Inside a Royal Hideaway: Mustique
how the exclusive Caribbean hideaway became a go-to retreat for royalty
It could aptly be called the royals’ secret Caribbean playground. Nestled in the Grenadines, the island of Mustique is a sun-drenched, ultra-exclusive retreat known for its pristine beaches and A-list clientele. The island is privately owned and managed by the Mustique Company and boasts just one singular hotel. There are, however, 80-odd private villas—making the tropical getaway an alluring haven for those seeking luxury…but also seclusion.
Getting to Mustique isn’t as simple as booking a direct flight. The island has no commercial airport, and access is limited to those flying via Air Adelphi, the Mustique Company’s private airline, which offers charters from St. Lucia, Barbados, and Martinique. This means visitors must first travel to another Caribbean hub before catching a connecting flight—or, for the truly adventurous, arranging a boat transfer from St. Vincent.
Despite the logistical hurdles, Mustique has long been a favored escape for the British royal family, offering them the rare luxury of relaxation without the glare of paparazzi lenses. From Princess Margaret’s famously wild retreats in the 1970s to the modern-day visits of the Prince and Princess of Wales, Mustique has played host to generations of blue-blooded holidaymakers. I fear that one week there could cure me of all my ills.
Before we dive in to this topic, a HUGE shoutout this week goes to Amanda P., who has joined as a Founding Member of The Fascinator! 🎉
Amanda’s generous support helps keep this newsletter running, and I’m beyond grateful to have her as part of this community. Founding Members allow me to dive deep into the history, politics, and intrigue of monarchy. In short, they allow me to spill all the royal tea…without worrying so much about the cleanup.
Amanda, consider this your official induction into the Fascinator Royal Court—an elite society where intrigue reigns supreme and no state dinner dress goes unscrutinized. 😉
If you’d like to take your place at court and gain access to exclusive perks, you too can become a Founding Member by adding or editing a subscription:
Now, since no one has yet gifted me a private flight OR a villa, let’s take a closer look at the royals who have demonstrated a particular affinity for Mustique’s exclusivity and luxury.