by There is so much noise surrounding the luxury travel market that I wonder where it will all end. Every luxury resort seems to regularly undergo some kind of inevitable reboot or upgrade, promising the kind of experiences that make you believe they’re created from the very elixir of divine extravagance. At the top end of the market, consumer expectations have never been higher, driven by a variety of reasons: a post-lockdown hysteria that has morphed into a kind of smug travel entitlement; a post-White Lotus desire for bragging rights of destiny; and the basic superiority (in both senses of the word) of social media.
All of which means that seven-star travel has become a bigger business than ever. San Bartolome. Saint Tropez. Ibiza. The Hamptons. Palm beach. Marmi Fort. You say it. Every resort and hotel now promises the lifestyle experience of a lifetime, shamelessly exploiting our relentless ambition to enjoy a bespoke life.
Or maybe it’s just me. Either way, there are plenty of options available, and whether you fancy the latest Maldives water villa, a super Mediterranean hotel, a floating nightclub or your own private island, there will be someone who can help ease your worries. stress, your social anxiety, and your money (although not necessarily in that order).
Those who have chosen Mustique as their luxury getaway have long considered themselves to be above this type of designer preening, and rightly so. The Caribbean island has become the gold standard for luxury retreats, a place that regularly hosts royalty and rock stars (the Prince and Princess of Wales stayed there last summer, for example, and Kate Moss will celebrate his 50th birthday there in January) and yet he never brags about it. This is the place where you’ll bump into CEOs of entertainment giants playing beach volleyball, where you’ll trade beers with household names in Hollywood, and where you’ll find yourself having dinner sitting next to the writer of the book you’ve spent all day reading.
Mustique is that kind of place, a luxury haven that doesn’t encourage excess or ostentation. There are no designer stores, no dress codes, and no clubs (aside from Basil’s, which is the kind of place where local law requires the bar band to play Hot Hot Hot every 20 minutes… for 20 minutes). , no chance to snoop around wearing watches that look like gem-encrusted lunar modules. And everyone likes it that way. The island is elegant, quiet and reassuringly expensive. And rarely prone to change.
Very subtly, though, Mustique is changing. Good island governors never run when they can walk, but they are slowly and carefully improving the island and what it has to offer in predictably nuanced and sophisticated ways. There is a new path to Gelliceaux beach, which makes it easier to walk barefoot. There’s a new petanque court, new menus at the Beach Café and an increasing number of sports activities and organized cocktail parties (if you book the right week, you can even play tennis with Tim Henman).
The island is elegant, calm and reassuringly expensive, and rarely prone to change.
Perhaps with an eye on the ever-fruitful US market, they are even building a state-of-the-art gym, something the owners thought would never happen. Much thought has gone into the landscaping of the new building, with the idea that the surrounding area will almost immediately appear “immaculate.” There will be a large natural pond with wildlife and nesting birds, as well as large windows to allow the outside in, and Lotty Bunbury fabrics will be used throughout. It will include a dedicated free weights and cardio area, a yoga studio for indoor classes and a physio/consultation/treatment room for more dedicated body composition analysis/sports massages.
Many regular visitors to the island think the gym was long overdue, especially since those same guests seem to spend most of their time trying to compete in Whispering Angel consumption.
The most talked about villa on the island (there are only about a hundred, most of which are available to rent, including Bryan Adams and Tommy Hilfiger’s, though not Sir Mick Jagger’s) is The Terraces, a house gigantic building that is being built. available to rent for the first time (it’s also for sale, if you have $200 million to spare). It overlooks its own 17-acre plot with a lighted tennis court, hand-painted Venetian-style frescoed ceilings, nine spacious bedrooms, a home theater (obviously) and a staff of 18, as well as completely independent entertainment Miami style. building. The cost? Well, it’s £150,000 a week, and for that you still have to buy your own Whispering Angel. It’s beautiful though. Big, but beautiful.
Another new addition to the rental pool is Sundance, which is one of the island’s best kept secrets. It is immaculate, designed in a slightly Long Island style and would be perfect for a large group with six or 10 rooms available. It’s also a little more reasonable, costing £32,000 a week.
The island became so popular during the intermittent lockdown period that it not only made more people take notice of it (especially Americans, who suddenly realized it was a short plane ride away), but now it also It is almost as popular out of season. as it was before at Christmas and Easter. Consequently, it is busier than ever, making it the perfect Caribbean destination all year round. Oh, and a tip: pack light. You’ll never wear half the stuff you’re carrying, as this is an island of shorts and t-shirts. Of course, take a couple of “Hi, I’m here!” shirts, but leave the formal dress at home.
A week at Tetto Rosso costs from £10,000 per week, six people sharing and including three employees. For more information and bookings, call The Mustique Company UK office on +44 207 201 6831 or visit mustique-island.com
