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This introduction was previously sent out only after a guest had booked a stay, but many said having this information would have been useful in helping them decide upon coming to the island. So it is presented here in hopes of giving you more of an idea of what to expect on Mustique. When the owners decided to buy a home on Mustique, they wanted a romantic hideaway where they could get away to relax and rejuvenate themselves. And, a vacation home to share with those in need of the same. Ultramarine is a villa that meets these goals exceptionally well. Mustique island is an ideal escape site, but it’s not easy to get to . . . and those who come tend to have much in common. Here is how to best enjoy Ultramarine and the special features of life on Mustique. |
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Upon arriving, you will be welcomed at our small airstrip by a member of the Mustique Company staff. And, a four-wheel drive vehicle will transport you to Ultramarine.
During your stay at Ultramarine, the villa will be staffed by a cook, butler and maid, who reside in their own staff houses and care for Ultramarine year round. The butler also overseees the grounds. The cook will prepare your meals and supervise the maid, who will perform all other household chores. Your only task is to arrange the times and selection of your meals.
The Mustique Company will obtain an initial order of food prior to your arrival. After that you may obtain additional items at the island store. Store hours are usually 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM Monday to Saturday. The Store is next to Basil’s Bar on the west side of the Island. Stocks vary according to time of year and the number of people on the Island. It is often a good idea to find out from the store when fresh shipments are due, usually Tuesday and Friday afternoon. Arrangements for payment should be made on your first visit. Accounts supported by credit card can generally be arranged. If you have a favorite blend of coffee, we have learned that it is best to pack a container in your luggage since the blends on Mustique are limited.
The staff will often work long days from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM and will therefore normally take a rest period in the afternoon. They may wish to go to church on Sunday morning or evening. We suggest you discuss this with them and come to a mutually satisfactory arrangement which should include at least one of the staff staying behind at the house. Please give the cook advance warning if you plan to entertain.
Currency is Eastern Caribbean (EC) dollars. The official rate of exchange is EC$2.60 to US$1.00. It is recommended when paying cash for small items, that you use the EC currency. Since most transactions are in EC dollars it is easy to confuse them with US dollars and pay nearly 3 times what you owe.
We enjoy a relaxed atmosphere on Mustique. Although we do have an adequate island security force, unlike some other caribbean islands we've never found the need for private guards.
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Basil’s Bar, Firefly and The Cotton House Basil’s Bar is the main meeting place for drinks and
snacks throughout the day, as well as serving lunches and
more formal dinners. Popular with yachtsmen, the daytime atmosphere
is casual, and swim wear is acceptable. Evening events, for
which reservations are advisable (phone 350) include a special
Bar-B-Q on Wednesday evenings, often attended by yachting
visitors. Payment can be made by credit card (Visa or Mastercard)
or, by prior arrangement, on a charge account. |
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The Island’s main hotel, The Cotton House, offers a
buffet lunch at its swimming pool, tea on its veranda, drinks
in the Great Room and formal dinner on the veranta. Dinner
reservations are requested. On Saturday nights, generally
in the winter season, there’s a Bar-B-Q on the beach.
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Our only supply of fresh water is rainfall collected from the roof and by a painstakingly slow process of filtering through a desalization plant. Please be conservative by not taking long showers or leaving taps running. Although the local residents drink the water from the tanks, you may prefer to drink bottled water which is available from the store. You will probably need one bottle per day per person. The kitchen does have it’s own modern filtration system that purifies up to 7 gallons a day. This provides adequate water for cooking and operating the ice machine.
A 4-wheel drive vehicle is provided for your use. Fuel costs about US$3.00 per gallon and is available at the Mustique Gas Station situated near the Building Yard. It is open from 7:00 AM to Noon and 2:00 to 6:00 PM from Monday to Saturday. Please ensure you have sufficient gas to last through Sunday as the Station is closed on that day.
Internet access is available and can easily be arranged through the Mustique
Company.
Ultramarine is equipped with four incoming phone lines - two for telephone
and one each dedicated to fax and modem. The staff has their own seperate
lines. You can have callers dial the villa direct or you can screen them
through the islands switchboard.
The Mustique Company adds a charge of 30% to long distance calls. Outgoing calls cost about US$3.00 per minute. Incoming calls are only US$1.00 per minute so you may wish to encourage friends and family to call you. The direct-dial phone number at Ultramarine is (784) 456-3351. If you wish to make direct-dial off island phone calls, you may request The Mustique Company to adjust their switches to accomplish this and you will be billed upon departure.
The West Indies are best known for the trade winds that blow constantly. This is why the area is one of the best yachting locations in the world. Although both bedrooms are equipped with an air-conditioner for those that demand one, the villa is located on the beach and receives cool breezes throughout the night. All rooms have ceiling fans.
Ultramarine is equipped with Fax machine . . . Television . . . VCR . . . Radio . . . Cassette, CD, and Tape Player . . . and a personal jewelry safe in each of the two bedrooms.
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All beaches are good for swimming and snorkeling except Pasture
Bay on the Atlantic side of the Island. |
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 The Atlantic side beaches such as Macaroni are enjoyable for picnics and body-surfing. Ultramarine is stocked with beach towels along with floats and beach chairs. In deference to local customs we ask you to exercise discretion in regard to topless and nude bathing on family beaches such as Macaroni and in public areas. |
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The Doctor’s Clinic is open from 8:30 AM to Noon every day except on Sundays and public holidays. He is, however, available at all times when needed. Band Aids, aspirin and other items may be found in the pantry at Ultramarine.
The typical gratuity for the staff is 3% of gross house rental, divided among the staff. Of course, the actual amount and distribution is left to your discretion.
The system is English with 220 volt outlets. Each bathroom has a universal razor outlet. Plug adapters and converter boxes can be requested from the staff. Each bathroom is supplied with a 220 volt hairdryer that can be plugged into any of the outlets. Electricity is provided solely by the island’s generator.
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We ask that you treat Ultramarine as if it were your own home. Since you’ll have a staff, only modest efforts on your part will be required. Please observe simple courtesies such as washing sand off your feet and body before entering the pool or house or avoiding lying on cloth furniture with wet bathing suits. |
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A library has been set up in the living room. Help yourself. Any of your own books which you do not wish to keep would be much appreciated as donations to the library as you depart. We would appreciate your not removing any books from the island since some of our regular guests leave their favorite books to finish on a return trip.
Tennis,
Riding, Watersports
Two modern tennis courts with lighting are just south of the school house. Early morning bookings are made by calling the Mustique Company. Best times for play are early morning and after 4:00 PM. Two rackets are available at Ultramarine. However, you may need fresh tennis balls which can be obtained at The Boutique across from Basil’s Bar.
Horses are available for experienced riders. To arrange riding (at a minimum charge of US$10.00 call 427. Sailboards can be rented on the beach at the Cotton House or from Basil’s watersport centre, which also offers watersking and rental of small sailcraft.
For yacht charters see the notice boards at Basil’s Bar, the Cotton House, and the Mustique Company office.
Informality and comfort prevail. Shorts or bathing suits are worn during the day. Most ladies wear long dresses, skirts or nice slacks in the evenings. Gentlemen wear open neck shirts. Jackets are usually not worn.
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The Mustique Company runs a scheduled flight to St. Vincent every day except Sundays. The flights leave at approximately 7:30 AM and return at 1:15 and 4:30 PM. You can book a passage by calling extension 336 - Airport Manager. A reduced schedule operates in the off-season months (mid-April to mid-December). For information about what to do in St. Vincent and the rest of the Grenadine Islands, yacht and air charters, etc., the House Management Staff will be happy to offer advice. |
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Renee’s at The Mustique Company maintains a list of activities as well as charter information. You may wish to check with her shortly after arrival to see what’s available.
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There are four Boutiques - one in the old Cotton Mill near the Cotton House and the Concept, at Basil’s Bar. The third is operated by Nella Hasselquist and is located next to Basil’s Store. The fourth is operated by Johanna Mornis and is located next to Nella’s Boutique. |
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The payment of bills at the Cotton House, Basil’s Bar, Firefly and Great General Store should be made directly to those establishments prior to leaving.
All other charges incurred by you during your stay may be billed by The Mustique Company. These include air charters, telephone, medical, etc. You should settle this bill at the end of your stay. In order to help this run smoothly, we would ask you to visit Beverly Fields at The Mustique Company upon arrival to set up a guest account. She will need to see your American Express or VISA card to establish an account. Checks are not accepted.
Area
Code (784)
Mustique
Island 488-8000
Ultramarine House 488-8351
Ultramarine Staff House 488-8313
Basil’s Bar 488-8350
Airport 488-8336
Addresses:
Ultramarine House
P.O. Box 349
Mustique Island
St. Vincent & the Grenedines
West Indies
(784) 488-8351