Worth getting out of bed for...

Viewpoint

Rent a boat for the day or take a sunset cruise to drink in the gorgeous Grenadines seascapes.

Arts and culture

The design and architecture of some of the villas is notable, but there’s no culture as such that isn’t real-estate-related. Head over to the nearby island of St Vincent to see a truer Caribbean vibe.

Something for nothing

Tuesday night cocktails, when the Mustique Company invite all of the island’s guests and residents to the Cotton House for an informal get-together.

Shopping

Another thing about private islands – no shops! Well, only a handful. There’s the Cotton House shop, next to the spa, and a couple of boutiques in Britannia Bay (Treasure Boutiques, the Purple House), where you can find beautiful eveningwear, lingerie, jewellery, designer swimwear and custom-made kaftans. There are local stores in Britannia Bay and Lovell Villages, Mustique hubs where the island’s year-round residents live.

Daytripper

Rent a yacht, sailboat or speedboat and zip over to St Vincent and Bequia, or the completely undeveloped Tobago Cays for incredible snorkelling.

Best beach

Of the island’s nine beaches, Macaroni beach is perhaps the most famously lovely, and unbelievably uncrowded. The beach of the Cotton House is great for snorkelling. At Lagoon Beach you can walk out for miles in waist-height clear water. Pasture Bay is perfect for early-morning strolls; since there’s a strong undertow swimming is not recommended and it’s consequently nice and private.

Perfect picnic

Put yourself in the hotel’s hands. Cotton House staff can accompany you to the beach to set up your lunch – giant prawns, smoked salmon, caviar and champagne – and even keep your glass topped up if you like. The best spot (book ahead in high season) is Macaroni 5, a shady picnic table under the palm-trees.

Walks

There aren’t any marked trails, but it’s easy to explore the island on foot. Ask at the hotel about beach-to-beach paths.

Children

Families are made very welcome on the island, but the environment hasn’t been designed with young children in mind. From 4pm on Thursdays, you can convey young offspring to the Mustique Primary School for story-time, open to all. There’s a playground behind the Bamboo Church.

Activities

Ask at the hotel about horse riding, fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, speedboat jaunts, hikes, tennis at Mustique Tennis Club, access to personal trainers, and tours of the Tobago Cays and other neighbouring islands.