The Cotton House, Mustique, St. Vincent and the Grenadines - Hotel Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"What's the deal here? The only hotel on the island, and yet still punching above its weight class. This colonial breezy institution is, for want of more elegant phrasing, the best way in to access the absurdly spoiling exclusivity of this private enclave. So what makes the hotel so special? The eccentric Scottish aristocrat Colin Tennant (later Lord Glenconner) bought Mustique in 1958 for £45,000 (US$56,492) without stepping ashore. He gradually developed it into one of the most famous hideaway islands in the world, a favorite retreat for rock stars (Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Bryan Adams) and royalty (Princess Margaret, Prince William and Kate Middleton). Today Mustique is home to around 100 fabulous villas, as well as The Cotton House hotel, and is still privately owned. How are the rooms? Any standout details to make our stay more comfortable? Ceiling fans, Ortigia Sicilia in the bathroom, complimentary beach bag. Regulars have a soft spot for the cottages, the smallest and most affordable option, but cozily charming with a four-poster king-size bed and a veranda at the back—you spend most of your time outdoors anyway. Are there any good food options on site? Breakfast is included. Toy water-guns are provided for those wishing to keep the birds away from their smoked mahi-mahi bagel or brioche French toast with caramelized bananas and guava jam. Sushi, lobster kebab, and pizzas with a Caribbean twist in the beach club. Dinner can be rather quiet, with dishes ranging from soy-glazed kingfish to lamb and aubergine with goat’s cheese mash. How's the service? Most of the staff are from the nearby island of St. Vincent and have long-term positions. They are polite and friendly but at times can seem to be going through the motions. Who are you likely to find booking the neighboring room The sort who know this isn't the real Caribbean and are happy with that. No bling or global labels. But how nice it would be if some clued-up teenager filled their smartphones with something other than Maroon 5 and Amy Winehouse. What's the surrounding area like? The island has one other hotel, the smaller and less costly Firefly Mustique, which has good food and drinks but is more enclosed with lots of steps. In Britannia Bay there is also Basil's Bar, plus the fish market and fruit stall. Is there anything else we should be sure to check out while staying here? In 2015 a large chunk of an Ariane space rocket washed ashore, which now stands beside Basil's Bar. The Mustique Company launched a coral restoration project the same year that has done very well—the waters here are one of the best places in The Grenadines to see turtles. Okay, it all sounds great, but is there anything you wish would get an upgrade? There is a small museum in the Sugar Mill that's sadly neglected, with terrible mosquitos. So why would you recommend this hotel (and, by extension, a vacation in Mustique)? Ignore Mustique's reputation as a celebrity getaway—the key reason for its enduring appeal is down to the happy fact that it's a truly beautiful, super-safe, and assiduously maintained island with dream beaches and a hassle-free atmosphere." - Nigel Tisdall