Globalista

For somewhere so small Mustique packs a glamorous punch. Exclusive and expensive, this sun-drenched island in the Grenadines is where the world’s great, good and badly behaved come to play behind closed doors. It’s a small (3 by 1.5 miles) but perfectly formed island, privately owned by a consortium of residents known as the Mustique Company and paradise for media-shy stars because paparazzi are banned from setting foot on shore. There’s little to see and little to do and only two hotels, but that is why people flock here. This is not the Caribbean of reggae culture, shanty villages and lush rainforests, but an ex-pat Caribbean of pristine beaches, mega villas and sophisticated sundowners. Some say it’s too manicured, others say it’s fabulous. Just don’t come here expecting to break into the social scene (you’ll need to be part of it already) and, heaven forbid, don’t gawp. Beautiful, small, sleepy and safe, Mustique is laid-back smart island living.

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The Cotton House has by far the best facilities and fizz. A former cotton warehouse and sugar mill turned luxury boutique hotel, its 19 rooms are dotted over a 13-acre site and are gorgeously romantic, with mosquito-netted beds, plunge pools and lovely large bathrooms. The private two-bedroom Cotton Hill villa has its own staff and a huge pool. And the setting is divine – just around the corner from Tommy Hilfiger’s villa and close to a pretty beach. There’s a small spa and a fantastic restaurant that hosts the Mustique Company’s Tuesday night cocktail parties to which all the island’s residents are invited.

The other option is The Firefly, a tiny bohemian bolthole with just five rooms. Popular with cool music types, each room is individually decorated (Seashells and Royal Palm have their own plunge pools) and there’s a main swimming-pool, motorized buggies to borrow and a great little restaurant that’s one of the island’s most popular. All meals are included in the room rate.

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