Editorials
How Mustique Became the Most Luxurious Island in the Caribbean
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, far away 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 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 revelled 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 exclusivity, appealing to those who value (and can afford) discretion and peace.
Mustique could easily have gone the way of countless other Caribbean islands, with larger hotels, denser development and a gradual erosion of the privacy that made it appealing in the first place.
Instead, the structure of the island was deliberately designed to prevent that. The Mustique Company was formed in 1968, and in 1976 a consortium acquired a controlling interest from Colin Tennant specifically to manage development and protect the island from mass tourism. A shareholder structure introduced in 1988 helped make the island financially independent and gave its community considerable control over how Mustique evolved.
That may be the least glamorous part of the Mustique story, but it is one of the main reasons the island still feels like Mustique today.
Mustique Becomes a Celebrity Playground
From the 1970s onward, Mustique solidified its reputation as a celebrity haven. The island became a favourite 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 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 understated elegance. Paparazzi were not welcome – they’d be sent packing if they found a way of accessing the island.
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Request a quote →A Commitment to Elegance
Colin Tennant, 3rd Baron Glenconner knew that if you were trying too hard, you were never going to fit in in Mustique. As a peer of the realm who could trace his ancestry back 20 generations to King Edmund “Ironside” I, he didn’t need to try.
The island offers a unique balance of sophistication and simplicity, where days are spent lounging on the beach, horseback riding along scenic trails, or enjoying a sunset cocktail at Basil’s Bar, a legendary watering hole. No one is trying too 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 vegetation, and reducing the environmental impact of its exclusive villas and services.
Mustique welcomes around 65,000 visitors annually, adding to its exclusivity and helping to protect its delicate ecosystem.
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, Lady in Waiting. Her husband was Colin Tennant, the eccentric aristocrat who founded the island. If you’re looking for a gossipy beach read, then look no further.
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.
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