Find out how Princess Margaret and an eccentric aristocrat put Mustique on the map - with a little help from David Bowie
Mustique is the most exclusive destination in the Caribbean. But how did this 1,400-acre speck of land transform into a playground for royalty, celebrities, and the global elite? The story of Mustique encompasses the British royal family, David Bowie, and an eccentric aristocrat who kick-started the whole thing.
The story has been told by Princess Margaret’s Lady in Waiting in her fabulous memoir, and also in the last season of The Crown. It’s a story of luxury, stardom, and ego that’s big enough to fill five volumes. We’ll narrow it down to fit in this blog.
A Royal Beginning
Mustique’s journey to becoming the most luxurious island in the Caribbean began in the 1950s, when it was purchased by Scottish aristocrat Colin Tennant, later Lord Glenconner. Tennant envisioned transforming the uninhabited island into a retreat for the elite, an idyllic hideaway far from the prying eyes of the world. To kickstart this vision, he famously gifted a plot of land to his close friend, Princess Margaret, in the 1960s. The princess’s decision to build her iconic villa, Les Jolies Eaux, put Mustique on the map as the ultimate escape for those in the highest echelons of society. It was the one plot of land the Queen’s sister would own for herself. Mustique would become her retreat from the world, and she reveled in its outrageous and ultra-exclusive social scene with a cigarette holder in one hand and a glass of dubonnet in the other.
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Exclusivity as a Core Principle
What sets Mustique apart is its unyielding commitment to exclusivity. There are no sprawling resorts, bustling towns, or overcrowded beaches here. Instead, the island is home to just over 100 private villas, each designed to offer unparalleled privacy and luxury. Many of these villas are architectural masterpieces, complete with infinity pools, tropical gardens, and dedicated staff, including private chefs and butlers. This limited development ensures that Mustique retains its unspoiled charm, appealing to those who value (and can afford) discretion and peace.
Mustique Becomes a Celebrity Playground
From the 1970s onward, Mustique solidified its reputation as a celebrity haven. The island became a favorite of rock stars like Mick Jagger and David Bowie, as well as fashion icons and Hollywood royalty. Bowie bought a luxury villa on Mustique and indulged his rock star image with his wife, supermodel Iman. He later said that being in Mustique was the ultimate way for him to live up to the fantasy of being a David Bowie.
Unlike other luxury destinations, Mustique’s culture of discretion allows high-profile guests to relax without fear of intrusion. The island’s social hub, the Cotton House, hosts exclusive events and gatherings that bring together an eclectic mix of influential figures in an environment of relaxed elegance. Paparazzi were not welcome and they’d be sent packing if they found a way of accessing the island.
Located on the beautiful Grenadine island of Mustique, the Cotton House is a world-renowned hotel, surrounded by the Caribbean Sea to the West and the Atlantic Ocean to the East. Mustique is one of the most exclusive private islands in...We Suggest...
The Cotton House
Accommodation
A Commitment to Elegance
While Mustique’s glamour is undeniable, it’s the island’s understated elegance that keeps its guests returning. The island offers a unique balance of sophistication and simplicity, where days are spent lounging on pristine beaches, horseback riding along scenic trails, or enjoying a sunset cocktail at Basil’s Bar, a legendary watering hole. Even luxury activities like yachting or snorkeling feel refreshingly unpretentious, reflecting the island’s ethos of underrated refinement. No one is trying to hard to be a big shot in Mustique: those people are in Dubai.
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Sustainability and Preservation
Part of Mustique’s allure lies in its commitment to preserving its natural beauty. The Mustique Company, which owns and manages the island, has implemented strict development guidelines to ensure that its pristine environment remains intact. Conservation efforts focus on protecting coral reefs, maintaining the island’s lush greenery, and reducing the environmental impact of its exclusive villas and services.
Mustique Becomes the Pinnacle of Caribbean Luxury
Over the decades, Mustique has perfected the art of luxury travel. Its blend of privacy, exclusivity, and natural beauty, combined with a rich history of aristocratic and celebrity visitors, has cemented its position as the most luxurious island in the Caribbean. Whether you’re sipping champagne by your villa’s infinity pool, enjoying a bespoke dinner on the beach, or mingling with the world’s elite at a Cotton House soirée, Mustique is the last word in luxury. You can imagine Princess Margaret sitting by the pool in her caftan, making cutting remarks to her lady-in-waiting.
Incidentally, her lady-in-waiting – a certain Lady Anne Glenconner – wrote about the evolution of the island in her fascinating book. The book is called, inevitably, Lady in Waiting. Her husband was Colin Tennant, the eccentric aristocrat who founded the island.
Ready to Discover Mustique?
If Mustique’s story has inspired your wanderlust, let us help you craft the ultimate escape to this unparalleled destination. Contact us today to plan a bespoke itinerary that brings you closer to the magic of the Caribbean’s most luxurious island.
