Wonderful Vacation Houses For Rent Around The World

This verdant small island, located in the Grenadines, has been an exclusive  retreat since the 1960's when Lord Glenconner (Colin Tennant) gave land to Princess Margaret as a wedding present. Since then this very private enclave has had such other well-known residents as Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Bryan Adams and Tommy Hilfiger. Mustique has nine very pretty beaches, including the famous Macaroni Beach, and about 100 houses, which dot the island. Whether crowning a hill or on the beach, each is wonderfully designed, furnished with great style and fully staffed.

By day tennis, snorkeling, swimming, sailing and riding are activities of choice and bicycles are available for rent. Picnics are very big here too. The house staff will reserve one of the thatched beach huts on various beaches and then meet you there with lunch and drinks. There are also sports programs available for children of all ages. Mustique is not about eating out and the only restaurants are at Firefly, a guest house that serves delicious food, the Cotton House (hotel), which has an excellent spa, and at Basil's, which is located on Britannia Bay in "town."

After the sun goes down, weekly activities (outside the houses) are the Tuesday cocktail party at the Cotton House followed the next night by a barbecue and jump-up at Basil's. Everyone goes to both. You never know who might show up! Twice weekly a huge "screen" outside the Cotton House Spa shows a children's movie on Friday and a family movie on Saturday. Guests sit under a marquis and popcorn is available. Also on Saturday night is a barbeque at the Cotton House Beach Restaurant. The tiny and charming Easter Bunny painted village on the edge of Britannia Bay has no name and only a few small but great shops. However, among the things available are chic beach clothes, fun souvenirs, toys for children, foie gras, Balinese antiques, Champagne, homemade ice cream and fresh croissants. This is a very civilized and special island.

Local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC) though US dollars are accepted. Fly into Barbados or St. Lucia, both served by direct flights from the U.K., U.S., Canada and South America. Major carriers include British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airways, Delta and Caribbean Airways. Then take a scheduled connecting flight to Mustique (twice daily from Barbados/45 minutes and 3 times per week in season from St. Lucia/30 minutes). The Mustique Co. can make reservations on its 18-seat Twin Otter aircraft operated by Grenadine Airways. They can also arrange for a private charter or shared private charter. Or fly via private jet to Canouan and charter a small plane (a 7 minute flight to Mustique).