M
ustique’s sugar plantations were soon abandoned and became overgrown by the encroaching jungle leaving only the sugar mill at Endeavour and its cotton house. The island was eventually purchased in 1958 by Lord Glenconner (the Honourable Colin Tennant) under whose guidance the island began to flourish again. Mustique remained relatively quiet although its reputation as an idyllic getaway was growing. In 1960, HRH The Princess Margaret accepted a 10-acre plot of land as a wedding gift from Colin Tennant and a new era began. The Mustique Company was formed in 1968 and the airport opened the following year. It was around this time that the first new villas (mainly designed by Oliver Messel and Arne Hasselqvist) were built and the Cotton House opened as an inn. Improvements continued, including new roads, reliable electricity and communications, a desalination plant, a medical clinic and air transport services. An educational trust provides local children with schooling and a medical trust provides all islanders with medical insurance. The Mustique Company acts as custodian for the entire island and its mandate is to protect the environment and retain the privacy and tranquillity that has made Mustique the ideal, peaceful and secure Caribbean hideaway. Mustique is such a peaceful island you may find yourself totally alone on its white sand beaches; even renowned spots such as lovely Macaroni Beach remain tranquil and uncrowded. Apart from a large plain in the north, the island is essentially composed of seven valleys, each with a white sand beach and wooded hills that rise to a height of 495 feet.
The only anchorage in Mustique is Britannia Bay, which is also where the public jetty and wharf are located. There is a Mooring Fee of EC$200 (US$75) for up to three nights. Mustique is a port of entry to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Customs and Immigration are located at the airport. Mustique Moorings (call VHF 16/68) control the 28 moorings. Vessels carrying more than 25 people are prohibited. Rental jeeps, ‘mules’ (heavy-duty golf carts), motorbikes and mountain bikes are available from Mustique Mechanical Services. There are a few taxis available in Lovell Village and at the airport. Nature walking and equestrian trails are in abundance and a great way to experience the island at your leisure. The Equestrian Centre has horses to suit every riding level and offers treks up into the hills, or rides through the surf on a white sand beach. There is a clinic across from the airport with an oncall doctor available (Tel: 488-8353). With a harbour front focal point, Lovell Village is the commercial heart of the island. Fresh fruit and vegetables can be purchased from Stanley Junior’s stall on the waterfront and groceries can be bought at Corea’s Food Store and the Mustique General Store. The famous Basil’s Bar & Restaurant is just across the road. Now in its 22nd year, the annual Mustique Blues Festival is held every year in late January/early February at Basil’s. The only hotels on the island are the exquisite Cotton House & Spa, and Firefly, a small, exclusive, privately-owned boutique hotel with just six intimate fantasy rooms. The Firefly bar is a wonderful spot to enjoy their famous cocktails while taking in the sunset!
Beaches & Anchorages Britannia Bay – Although rather choppy, Britannia Bay is the only suitable anchorage in Mustique. The water is sparkling clear and is wonderful for snorkeling and swimming. Take care entering by boat as the Montezuma Shoal (just west of the bay) is quite hazardous. There is a red and black beacon on the reef, stay at least quarter of a mile away. Lagoon Bay – If you follow the southward road out of the village and then the shoreline path, you will happen upon this delightful beach with perfect swimming conditions. Gelliceaux Bay – This is one of the ten marine conservation areas in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. These areas are important marine habitats set aside for special management. The snorkeling here is sublime. Macaroni Bay – One of the most spectacular beaches on the island, which also makes it one of the most popular. There is a covered picnic area here and the swimming is delightful. L’Ansecoy Bay – This wide beach is located at the north end of the island. Offshore lies the jutting hulk of the French liner, Antilles, which went aground in 1971. Endeavour Bay – Ideal conditions for picnicking, swimming, paddle boarding and snorkeling.
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