Cotton House in Mustique

[joycat]

Has anybody stayed at the Cotton House in Mustique? I'm considering this package and would appreciate some reviews. Trip Advisor's reviews were okay (rating of 4) but most criticized the dinner meals and slightly stuffy wait service. Is it far from the hillside cottages to the beach? Any insights would be most helpful.

[bonniejoy03]

Hi Joycat. We have not stayed but toured the property while we sailed there. The property is lovely. It is very secluded. There are only two real resorts to stay on the island. Most of the other people stay at villas. The beaches in the area are great. You won't see a lot of other people. The best way to appreciate the island is by "mule". It is like a golf cart. This is the way we got around the island and checked out Cotton House. I think the resort is becoming less "stuffy" from what I have heard. I have bid on the property and was disappointed not to have gotten it (within my price range!) Look at past auction results for what it has gone for. Also, add on the cost from Barbados to St. Vincent. This does add to the trip. Depends on what you are looking for in a vacation. If you want beautiful beaches (like Macaroni Beach), a secluded resort, and not a lot of people I would recommend it. They do offer day sails to some of the Grenadines also. Basil's bar and restaurant is a great fun spot. Again, it is best to rent a mule so you don't have to worry about distances. (just so you know, the island is VERY small.) I would go!

[joycat]

Thanks, Bonniejoy03. We are looking for a secluded, small island resort and have also sailed by Mustique but never stopped there. I hear that the Firefly is also a great place to go for drinks and fun times. We love renting golf carts and zipping around the island so the mule sounds like a great idea. Do you know if the mules can get you to the beaches? I'm not sure what the roadways are like. Thanks for the tips on past auctions and the extra airfare allowance for the connector flight from Barbados.

[bonniejoy03]

Joycat. Yes, the mules can take you to the beach. This is what we used to get around whether to the beaches or to the resort. Its nice because you can pack towels, sun stuff, reading material etc. You see the mules zipping all around the island. I really don't remember any cars but I know they must have been there! Therereally aren't main roads like most of the Caribbean islands.My impression is moreof a private island resort than a regular island. You might want to call the toll free number for Cotton House to inquire about mule rental directly from them. Also, they would provide information on airfare additions and time schedules to get into Mustique. So, are you going to bid?????

[joycat]

Hi Bonniejoy03. I plan to keep an eye on this auction. I'm still not sure if it is going to be too formal and stiff. I see that you've been to Young Island Resort so you know what I mean when I say I like a casual, relaxed resort. People dress nicely for dinner but are not all dressed up. The service is warm, professional, and friendly. However, the appeal of renting a mule and exploring the island's various beaches and couple of bars and restaurants is appealing. And the waters of the Grenadines are first class for sailing and exploring nearby islands and reefs. Hmmmm.

[bonniejoy03]

Hi Joycat. My husband had the same concern. For example, on Peter Island, men must wear long pants at the dining room. This seems like a hassle on vacation. In fact, a good looking couple had bought their yacht in for dinner and my husband had to lend him pants so he could eat! (They just seemed so sad trying to check in for dinner....it was the least we could do!) Young Island did not have these same requirements. I really would suggest calling the toll free number for Cotton House. They had answered all of my questions a few months ago when I was bidding on the property. From what I seemed to have learned, the property doesn't seem as formal as years ago. Watch the LL auction also; it does bid up high. The mule is LOADS OF FUN!!!!!!!!!! Check with them on their sailing also. Here is another idea. Have you thought about the sail program at Young Island? That is what we did. We stayed five nights on the island and two nights sailing with an overnight in Mustique and an overnight in Bequia. This might give you a better overview of Mustique. I personally like the small, intimate nature of Mustique.

[joycat]

Hi Bonniejoy03. Thanks for the suggestion. We did the sail away program at Young Island and it was fabulous. We were lucky enough to have the 50' sail boat to ourselves (it is usually chartered for two couples)! I regret not asking the captain to stop at Mustique but we were determined to get down to the Tobago Cays for snorkling. The water and reefs there are amazing. The water is so clear you don't need to dive to see the bottom with the multihued coral and seafans and tons of fish, lobster, etc. We also were able to talk to the ship's cook in advance and customize the menu according to our tastes, a real treat! As a note to LL, why don't you expand your Young Island Resort auction package to include the sailaway program. Booking ala carte with Younge Island this usually requires a 7 night (2 night sail) or 10 night (3 night sail) package. I'm sure this would catch peoples attention.

[bonniejoy03]

Joycat: Glad to hear you did the sail program at Young Island. We were also lucky to have been the only couple sailing with the captain and cook. I like your idea to add to the LL auctions. I think I have seen one of the other properties offer this option (Biras Creek or Peter Island.) It is a great way to see the area and still enjoy the resort. Have you made a decision about Cotton House?