Although quite meager in size, the 3 mile island of Mustique has a deep and royal history in the most literal sense. Dating back to when this island was first founded in 1958 by Lord Glenconner, Colin Tennant gifted Princess Margaret a plot of land as a wedding present in 1960, and in 1968 he formed The Mustique Company to develop a private island hideaway. For those in search of relishing in opulence fit for royalty while maintaining the utmost privacy, search no further than this small Caribbean island nestled in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The rich history can be felt through the maintenance and exclusiveness of the Island, allowing a limited number of land plots to preserve its character. A long time ago only the affluent and royal mingled on this island, but now you too can enjoy an island fit for a queen, including all the glamour yet still maintaining high levels of comfortability without intimidation.
And who better to get the inside scoop on what makes Mustique so special than from the Queen of the Island herself and her fabulous, creative daughter who grew up on Mustique... In an exclusive interview, Jeanette Cadet of The Mustique Company & Gabija Mitchell give us the ins, the outs, and the most glamorous moments had on this magical island.
Jeanette Cadet
THE MUSTIQUE COMPANY, VILLA RENTAL MANAGER
Gabija Mitchell
CREATIVE FREELANCER
WHAT MAKES MUSTIQUE SO MAGICAL?
JEANETTE CADET: The beautiful nature, the sunset, the pristine beaches and the people that welcome you with genuine warmth and open arms.
GABIJA MITCHELL: The calm you feel once getting off the plane. Or usually for me it's the excitement of knowing that my mama is the first face I'll see when I land. The island has a spot in the sun and shade for everyone...
PHOTO: SEASTAR VILLA | COURTESY OF THE MUSTIQUE COMPANY
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY ON MUSTIQUE LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
JC: My perfect day on Mustique is breakfast in my villa with my daughter, a morning hike - figure 8 hike Rutland Bay is my favorite, picnic lunch on lagoon beach and a jump off the dock at The Cotton House. Massages at the spa and sauntering down for drinks after at The Beach Cafe. Then to Lisa’s for Sundowners and the perfect sunset view; if it’s Friday - breadfruit + salt fish, Lisa’s weekly specialty! 🐟 A yummy dinner at home and Sunday night Jazz at Basil's.
GM: Wake up and head to Cotton House for a swim and a pre-lunch toast while debriefing the previous night shenanigans with friends. Lunch either at home or with friends on the beach which later becomes an afternoon hang or in the rare instance of motivation I'd go for a walk... Most likely a drive with my niece to look at the sunset and have a sundowner. Then it's back home for a shower and getting ready for some cocktail or dinner/ dance party/ Basil's.
PHOTO: THE BEACH CAFE | COURTESY OF THE MUSTIQUE COMPANY
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE VIBE OF THE ISLAND? HAS IT CHANGED OVER THE YEARS?
JC: There is an element of chic to the island in the most subtle way; it’s genuinely warm + friendly and it beckons you back. Life is always evolving, but there is a special spirit on Mustique that remains authentic. People from way back when – can always find their way home.
GM: The island used to be a lot smaller and everyone knew each other and was welcome at their home no matter the time of day. These days there's a bit more who-knows-who but the spirit isn't much different.
PHOTO: BASIL'S BAR | COURTESY OF THE MUSTIQUE COMPANY
IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE YOUR FAVORITE PROPERTY ON MUSTIQUE, WHAT WOULD IT BE & WHY?
JC: They are all my favorite children – I love them each for different reasons. However, if I was up against a wall – my heart lies with the old Mustique and classic Oliver Messel designs. They are the jewels in our crown that hold the history of Mustique.
GM: Probably The Beach House – the view is amazing, it's secluded on the best beach on the island and it's also very low key in its ostentatiousness.
PHOTO: LES JOULIES EAUX VILLA | COURTESY OF THE MUSTIQUE COMPANY
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE FASHION?
JC: Elegant, eclectic + chic – yet it's acceptable to go barefoot in fanciest party dress. My tip: Paint your toes!!!! My go-to style: throw a chic shawl or wrap over my shoulder – it exudes elegance + adds flow to any outfit.
GM: Varied. The island pools a lot of great style considering the clientele. I find myself more at home with the 90's tropical/island vibe that I saw my mother and the other glam ladies wearing at dinner parties and such growing up. Mustique style allows for characters to showcases their style. Any given outing you'll come across some of the most tasteful and perhaps outlandish fashion whether it be a dinner party, lunch picnic, cocktail or just sundowners... (tropical weather appropriate, obviously). Mustiqueans definitely know how to dress.
PHOTO: THE COTTON HOUSE | COURTESY OF THE MUSTIQUE COMPANY
MOST FAVORITE MEMORY?
JC: Christmas on the beach with my beautiful family and my sassy granddaughter Luna.
GM: Learning to drive! Did my drivers exam from the Village to Geliceaux house and back. Second to (finally) taking a boyfriend home for the first time.
CHICEST PARTY YOU HAVE EVER ATTENDED?
JC: The 40th Anniversary when everyone on the island wore silver + white. It was held on the lawn of The Cotton House – twinkle lights everywhere, engulfed in Mustique's natural beauty. Gorgeous open air stages build over the ponds and we danced all night.
GM: Hard to say... but my idea of a great Mustique party is themed, glamorous and barefoot.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPOT ON THE ISLAND?
JC: Sitting for lunch at The Beach Cafe drinking rose and eating Conch Fritters with the breeze blowing over you.
GM: Depends on the time of day. I absolutely love driving from the fish market down towards Dolly Beach/Britannia bay. The colour of the water contrasting with the flowers and grass is something to behold around midday.
PHOTO: VERANDA RESTAURANT | COURTESY OF THE MUSTIQUE COMPANY
WHAT'S YOUR MOST MEMORABLE DINING EXPERIENCE OR YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL DISH?
JC: My favorite dish is breadfruit and salted fish with a big salad from Lisa’s. She makes it better than anyone else. Breadfruit is the mainstay of the national dish of St Vincent.
GM: Again so difficult! Each house is blessed with culinary skills beyond what you'd get in any restaurant. I love a good white fish with garlic/butter/lemon sauce grilled to perfection with greens. Mmmm… My fave dish is our national dish – roasted and fried Breadfruit and saltfish.
CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE ANYTHING NEW IN THE COMING YEARS?
JC: There is always new on Mustique – everyday is refreshing different in its own way. However, I hear we are getting yoga pavilion and I'm excited for my new office. Basil’s Bar is also getting a refresh by Philippe Stark.
GM: You can always expect to see something new in Mustique. Everytime I go back there's a change, whether it's a new walkway, the houses in the village being repainted or some new fun island activity like a new nature trail or weekly island activity.
BENEFITS OF BOOKING WITH ITKE:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Complimentary Breakfast for two daily, included in rates
$125 Mustique Island Credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
