William Hanson discovers why Princess Margaret loved Mustique

This year, the small Caribbean island of Mustique celebrates its 60th anniversary

Although the land is obviously much older than 60, it is in 1958 that Colin Tennant, the 3rd Baron Glenconner, buys l & # 39; island. (which had no fresh water or electricity) for the bargain price of £ 45,000 and began to turn it into an upscale holiday destination, it is still today # 39; hui.

Gently, in 1960, Tennant offered a parcel of land in the island to his friend and former companion His Royal Highness Princess Margaret – although it was only in 1968 that she He formally agreed (having sneakily raised the stakes that marked the plot and replanted a field further to give him more acreage).

The Pretty Waters were – like many airy dwellings – designed by theater designer Oliver Messel (and Tony's uncle) Snowdon). The theatricality of the villa helped Margaret to present herself as the main lady of Mustique, although her taste for furnishings surprised the suburbs: she had a penchant for color fishing (the whole room was fishing) and the household items. The calendar of the princess on Mustique was invariable. Even at home she was not known to get up early, and on the island 11am was the time set to wake up, have a cup of coffee with the lady of honor and then venturing to the island's hotel, the Cotton House, for a cigarette

She would then go to the beach, dive into the sea for a very slow beating, her royal head too high as possible, with a member of his staff just behind: a routine I've always followed ineluctably – although my wife in waiting was my partner, but as he is a swimmer faster, it's a good thing. I followed him.

Originally, The Cotton House was the counting house for merchants to inspect cotton but in its current incarnation as a hotel, also Designed by Oliver Messel, opened in 1970, it has 15 "keys", consisting of three cottages, five beachfront rooms, six suites and a private residence.

Today, most people believe that "luxury" is all that glitters, but nothing shines physically at the Cotton House – The impeccable service and hospitality offered by the exquisite staff and professional, impeccable accommodation and always delicious food from Chef Elio Debae.

Sitting enjoying a breakfast each morning at The Cotton House, looking at the simple charm of Endeavor Bay, we could It's easy to see why Margaret and many others come home once that's up. they quickly fell in love with the island landscape and the hard work that makes it even more appealing.

There are many people who would find the serenity and ease of living at the hotel less appealing than what some glitzy hotels would offer – but these are not the guys who come to Mustique.

Observing the demographic of the guest that the island draws to the hotel's weekly beverage evening on Tuesday night (open to non-guest guests as well) were a good sport. Most were relaxed and well-off Westerners from Britain, North America and South Africa. There was little pretense and overt bravery – dare I say that there were tasteful connotations of that old British trait of calm, innocent and innocent superiority?

For yet happy and at peace the Royal Princess was on the island, Margaret's last trip to the island was poorly completed. In early 1999, she went to take her morning shower, but because of a still unknown problem with the plumbing, the hot water drawn from the bath faucets, crush on her feet, and the princess has collapsed, with water like lava still

Found by her cook, who still works today on the island, she soon refused to go to school. to have the medical care she really needed and, a few weeks later, the queen had to use Concorde for convalescence

Jolies Eaux was sold, in 1999, by her son, Viscount Linley, for 1.5 million pound sterling. Since its stay on the island, the four bedroom villa has been enlarged and now has seven bedrooms. It is available for rent for tens of thousands of dollars.

Mustique now belongs to a private company different from the original Tennant, although it still calls itself Mustique Company. He recently purchased the most popular bar on the island, Basil's, on Britannia Bay, which has just reopened after a complete renovation

Princess Margaret would be happy to know that her grand nephew and her wife, Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who has repeatedly stayed on the island, maintains the royal bond with the British – and it is believed that they are there now, with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Since its original incarnation in the 50s, Mustique is still the same Caribbean Eden for those who seek the ultimate (intangible) luxury of indisputable privacy and uncompromising service.

And the water of the bath faucets is just the right temperature.