Elite Traveler January-February 2019

EXPLORE MUSTIQUE

GUIDE TO MUSTIQUE

Few places on Earth hold the same mystique (sorry) as Mustique. When you tell people you’re going, you’ll receive either a blank stare or a look of intense jealousy. One of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets, the island was purpose-built as a playground for the rich and famous, far from prying eyes. From the opulent heyday of Princess Margaret and Mick Jagger to its current renaissance, which could be traced to Prince William’s fondness for the island, it has seen its share of once-in-a-lifetime parties and sensational scandals. But when you are on the invitation-only island, all of that mythical glamour becomes much more approachable. It’s incredibly casual — the de rigueur outfit for drinks at Basil’s Bar is swim trunks and linen shirts for men, and bathing suits and Lotty B caftans for women — and everyone, including some of the world’s wealthiest and most private people — is friendly and welcoming. Once you’re on island, it’s as if you’ve become a member of the world’s most exclusive club. You’ll quickly find yourself immersed in its famed villa dinner party scene and picnicking with new friends on your new favorite beach.

From top The invitation-only island; vibrant

decor at Veranda; delicious lobster at Beach Cafe

MUSTIQUE MEALS

When you leave the grandeur of your villa and your skilled chef, there are a couple of charming options. Cotton House has two excellent restaurants: Head to Beach Cafe for a casual meal, perhaps the local catch of the day or a spiny rock lobster kebab. For a more elegant evening, it must be Veranda, where you can tuck into traditional English cuisine or tropical favorites. Up in the hills, Patrick’s Bar at Firefly hosts a magical sunset cocktail hour. Order a pizza and one of the delicious rum punches, or join the “Mustique Martini Club.” In the local area, The View serves comfort food in

a no-frills environment (it doesn’t even have a website). The conch fritters are perfect when washed down with an ice-cold beer. But above all, Mustique’s iconic Basil’s Bar reigns supreme as the place to be; don’t be surprised if you end up here nearly every night. This is where Prince William once sang karaoke, and everyone from the island comes for a cocktail. Stay for dinner and indulge in the special lobster menu, which has lobster fritters, lobster linguine and garlic lobster tail. cottonhouse.net, fireflymustique.com, basilsbar.com

by Kristen Shirley