Things to Do in Mustique

Mustique sits 1,400 acres south of Saint Vincent in the Grenadines—not France, despite what some confused travelers think. This private Caribbean island has hosted royalty and celebrities since Colin Tennant transformed it from a failed cotton plantation in the 1960s. Around 500 permanent residents maintain the infrastructure and hospitality standards that keep the ultra-wealthy coming back. The exclusivity isn't the real draw here. What matters is how carefully development has been managed across these rolling hills and white sand beaches. No high-rise hotels exist—just elegant private villas scattered through the landscape, each built to strict environmental codes that preserve the natural setting.

Most meals happen in your villa. Private chefs shop at the island's small but well-stocked market, creating personalized menus from fresh local seafood, tropical fruits, and imported specialties. The Cotton House offers formal dining with Caribbean-influenced international cuisine and an impressive wine cellar—Basil's Beach Bar serves casual Caribbean fare where celebrities play volleyball between courses. Occasional beach barbecues and themed dinner parties bring the small community together.

December through April delivers peak season weather. You get minimal rainfall, lower humidity, and steady trade winds during these months, though rates jump 40-60% higher than summer. May and November offer excellent value with still-pleasant conditions—expect occasional rain showers. Hurricane season runs June through November, but Mustique sits far enough south to avoid most direct hits.