Introduction to Mustique

This island of luxury villas, which someone once called "Georgian West Indian," is so remote and small that it would be unknown -- if it didn't attract the likes of Paul Newman, Mick Jagger, Raquel Welch, Richard Avedon, Tommy Hilfiger, and Prince Andrew, many of whom have cottages here. Its most famous resident was the late Princess Margaret.

The island, privately owned by a consortium of businesspeople, is only 5km (3 miles) long and 2km (1 1/4-miles) wide, and it has only one major hotel (the Cotton House). It's located 24km (15 miles) south of St. Vincent. After settling in, you'll find many good white-sand beaches against a backdrop of luxuriant foliage. Our favorite is Macaroni Beach, where the water is turquoise, the sands are pure white, and a few trees shade the picnic tables. If you've come over on a day trip, you might go to Britannia Bay, which is next to the jetty and close to Basil's Bar.

On the northern reef of Mustique lies the wreck of the French liner Antilles, which ran aground on the Pillories in 1971. Its massive hulk, now gutted, can be seen cracked and rusting a few yards offshore -- an eerie sight.

If you want to tour the small island, you can rent a Mini-Moke (a small golf cart-like car) to see some of the most elegant homes in the Caribbean, including the late Princess Margaret's place, Les Jolies Eaux (Pretty Waters).