Mustique | Gwen Books

The days lengthen and warm and we begin to dream of escape. Where to go – spring break to fall – our Clients are plotting & planning – some have already left footprints on sandy beaches and scoured the souks in Marrakech.

Morocco – it is hot, hot, hot! Spring break found many of the five-star hotels sold out, we prevailed for a last-minute request. We also have May travelers headed to Morocco. We love La Sultana in Marakech and Kasbah Tamadot in the scenic Atlas Mountains, activities include mule trekking to Berber villages. Side car excursions, hot air balloon escapades, Tagine cooking classes, private visits to Yves Saint Laurent home at the Majorelle Garden.

Mustique – Indigo seas and the year around perfect weather combined with an embarrassment of stunning Villas, make this a superb crowd free destination One advantage, our Villa team can offer many properties for 5 nights minimum- some don’t require a full 14 day stay- 5- 8, 10 days – many owners are flexible.

The Maldives, recent booking for two weeks at The Four Seasons Landaa & Kuda Huraa – my faves! Swim with manta rays hovering above and below you, floating in the gentle turquoise seas. Sail away to the spa across the bay, nothing prepares you for the sapphire seas and sugar white sandy beaches. I’m pining to return!

Four Seasons Maldives Kudaa Hura Resort, the Maldives

Japan – oh my, take a number – you are certain to run into friends at the sacred temples! A plethora of new offerings, innovative exclusive luxurious experiences; gardening with a master designer, with a long lineage of acclaimed gardeners who is currently entrusted with palace and temple gardens. Visit little known private Kyoto gardens. VIP experiences await fans of traditional theatrical performances. A master of Noh, an ancient performing art known for its fantastical masks and flowing robes has created a contemporary and well-designed space dedicated to the craft in a private theatre in the masters own home. Long list of unique offerings.

New York, spring fling at The Whitby, in midtown. Kit Kemp’s most recent addition to the city vibrant color and pattern abound!

France, in particular, the iridescent Cote d’ Azure. You may bump into friends at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc or the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, a Four Seasons Hotel, summer sizzlers! Days spent bobbing on yachts in private coves, followed by exceptional French cuisine.

Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, a Four Seasons Hotel, Cote d’ Azure.

Paris in June- doesn’t it sound dreamy? Le Meurice return guests love their VIP attention.

Oh, a multi generational family of 12 is headed back to The Ranch at Rock Creek – they’ve visited multiple times and can’t get enough of Ranch and Rodeo life, Giddy Up !

Peru – Machu Picchu adventure for Spring break- the world-renowned complex, a sublime jewel of Incan civilization, built on a towering ridge of granite and tropical forest. As you enter the Sanctuary see the iconic Sun Gate you will be awed by the imposing and skillful architecture of the Watchtower, the Temple of the Sun, and the royal Inca residences. Adventure awaits. Another smashing stay at Belmond Hotels!

One lucky dad is cruising with his son, on a Linblad National Geographic Alaska Journey to the Bering Straits wilderness touching coast of Russia Journey. Visit Provideniya, Russian Federation, at the western limit of the rich transboundary area known as Beringia, Provideniya is often called “The Gateway to the Arctic”- no Russia visa required!

One of our VV sophisticated art collectors swooned at the latest gallery collections at the recent New York Art Fairs while luxuriating at The Lowell this week!

Big Five – African Safari for eight friends at the VV best lodges with our private safari team. Our fourth African safari and gorilla trek this year.

Rwanda Gorilla Trek mom & baby & toddler

The eternal city of Rome will enchant a family of summer travelers, ask about our exclusive activities. Practice The Art of Doing Nothing Italian Style: L’arte di non fare nulla.

Tuscany a romantic Journey of exploration and staying at all three Belmond retreats. These foodies are checking off the top trattorias! A romantic honeymoon encompassing Five Luxury Belmond properties throughout Italy and Sicily – The Ultimate Grand Tour!

Amsterdam – always a great add on following Italy, Anne Frank, Van Gogh – private boats to cruise the canals.

We are plotting a fall Munich, Paris, London and Paris Journey for a group of eight friends – in memory of a dear friend and family member, an intrepid traveler who passed away this year. A Toast to a Well Lived Life and Enchanting Travel.

Last but not least, Punta Mita Four Seasons was chock a block full of our spring break clients!

The globe is whirling with exotic options – days are lengthening, plan a Journey!

One of our long-time clients who frequently has 25 + projects brewing in her tea cup needed an indigo sea break. We suggested a spring fling Villa escape to the beautiful island of Mustique. Working with our cracker jack Villa team, a plethora of villas were offered, this is one area which offers rental flexibility. Every villa isn’t a strict week to week rental, some owners are flexible and let you stay 8 or 9 days rather than say 10 or 14 days. A roster of 104 privately owned stylish Villas, are available, from contemporary to traditional, to totally unconventional, most are quite glamorous.

Fly to St. Lucia or Barbados and take a charter flight to Mustique. When you arrive to St. Lucia, the Villa team is there to facilitate your transfer to the plane for your quick hop to Mustique. The Villa team knew my client had a late arrival from Miami, they held the transfer for her; they understood she was arriving with more bags than allowed and a basket of stress!

White glove service from our initial interaction, expect the best!

From the moment the wheels touch down, the tensions of everyday life wash away. Mustique is merely 3 miles long by 1.5 miles wide, this Caribbean jewel is ringed by pristine white sandy beaches and swaying palm fronds. A gentle rolling interior consists of verdant foliage dotting the valleys, gentle hills and flats.

You won’t be distracted by off-putting street signs, litter or blinking traffic lights, go with the flow, there are also no tourist throngs. Very few cars, transport is primarily by mule (ATV golf cart hybrid). Barefoot luxury, no paparazzi if that is a concern. You may remember that the defiant Princess Margaret holed up here quite often. Mick is still sighted.

Relish the natural beauty, the lack of background noise, unless you consider crashing surf, noise. There is a wealth of beaches, explore an area every day, by mule (cart) or have your butler drop you off. There are very few cars on the island.

Tennis, check; horseback riding, check; snorkeling, check; deep-sea fishing for dinner, check; windsurfing, scuba, kayaks, check. Day trip to Tobago Kays to snorkel with hawksbill turtles on a shallow reef, shopping, of course and great dining.

Mustique, steeped in history and surrounded by intrigue, lies in the stream of islands of St Vincent and the Grenadines just a hundred miles west of Barbados. Year around warm weather ensures a perfect stay any month of the year. There are no rules on Mustique, no protocols or expectations. Guests can simply do as they wish.

A few photos of the extraordinary collection of Villas –