Index. Barefoot elegance one visit to the exclusive Mustique Island in the Grenadines, and you ll experience a whole new level of paradise

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1 The Island Guide

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5 Index Barefoot elegance one visit to the exclusive Mustique Island in the Grenadines, and you ll experience a whole new level of paradise Jezebel USA Welcome to Mustique Introduction 6 History of Mustique 9 Mustique Today 9 General Information Location 10 Climate & Weather 10 Time Zone 10 Practical information: Currency 10 Electricity 10 Television & Telephones 10 Computers 10 Drinking water 10 Dress Code 10 Privacy and Security 10 Where to Stay The Villa Collection 14 Villa Services by the Mustique Company 16 Villa Staff 17 Villa Provisions 17 Babysitting & Childcare 17 Accounts & Gratuities 17 Island Hospitality 17 The Cotton House Hotel and Spa 17 Island Life Getting Around 18 Airport 18 Mules & Cars 18 Island Groceries 18 Boutiques 18 Medical Clinic 21 Bamboo Church 21 Library 21 Open Air Cinema 21 Mustique Museum 21 Where to Eat Island Restaurants & Bars 22 What to Do Island Activities 26 Island Excursions 26 Water based Activities 29 Shore based Activities 30 For children 30 Conservation and the Community Conservation and the Environment 32 Marine Conservation 32 Community & the Mustique 32 Charitable Trust Feedback 36 Telephone directory 38 5

6 Introduction In this age of luxury and global travel, it is hard to find somewhere that still has the power to amaze. Everyone who visits Mustique is captivated by the unique sense of island life; where you can enjoy the ultimate in luxury villa living with the privilege of being on a remote private tropical island. Mustique enchants all that visit her. Be indulged in the luxury of your own private villa, or enjoy the open house party atmosphere, where fellow guests get together to enjoy a gastronomic dinner or an informal beach barbeque. On Mustique, anything goes. Explore the island at your own speed, where a whole host of experiences await; from swimming and scuba diving in the jewel coloured waters, to sailing and snorkeling with the turtles at nearby Tobago Cays. Onshore, choose from riding horses along the beaches, honing your tennis skills at the renowned Mustique Tennis Club, or indulge in a world-class spa treatment. Whether enjoying a family break, a week away with friends, or a honeymoon, Mustique has something for everyone. Many visitors are so charmed by island life, the unequivocal hospitality and friendliness of the staff and sense of wellbeing that they fall under the island s spell, only to return every year. We hope you will too. 6

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9 Introduction The History of Mustique The story of Mustique s creation has been well documented over the years. It was a unique concept, one man s vision that has evolved over the passage of time, into a thriving and much sought after island community, giving the same pleasure and enjoyment it gave its pioneers fifty years ago, only better. As legends go, the story about The Aristocrat, the Princess and the Rockstar is pretty good, only this wasn t a legend, it was true. In 1958 Lord Glenconner, Colin Tennant, arrived on Mustique and bought the island for just 45,000 with no roads, no jetties and no running water. Initial ambitions were to see it thrive as a cotton plantation, however his plans were not successful and he looked for other ways to develop the island. Having gifted his good friend Princess Margaret a plot in 1960, there was considerable media interest in Mustique as a destination and in 1968 he formed the Mustique Company to develop a private island hideaway for the rich and famous. There were two architects who helped shape the island during its early years: Arne Hasselqvist, a resourceful construction engineer from Sweden, who was employed by the company to bring Tennant s vision to life; and Oliver Messel, a leading British theatre set designer who had developed a reputation for the houses he had designed on neighbouring Barbados. Their first project was to convert the old cotton warehouse into a small hotel, The Cotton House, and to establish a design concept for the island as a whole. The idea was for the island to be split into plots and sold to shareholders who would invest equally in the island. The company limited the number of development plots and shares to a hundred and twenty, not only to preserve the island s character but to retain exclusivity and prevent the island from becoming over-developed. Plots were bought by an eclectic group of socialites, rock stars and private individuals who all shared a passion for the island and a desire to be part of something unique. Ultimately it was the work of Tennant, Hasselqvist and Messel, and a group of entrepreneurial investors who created the blueprint that is Mustique today. Tennant indelibly set the tone on Mustique, gave it its DNA Christa d Souza, Vogue Mustique Today Mustique now enjoys a broader sense of community with villa owners and island guests visiting from all over the world. Word has spread and it is not only the younger generations of the original founding families, but their friends and friends of friends who have come to the island only to fall under its spell and return every year. Amongst them an eclectic mix of individuals from successful entrepreneurs to artists and designers who are inspired by the island s natural qualities, and who all share the common bond that is Mustique. Architectural styles and influences have evolved over time, with new owners creating their dream houses on the island, to be their home away from home. Each villa reflects the style and taste of their owner, from cutting edge contemporary to classical Caribbean styles of architecture and design, with the result that the island boasts the most exclusive portfolio of individual private villas anywhere in the world today. Many of the villas are available to rent and each offers a different island experience, from palatial mansions to simple beach houses ensuring that there is something for everyone. As custodian of these homes, the Mustique Company is delighted to be able to share these properties with you and welcome you to Mustique. 9

10 General Information Location Island Currencies Telephones Mustique is one of the gems of the archipelago that makes up St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Located a hundred miles west of Barbados it is approximately two and half square miles, covering just 1400 acres. The island at its highest elevation has a view point of 500 feet giving way to a series of small valleys leading to pristine palm fringed beaches. The coconut tree plantations added over fifty years ago have given the island its uniquely thick and luscious vegetation, whilst the lowland areas of naturally occurring wetlands provide a habitat for wide-ranging flora and fauna, making it the tropical idyll it is today. Lapped by both the Caribbean and Atlantic seas, Mustique s ongoing conservation programme endeavours to maintain healthy coral reefs teeming with marine life. Climate and Weather Mustique enjoys a warm climate, with an average temperature range of 75 to 85 degrees (24 to 29 c) throughout the year. Time Zone Mustique Island is in the Atlantic Standard time zone and is 4 hours behind GMT. Mustique trades in US dollars and Eastern Caribbean dollars (EC$), the currency of the local community, with a value of approximately US$ Currency exchange and cash withdrawals can be made at the Mustique Company office. Dress code Island life is relaxed and informal and there is no dress code, although some guests choose to be more formal by night. No ties or jackets are required. Drinking Water The island has its own desalination plant and water purifying system so that the island has its own fresh water supply. If bottled water is preferred it is available at the island s grocery stores. Electricity All properties are designed to accommodate up to a 220v system, with standard British plug sockets. Television & Telephones A variety of channels broadcasting news, weather, sports and films are available in your villa including popular channels such as BBC world, CNN and NBC networks. Please ask your villa staff for further information. All on-island calls are complimentary. If dialling internationally the country code for Mustique is 784. For outgoing international calls please dial 0 followed by the country code and the number you are calling. To receive international calls at your villa, the prefix 488 must precede the villa s extension number. e.g. Villa Services External calls made during your stay will be recorded on an itemized bill and charged to your villa account. Mobile phone coverage Mustique has GSM coverage with multi-band handsets. Please note your service provider must have roaming capabilities and we regret that non-gsm (Verizon/NEXTEL) will not work on Mustique. Computer Services The island has comprehensive broadband internet access and Wi-Fi throughout all of its properties. Should you require further information or assistance please contact the IT department who will be happy to help. Privacy & Security Mustique has an exemplary privacy record maintained by our security controller and his team to ensure the privacy of the island is maintained at all times. 10

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14 Where to Stay The Villa Collection Mustique has a collection of over a hundred unique and individual houses. Many of the villas are available to rent and each offers a different island experience whether you enjoy a contemporary minimalist design with seamless infinity pools and state of the art media rooms, or a more traditional Caribbean Gingerbread house, with classical pavilions and shady verandas, the trade mark style of founding architect Oliver Messel. House sizes range from the more intimate two bedroom cottages, suitable for honeymooners, couples travelling alone or small families through to the 8-10 bedroom private estates which offer separate guest accommodation, private pools, tennis courts, gyms and media rooms, and even your own golf course! The Cotton House Hotel The Cotton House Hotel, formerly the old cotton warehouse is the oldest building on the island, having been converted by Oliver Messel in It has seventeen rooms, ranging from a presidential two-bedroomed suite with private pool and drawing room, to smaller single room cottages. Architecture and Design Architectural styles have evolved over the years from the more classical plantation style houses typical of the founding designer and architect Oliver Messel to contemporary ground breaking architectural design. Messel was one of the foremost English stage designers of the 20th century who throughout his career worked extensively in theatre and with the Royal Ballet. Combining his artistic flair and passion for the Caribbean he created a trademark style of villa design. His houses were as romantic and as intimate as his theatre sets, featuring Palladian staircases, covered verandas, and wooden shutters with slender columns, elliptical arches, intricate fanlights, and delicate wooden fretwork. He designed spaces for moments of reflection, and spaces to host the most elegant and flamboyant of parties. Messel s legacy can be seen throughout the island in many of his iconic villas, although perhaps one of the finest examples of his work is the Great Room at the Cotton House Hotel. Arne Hasselqvist, a Swedish born structural engineer, also contributed greatly to the island s design, bringing to life Messel s designs and other owners dream creations. Latterly, Paulo Piva, an Italian architect and contemporary furniture designer who aspires to a more minimalist aesthetic has become the chosen architect for many villa owners. His designs are simple, elegant and chic, creating villas that rest easily on the landscape and pay homage to the stunning seascapes and views. The coastal climate and open style of design demand that villas are refurbished on a regular basis. Owners employ the services of interior designers who, using a range of different styles, textures and materials, interpret the island in different ways. The villas are designed to reflect the owner s personalities and aspirations, some with fine art collections, some with the latest in modern technology, and some with tropical fantasy gardens; a myriad of styles and ideas that ensure there is something to suit everyone. As environmental conservation is such an important aspect of life on Mustique many of the current villa developments are incorporating new green methods of technology and design, to minimize the island s carbon footprint and thus ensure the preservation of the island for future generations. 14

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16 The Mustique Company The Mustique Company is the glue that holds the island together. Appointed to manage and oversee the island the company looks after all aspects of island life. It comprises a team of dedicated individuals who are committed to ensuring the smooth running of the island and its community. The Managing Director, Roger Pritchard, is based permanently on the island supported by Simon Humphrey who as security controller can often be seen circumnavigating the island. Gordon Overing and Jeanette Cadet, run the Villa Services and Villa Rentals departments, overseeing all aspects of villa life from maintenance and staff, to villa rentals and guest hospitality. Please do not hesitate to contact them should you have any queries throughout your stay. Villa Services Villa Services is the Mustique Company s on island villa management team. Working closely with our reservations teams, they will oversee and manage every aspect of your stay ensuring you enjoy your time with us on Mustique. Please do not hesitate to ask should you have any queries or questions. 16

17 Villa Hospitality Teams Each villa has a full staff of chef, maid and gardener, and the larger villas may have additional staff. Most villa staff are from St Vincent and are immensely proud to be working in Mustique s villas, taking great pride in their work. They will take every opportunity to ensure your stay is memorable. Check in & Departures Villa check- in time is 2pm and departures by 12pm midday. Maid & Laundry Service Each villa will have a daily maid and laundry service. Please advise them if you have any delicate items or special requests. Food & Drinks Your pre-arrival food and drinks order for your first evening will already have been delivered to your villa. On arrival please discuss any dietary preferences or dining requirements you may have for the duration of your stay. Your chef will be happy to discuss menus with you and then shop accordingly on your behalf. Babysitting and Childcare A babysitting service with fully qualified nannies and childcare is available for day or night care. If you would like further information or to make a reservation please ask your villa staff or call Villa Services directly. Accounts The Mustique Company will collect all your villa accounts from the island suppliers on the last day of your stay and prepare a final invoice which will be delivered to your villa the evening before your departure. Please ensure your account is settled before you leave the island. All major credit cards are accepted. Gratuities It is customary to tip villa staff and very much appreciated. The Villa Services team can advise guests if required. Island Hospitality You will find a file in your villa with information on all the current activities. However, should you have any special requests please do not hesitate to call the Social Director, Jan O Neil, who will be happy to help with the organization of private parties and venues. Tuesday Night Cocktail Party Every Tuesday the Managing Director of the Mustique Company hosts a cocktail party in the Great Room at the Cotton House. This is an island tradition where old friends have a chance to catch up, and newcomers have an opportunity to meet the management team and other guests staying on the island. House Parties Hospitality is central to island life and house parties are de rigeur, so don t be surprised if you receive an invitation to another villa. It s the Mustique culture! The Cotton House Hotel & Spa The Cotton House has a central swimming pool and selection of restaurants and bars, from the more formal Veranda Restaurant and Great Room cocktail bar to the popular Beach Bar Café located on Endeavour Bay. Spa The Cotton House natural spa has a range of facilities including a fitness centre, treatment rooms, a relaxation room with stunning sea views and a specialist beauty salon. The spa offers a wide selection of treatments using SUNDARI and E SPA organic product ranges. Our Spa Manager can also offer bespoke spa programmes and in-villa treatments on request. There is also a hairdressing service available at the hotel. Villa guests are very welcome to use the facilities at the Cotton House but it is advisable to book the restaurants and dining facilities in advance to avoid disappointment. Where to stay 17

18 Island Life Getting About The Airport Mustique Airport is a fully affiliated airport which can accommodate small aircraft. There are two airlines that fly daily to and from Mustique, the Mustique Company Shuttle and Grenadine Airways. Private jets can be left at neighbouring St Vincent or Barbados, and the Mustique Shuttle can meet guests on request. For a full schedule of local and international flights and further information on private aircraft or shared charters to neighbouring islands, please contact the airport. Car & Mule Rentals Small buggies known as mules, cars or jeeps can be hired to get around the island. Guests wishing to hire a mule must be over seventeen years of age and have a valid driving license. Drivers will need a current St. Vincent & the Grenadines driving permit, which is available prior to travel through Villa Services, or on arrival from Immigration at the airport. Where to shop Island Groceries There is a limited selection of grocery stores on the island where you can buy provisions for your villa or request your villa staff to do so on your behalf. The opening hours for all the shops on Mustique are usually from 8-12 noon and from 3-6pm, and on Sundays, 9-12 noon. Corea s General Store is the main supermarket on the island offering a comprehensive range of goods and wines. Sunday opening hours are usually 9-11am. Basil s Gourmet Shop sells a range of imported wines and champagnes, assorted cheeses, chocolates, gourmet items and condiments. Mustique Island Supplies stocks local beer Hairoun, a range of soft drinks and bottled water. Sweetie Pie Bakery offers a range of freshly baked goods including breads, baguettes, croissants, brioches. Individual orders are available on request. The Bakery is open from 7:30 am Monday to Saturday. Fish Market Situated within the fishing village in Britannia Bay, the Fish Market, supplied by the local fishermen, sells a fabulous supply of freshly caught fish and seafood. It is open Monday to Friday, from 8-5pm, and on Saturdays from 8-12pm. Florist Tropical flowers and bouquets can be ordered from florists in St. Vincent, please contact Villa Services for further information. Boutiques Mustique has a small collection of boutiques offering a range of household pieces, fashion and jewellery. Across Forever situated at Britannia Bay is a virtual Aladdin s Cave of furniture and collectables from around the globe. Basil s Boutique is located at Basil s Bar, and specialises in T-shirts, beach wear and hand-painted originals from Bali. The Cotton House Boutique showcases the best in Caribbean designer resort and beach wear, with T-shirts, jewellery, beach toys, gifts, souvenirs and essential holiday items such as suntan lotion, sunglasses and hats. The Pink House is famed for its beautiful clothing for beach life designed by the resident designer LottyB whose hand painted range of silk sarongs and kaftans are much prized amongst the island community. The Purple House has a collection of souvenir gifts, printed T-shirts, swimwear for men and women, and interior design pieces. 18

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21 Island life Mustique s Museum The museum is situated in The Old Sugar Tower adjacent to the Cotton House. Over the years members of the island community have all contributed to the collection with interesting anecdotes and artefacts about the history of the island and its people. A collection of photographs of the co-founders illustrates the heritage of the island, and visiting botanists and zoologists have recorded the indigenous flora and fauna and marine life, contributing to today s ongoing conservation programme. Open Air Cinema The ever popular open air theatre on the Cotton House lawn is open to everyone, to be enjoyed from the comfort of your own mule. Movies are shown on Friday nights for children and Saturday nights for adults, please consult your Weekly Guide for current film showings. The Library The Mustique Community Library is next to the primary school. There are a comprehensive range of books, from fiction to non-fiction and an extensive reference section. The Library also offers internet and service, faxing and photocopying facilities, and DVD hire. Donations to the library, in the form of books, and magazines are very welcome. The Library is open between 9-1pm & 3-6pm, Monday to Saturday. The Medical Clinic Our island doctor runs a fully-equipped modern clinic and dispensary next to the Mustique Company offices. Medical and emergency care, including the arrangement of emergency evacuation, is available at all times on the island. The clinic is open: Monday to Friday: 8-12am, 2:30-4pm Wednesday & Saturday: 8-12am Sunday: Closed Church Services The Mustique Christian Assembly meet at the Lovell Church in the Village every Sunday at 11am and everybody is welcome. The Bamboo Church is a picturesque chapel used for festive services and weddings. 21

22 Where to Eat Restaurants Mustique has a choice of bars and restaurants on the island from relaxed beach bars and cocktail bars, to more formal dining. Basil s Beach Bar & Restaurant Situated in the heart of Britannia Bay, projecting out over the sea, Basil s Bar has been hosting an international crowd for over 25 years. In season, Wednesday night is party night with a barbeque buffet dinner and Jump Up with live music, and Sunday night is Sunset Jazz, followed by á la carte dining. Basil s Bar is home to the legendary Mustique Blues Festival in late January and early February, where A-list musicians come to play, offering guests a unique opportunity to enjoy world class music in a fabulous and relaxed location. Reservations are recommended, please contact the bar for further details. Cotton House Hotel The Veranda Restaurant The Cotton House offers the finest local ingredients simply and expertly prepared. Please reserve a table in advance to avoid disappointment. The restaurant is open from: Breakfast: 7:30 to 10am Lunch: 12:30 to 2:30pm Afternoon Tea: 3:30 to 5pm Dinner: 7:30 to 9:30pm The Great Room Bar The bar is renowned for its extensive cocktail menu, and elegant surroundings, providing the perfect backdrop to watch the sun go down. The Beach Café at the Cotton House The Beach Café on Endeavour Bay offers a relaxed informal restaurant and beach bar. The Firefly The Firefly s central cocktail bar is famous for its legendary sunset views over Britannia Bay, and is home to the Mustique Champagne and Martini Clubs, firm favourites amongst the island s regulars. The restaurant serves a range of dishes using fresh local ingredients with a Caribbean theme. They also serve excellent pizzas, which are available for home or beach delivery! 22

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26 What to Do Mustique has a dedicated Social Director who puts together seasonal calendars of events for those who wish to participate. Activities such as children s tennis and soccer camps, full moon parties and movie nights, kitethons on the beach and annual half marathon challenges ensure there is plenty to keep even the most active occupied. Seasonal festivities are always very popular, and New Year s Eve is a legendary event which is talked about, from one year to the next. Please contact our Social Director who will be delighted to tell you more and help you book the activities of your choice. Island Excursions Visiting Neighbouring islands by Boat Day trips to visit neighbouring islands are available by sail or power boats, by private charter or joining an organized trip. Visit the stunning marine conservation park at Tobago Cays and picnic on location where Johnny Depp was famously marooned in The Pirates of the Caribbean, before swimming with the hawksbill turtles on the reef. Other popular island visits include the Grenadine Islands of Bequia, Canouan, Palm, Union and Petit St. Vincent Islands. By plane Fly to mainland St. Vincent and take a historical tour of Kingstown, the capital of St. Vincent, where sites of interest include an old fort dating back to 1806, and the oldest botanical gardens in the Western Hemisphere, founded in For the more active, hike to the Vermont Nature Trail within the St. Vincent Parrot rainforest reserve or climb the volcano, La Soufriere which peaks at 4048 feet above sea level. Finally cruise through the coves and fishing villages along the coastline before enjoying the unspoilt beauty of the Falls of Baleine and Trinity Falls. Picnicking Picnics are central to life on Mustique. There are a number of picnic sites and barbeque grills located around the island which are available for private parties. It is advisable to book your location in advance with the Social Director and to ask your villa staff to prepare a picnic of your choice. 26

27 At the heart of the place is an extraordinary natural beauty which hopefully will never change. Bryan Ferry 27

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29 What to do Water Sports & Activities Watersports There is an extensive range of watersports available on the island from scuba diving to snorkelling, and windsurfing to Hobie Cat sailing. Our Watersports Centre located on Endeavour Bay has a comprehensive range of equipment, where you can choose from boogie boards and windsurfers, to stand up paddle boards, or take a glass bottom kayak to explore the reefs beneath the sea. The equipment can even be dropped off at your favourite beach so you are in time for your picnic lunch. Swimming There are many beaches to choose from on Mustique, please refer to the island map for their exact location. The sea on the north easterly side of the island offers more swell providing excellent surfing and body boarding. Choose between the ever popular surfing beaches at Macaroni and Simplicity Bay. The south westerly aspect of the island offers calmer waters more suited to snorkelling and paddle boarding. Lagoon Beach and Gelliceaux Beach are beautiful sheltered bays, perfect for family swimming and picnicking, whilst Endeavour Bay usually has flat calm waters ideal for snorkeling, paddle boarding and kayaking. Please note that swimming is prohibited at Pasture Bay because of a strong undertow current. Scuba Diving Mustique offers some of the best scuba diving in the Caribbean. With a dedicated dive boat, a professional team of PADI instructors and dive masters, and the latest in dive equipment we cater for beginners through to experienced divers. There is a range of PADI qualifying courses, from Bubblemaker for 8-9 year olds and introductory lessons which will allow guests to dive the surrounding shallow reefs within their first lesson, to PADI Open Water Diver certification and beyond. For further information please contact the Social Director or the Watersports Centre. Power Boat Excursions Half and full day excursions are available by power boat with options to snorkel, fish, and to lunch on another island. The boats are of the highest quality ranging from a 36ft mono hull to a 60ft power catamaran, and are equipped with heads and fresh water showers to ensure maximum comfort. Sailing The waters around Mustique are renowned for their fabulous sailing conditions. Beginners and children can take lessons on the Hobie Waves in Endeavour Bay whilst the more experienced sailors can charter a range of yachts. Choose from a range of Schooners and Catamarans for a full or half day s sailing to explore the neighbouring islands. Fishing The seas around Mustique offer a host of different species from salt water salmon and mackerel, jack, yellowtail snapper and barracuda, to deep-sea tuna, dorado (mahi-mahi) and wahoo. Inshore and deep sea fishing is available all year round and our resident fishermen have exemplary records rarely coming home without a tuna for dinner, or at the very least, sashimi! 29

30 What to do Onshore Activities Ball sports A range of ball sports are regularly played at the Playing Field including Basketball, Cricket, Netball, Soccer and Volleyball. Everyone is welcome, from beginners through to professionals, please contact the Social Director for further details. Bird Watching Over a hundred different species have been recorded on Mustique with more than fifty of these indigenous to the island, including the Mangrove Cuckoo and Tropical Kingbird. Bird-watching is a popular pastime, staff on the island will be happy to help you identify local birdlife, and the comprehensive Mustique Bird Guide is available for purchase in the island stores. Nature & Fitness Trails Mustique can be explored on foot, with trails of varying ability marked on the island map. There are nature trails which explore the more remote areas of the island, taking in the native flora and fauna and wildlife, such as the North Point Walk, which is extremely popular with birdlovers. There is a Fitness Trail for jogging which incorporates gym bars for those feeling in need of a more ambitious work out. Trails vary from forty minutes up to two hours for the more adventurous. Please note it can be slippery under foot and walking boots or trainers are advised. Equestrian Centre Explore Mustique on horseback, trekking up into the hills to enjoy the many wonderful views, or ride through the surf on a choice of deserted beaches. We have horses and ponies to suit all levels of experience and can arrange group or private lessons for beginners to advanced rides for more experienced riders. Three day pony camps for children are held throughout the year giving them the chance to learn about stable management and the daily care of their ponies. Boots and helmets are provided but it is advisable to bring suitable long trousers. For further information and course availability please contact the Social Director. Golfing The neighbouring island of Canouan offers excellent golf facilities with an award winning championship golf course designed by Jim Fazio. Often described as a golfer s heaven the course offers many challenges given its dramatic coastal location. Details of boat or plane transfers to Canouan are available on request. Tennis Tennis is a popular feature amongst Mustique guests. There are six floodlit omnicourts, astro turf and sand, available for your use. Use of the tennis courts is complimentary, however, it is advisable to book in advance to avoid disappointment. A range of tennis lessons and courses for all ages are available with our residential tennis coach, including daily drop-in games for those that enjoy a social game. Racquets, whites and tennis balls are available for purchase or hire at the Tennis Club Shop. For Children For very young children there is an excellent playground situated just behind the Bamboo church. Older children can enjoy all the sports mentioned above with one-on-one or group introductory lessons available on request. During high season longer courses are available to give children the opportunity to learn new and improve existing skills, such as diving, sailing and tennis with children of their own age. 30

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32 Conservation and the Community The island community is committed to preserving Mustique. In 1989 the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines passed The Mustique Company Act declaring the island of Mustique, together with the beaches, foreshore and surrounding waters up to a thousand yards, to be within the Mustique Conservation Area. The Environmental Programme Since then an Environmental Programme and Committee has been created to help protect the fragile and pristine environment of the island. The committee, made up of villa owners and the island management, oversees the establishment and implementation of marine and land based conservation projects, from turtle tagging and monitoring to responsible fishing, and most importantly educating future generations about the importance of island conservation. Much of the island remains undeveloped leaving great swathes of natural habitat for the local wildlife. Many of the roads have been left as dirt tracks to minimize the footprint, and a comprehensive recycling programme has been initiated ensuring that all waste is environmentally treated and recycled. Marine conservation Turtles These harmless creatures are an enchanting sight, whether shuffling through the sand to lay their eggs in the cool dunes, or playfully gliding through the water as you snorkel side by side. Sadly the world s turtle population is rapidly declining due to hunting and poor fishing practices, such that marine biologists throughout the world are collectively working to try and protect the turtles, and have them officially registered as an endangered species. Mustique s Turtle project is affiliated with Widecast, a specialist marine conservation group, which is dedicated to protecting the turtles within the Caribbean Sea and to raising awareness for their preservation. The two types of turtle most commonly found in the Caribbean are the Hawksbill and the Leatherback. Our resident island guides regularly patrol the beaches, monitoring egg laying, and safely relocating nests to nurture hatchlings, before they are ready to leave for the safety of the water. During the nesting season of May to October guests are invited to participate and may be lucky enough to see a nesting or a hatchling release during their stay. Lobsters It is prohibited to fish for lobster between May and August during the spawning season, to preserve their numbers. Please help us to preserve our precious resources and do not buy lobster during this period. Local Community and the Mustique Charitable Trust The Trust was formed in 2008 to help needy children, young people and communities in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Entirely supported by donations from homeowners and guests to the island, there is an ongoing grant process in place. This focuses on the many challenges faced by the disadvantaged, and through a range of projects provides medical and educational support. On the island the local community of 750 is a thriving and prosperous community supported by a full time medical clinic, a professionally run primary school, a comprehensive library and Anglican church with regular weekly services. Most recently completed is the Community Centre, where regular educational courses are held and villagers can have access to the internet to further their online studies and communication skills. Further afield on St Vincent and other neighbouring islands longterm educational and medical projects are helping to improve the lives of many, and we are grateful to our trustees for their hard work and commitment. Should you wish to learn more about the trust or make a donation please contact the Mustique Company management team. 32

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34 The appeal of Mustique lies in its contradictions. It s sophisticated yet natural, Caribbean Casual yet Upper East Side elegant, endlessly social yet perfectly private. Tommy Hilfiger 34

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36 Feedback We hope that you find this guide useful and that you enjoy every aspect of your stay on Mustique. We would welcome any feedback and you will find a form available in your villa if you wish to fill it in and hand it to your villa staff. Similarly if you have any comments during your stay, please do not hesitate to contact the Villa Services team and let us know so that we may assist you. We look forward to welcoming you again soon to Mustique. The Mustique Island Management Team 36

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38 Useful Telephone numbers Extension Extension 24 hour Emergency Number (doctor, fire or police) 8000 Airport 8657 Airport Reservations 8336/8346 Babysitting 8136 Bakery 8529 Boutiques Across Forever 8125 The Cotton House Boutique 8754 The Pink House 8521 The Purple House 8522 Basil s Beach Bar, Restaurant & Boutique 8350 Basil s Gourmet Shop 8405 Computer Services 8780 Corea s General Store 8479/8634 Cotton House Hotel 8697/8215 Doctors Clinic 8353 Doctor (out of hours) 8000 Equestrian Centre 8316 Florist 8409/8449 The Firefly 8414 Fish Market 8609 Library 8556 Mule & Car Rentals (Mustique Mechanical Services) 8555/8716 Mustique Company Office 8424 Mustique Island Supplies 8699 Operator 8000 Police 8399 Security 8342 Security (out of hours) 8000 Social Director 8378 Spa 8754 Tennis Club & Coaching 8315/8818 Tennis Court Reservations 8000 Villa Services 8409/8449 Watersports

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40 An exclusive tropical hideaway mustique-island.com