the thought of dodging paparazzi is nonexistent.

For quite some time, I’ve wanted to visit this island paradise where Mick Jagger and David Bowie once owned homes and where Tommy Hilfiger and Shania Twain still have properties. I recently had the opportunity to spend a week on Mustique to see what makes it so remarkable. A wealth of knowledge was gained of the individual style and design of these extraordinary villas. This knowledge aids myself and our team of travel designers to hand select the perfect villa for our clients, ensuring the ultimate Mustique experience.

I flew to St. Lucia and then boarded a small plane for the 45-minute flight to Mustique. Suddenly, our plane descended through the clouds, and I saw the mass of tropical forest with a tiny runway carved out amid the trees. As we landed, local’s smiled and waved. The island seemed so remote, yet vibrant at the same time with such welcoming people. That’s probably the first thing that impressed me.

Like other Caribbean islands, Mustique has its share of gorgeous beaches, crystal-clear waters, secluded coves and that unmistakable tropical ambience. That’s where the similarity ends. There’s only one hotel on the island – The Cotton House – and one bed and breakfast, but there are about 100 villas and 80 percent available rent. Spending a week at a villa on Mustique is personal, and the architecture, décor and style of the home sets the “vibe” for our clients’ stay. In one week, I was able to zero in on the intricate details of many of these villas by mingling with the local community and meeting the owners, the staff, builders, architect, and even the general manager of The Cotton House.

Several experiences (and designs) stand out. My golf cart – the main form of transportation on Mustique – was waiting for me as I got off the plane. My “home” for the week was Mandalay, the villa that David Bowie and Iman had owned. On the winding “road” to Mandalay, I traveled inland through tropical forests, past a little school and up a hill. At the top was something that looked like an eclectic mix of ornate wooden Balinese scrollwork, modern features (like an incredible infinity pool with views down to the sea) and warm, Caribbean charm. The current owner left everything as it was when Bowie designed it in the 1980s. I was truly awe-struck as I wandered the property. I instantly relaxed with the Zen-like feel of the koi pond. The gentle sound of a waterfall tumbling down the pool to a sundeck was so calming. It was all absolutely amazing – and so secluded.

That’s the intention of each of these properties on Mustique: to be a secluded haven where nobody cares who you are. Even though privacy is so important, there is a real community feel about the island. It is authentic, and you meet people and get invited to parties and barbecues. I was asked to tea by Bruce, who owns Les Jolies Eaux – formerly the villa of Princess Margaret. Bruce’s staff prepared a lovely tea, and she talked about the intricacies of the villa. It’s a vision in white and surrounded by Gelliceaux Bay and Deep Bay. Porches and decks all around the villa boast the gorgeous views, and dining spaces are just as abundant. I could just imagine her incredibly talented chef preparing a lunch of freshly caught seafood served in the Dining Pavilion that borders the infinity pool.

Another memorable experience was visiting The Cotton House, an old cotton warehouse designed by Oliver Messel in 1968. He had been a leading British theater stage designer who had come up with some flamboyant house designs on Barbados. As I mentioned earlier, it is the island’s only hotel – though I felt as though I had my own address on the beach. Guests can stay in one of 15 luxurious suites or private cottages (with plunge pools, of course) or in the Residence. It is set on a hill apart from the other accommodations, and is completely private. The Residence has its own personal butler and maid service, outdoor gazebo and private swimming pool.

I had dinner with the general manager of The Cotton House, and we were joined by some of the builders on Mustique. It was fascinating to speak with them about the eclectic properties and find out about their conception. Each villa was individually designed according to the architectural fantasy of the owner, and any one of them could easily grace the pages of Architectural Digest. They told me the villas are so detailed that owners often have shipped authentic materials and artifacts from all over the world to ensure their uniqueness.

Another night, I attended a pop up bar on the beach and met Basil, owner of the legendary Basil’s Bar. The bar is being refurbished and will reopen in this spring, but the crowd of barefoot-clad locals, homeowners and “yachties” were there enjoying the low-key Caribbean party scene.

With all the obvious wealth, life on Mustique is unpretentious. It truly is a paradise where people can get away and not be known.

Mustique is small, safe, peaceful – and above all – discreet. It’s a secret worth keeping.
Here are a few villas you might find interesting, though based on your travel style, we can surely find the right fit for you.
The Beach House
Located on the stunning and secluded Gelliceaux Bay, The Beach House embodies the “island chic” vibe. Its eclectic touches – a funicular that leads to a beachside dining pavilion and a myriad of water toys – make it the ultimate playground.
Hummingbird
Beautifully appointed with a neutral palette, Hummingbird is a contemporary villa built on three levels with a cascading stairway that leads to an infinity pool with breathtaking ocean views. There’s even a saltwater pool in the master bath.
Sleeping Dragon
Set among five acres of sprawling hills, it is an architectural masterpiece that fuses classical Chinese and Caribbean design and décor. A dramatic tree-lined path leads to an oceanfront infinity pool. It also features two reading gazebos and a private gym.
Greystone Cottage
If you haven’t decided where to go on your honeymoon, consider this romantic beach cottage that overlooks Britannia Bay. The intimate Caribbean-style villa is like your little castle by the sea, complete with a stone façade and turret.
Les Jolies Eaux
Designed by Oliver Messel for HRH The Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowden, the legendary villa is located on a private peninsula on the island’s southern tip. Les Jolies Eaux (“The Pretty Waters”) lives up to its name with two pools and gorgeous panoramic water views.

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