Mustique

Mustique runs on its own rules: the whole island is managed as a private estate of a hundred or so villas, gardened to perfection and famously discreet about its guests. Visitors arrive by yacht - moorings sit off Britannia Bay - or on day trips from Bequia, and are welcome to more of the island than its reputation suggests: Macaroni Beach's white crescent and rolling surf on the windward side, palm-planted valleys where tortoises cross the lanes, and the village and its small shops. It is a curiosity as much as a destination - the Caribbean with every blade of grass employed.

What you actually see

• Macaroni Beach - the windward crescent with its palm shelters and surf.
• Britannia Bay - the mooring field and the little waterfront village.
• The island lanes - gardens, tortoises and villa country by mule cart or foot.
• Gelliceaux Bay - the quiet snorkelling corner in the marine reserve.

When to go

December to May for sailing weather; the island stays groomed year round. Day trips from Bequia run when demand and seas agree - arrange ahead rather than counting on turning up.

Honest expectations

Access is at the island company's discretion and parts of the island are private in practice; visitors who arrive expecting a public playground misread the arrangement. Prices ashore match the clientele. Macaroni's surf carries real undertow some days - swim its calmer corners. For beach-per-dollar, neighbouring islands win; Mustique is for the look at a one-off place.

Nearby

Bequia's harbour across the channel, Canouan and the Tobago Cays south.