The background

There are some places in the world that are synonymous with pure luxury. Mustique is one such place. Even the name of this elusive private island conjures a certain mystery, intrigue, romance and decadence. Mustique is one of the 32 islands that make up St Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean. Originally used for sugar and cotton plantations, the 1,400-acre island was largely abandoned and dilapidated in the late 1800s until British aristocrat (and friend of Mustique devotee Princess Margaret), The Hon. Colin Tennant snapped it up for £45,000 in 1958, with plans to develop the island into an exclusive hideaway. And that’s exactly what he did. Mustique is where rock stars and royalty rub shoulders (or not, given their preference for privacy) and come to let their hair down, safe in the island’s exclusivity and remoteness. And, of course, to soak up its pristine white sands, crystal blue seas and untouched landscapes. Mustique is the kind of place that seems too good to be true, and where only those in-the-know go.

The villa

Given the pedigree of Mustique, it should come as no surprise to learn that it is home to a number of exceptional holiday properties. The whimsically named Simplicity Bay is barefoot luxury at its finest and is home to Villa Sapphire, one of the island’s most iconic houses with a beachside location – a rarity even for Mustique. Built in 1987, Sapphire is instantly recognisable with its glistening blue roof tiles (hence the name) and has hosted a variety of A-listers, royalty and dignitaries (of course, this being Mustique, exact details remain top secret). This secluded getaway offers impeccable service, with a chef, two housekeepers and two gardeners to keep everything running ship-shape. The courtyard gardens are exceptionally pretty, and the tasteful open-plan interiors of whitewashed walls, natural wooden accents and pale blue shutters are simple but beautiful. The villa has two double bedrooms with an additional double bedroom-and-en suite annexe, making it perfect for a family or romantic getaway. There’s a gorgeous outdoor pool – naturally – but the real draw of Sapphire is its beach location. Accessed via a private path, it really is one of the most naturally stunning spots on the island, and gives you the option of dining beside the ocean in secluded luxury and watching the world go by at a typically Caribbean pace.

The details

Villa Sapphire is available from $20,000 to $30,000 per week. The festive season is priced on request. Visit sjvillas.co.uk for more information and to book.