Mustique

18 Miles South of St Vincent  and 100 miles west from Barbados, you will find the tiny exclusive paradise that is Mustique; at only 1.5 miles wide and 3 miles long, it is one of the smallest islands in the Grenadines.

The island is privately owned by the Mustique Company, who doubles as the custodians of not only the local fauna and flora, but also of the waters surrounding the island for 1000 yards offshore.

The Caribbean has seen its fair share of greed and destruction, and it is exactly this kind of ecological tragedy that the owners are trying to avoid to happen again in future.

Here, you won’t find any cruise ship monstrosities clogging up the horizon, only a few private yachts making their way around the Grenadines.

In order to reach this exclusive stretch of land, you either have to sail, have a private plane to your disposal, or take a commuter flight on Mustique Airways. For those who’ll have to make do without a private jet, there are no direct flights from the US. The popular option is to fly to Barbados, and take a shared charter from there.

The weather is at its best behaved between December and April, and this is also the island’s high season. However to enjoy lower rates and still pleasant weather, May to August are also viable options. Avoid planning your trip between mid-September to November. This is hurricane season, and the biggest part of the island will be taking a sabbatical from tourists.

18^th Century plantations gave way to 50 private villas scattered along the shoreline, and only one luxury resort, Cotton House, with twenty rooms.

The only other alternative is Fire Fly Guest House with a grand total of 4 rooms. This should hammer home just how secluded and exclusive the island really is.

To get around, you can either walk (the island really isn’t that big), rent a Pecky’s taxi, or arrange a Jeep through Mustique Mechanical Services. Then of course there is the faithful old Kawasaki Mule. Think of this small golf cart-like vehicle as mechanical donkeys that can traverse practically any terrain. You will truly come to appreciate this unpretentious little machine once you discover the roads on Mustique; there are virtually none.

There are hardly any shops or industry on the island, accept for a few small boutiques, a bar and one restaurant. But what it seemingly lacks in amenities, it makes up for in natural beauty. Basil’s Bar and Restaurant is located right on the pier, and is the quintessential island hangout. The menu extensive, but considering that the restaurant caters to the likes of celebrities, this should hardly come as a surprise.

To the east of the island, you will find more beaches, but the currents are too strong here. Still, these beaches provide the perfect spot for a quiet secluded picnic. Instead, opt for the beaches towards the northern side for swimming and snorkeling reefs that have been completely untouched for many a year. Also on offer is a series of tennis courts set amidst hibiscus and coconut trees.

The official currency in this part of the Caribbean is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, with an exchange rate of EC 2.60 to the Dollar, but the US currency is also accepted. Crime is not an issue at all on the island, unless other guests discreetly help themselves to your belongings. Take note though, this island is reserved for those who have the money to spend. It is not cheap getting there, and it is even more expensive to stay. If you are planning to travel on budget, look elsewhere, as the island can’t cater to something midrange. It is exclusive luxury all the way.