☰Macaroni Beach

Macaroni Beach is the showpiece of Mustique: a wide arc of pale sand on the Atlantic-facing eastern coast, framed by sea-grape trees at each end and open to the full force of the easterly swells. The surf here is more energetic than on the leeward side, making it the best spot on the island for bodyboarding or simply watching waves do interesting things.

A small wooden pavilion at the beach provides shade. The beach itself is technically private — like most things on Mustique — but accessible to villa renters and Cotton House guests. A golf buggy track through the island's hilly interior connects it to the main village, and part of its appeal is the approach: through vegetation, over a ridge, and suddenly down to that long sandy crescent. Best visited before midday, when the sun is still east of south and the light falls cleanly onto the water.