Les Jolies Eaux: History of the Royal Residence

8TH AUGUST 2023

As you travel to the private island of Mustique, you may be curious about the history of the Les Jolies Eaux estate. This stately residence has been a popular vacation spot for royals and esteemed guests. In this article, we’ll look at the history of Les Jolies Eaux and how it became such a beloved destination. So sit back, relax, and enjoy diving into the history of this piece of paradise.

Mustique was originally owned by Lord Glenconner, a close friend of Princess Margaret, who gifted the property to her as a wedding present.

Long before the Les Jolies Eaux estate rose to prominence as a luxurious vacation home on the Caribbean’s Mustique Island, it was merely a small plot of land owned by then Colin Tennant (now Lord Glenconner). Legends tell us that Lord Glenconner, a close friend of the late Princess Margaret, decided to gift her this land as a wedding present in 1960 – or so the story goes. This began a long love and history between the princess and the infamous island.

Les Jolies Eaux was built on Mustique Island in 1966 by British architect Oliver Messel.

The Les Jolies Eaux estate was built back in 1966 by British architect Oliver Messel on Mustique Island, an exclusive island located in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

With a Mustique heritage of royalty, celebrities, party-goers, and adventurers, Les Jolies Eaux – sometimes misspelt as Les Jolie Eaux without the ‘s’ – has always made for a wonderful place to visit. From its tranquil white beaches to the glistening blue waters, it has been the most preferred Mustique destination for many years. 

Princess Margaret visited Les Jolies Eaux and brought the world with her.

Princess Margaret had a special bond with the private paradise that is Mustique and the Caribbean – a place where the white sand and crystal-clear waters would serve as her playground. The haven, located in the Caribbean Sea, was an oasis away from the public eye, and she often visited Les Jolies Eaux estate, which became one of her favourite places to stay. 

The press ultimately began intruding and wrote about the home and the various guests, and Les Jolies Eaux was no longer a hidden gem; it became a household name. Nearly 50 years later, it’s back on the map once more thanks to Netflix’s The Crown. It’s featured as Princess Margaret’s getaway spot in seasons three and four. 

Les Jolies Eaux

After the Princess died in 2002, the estate was sold to an American businessman.

Wondering who owns Les Jolies Eaux now? After the death of the aristocratic owner of the Les Jolies Eaux estate in Mustique Island in 2002, the estate changed hands. It was bought by an American businessman and hotelier who accomplished an impressive feat when his family took on the daunting task of restoring the Les Jolies Eaux estate on Mustique Island.

The new owner is said to have kept the original charm of this former sugar plantation of the 1700s intact and proven his unique skill for transforming derelict castles into updated homes with a historical backdrop.

He has also maintained a balance between modernising without taking away from its heritage, allowing locals and tourists alike to experience a piece of that era. The property has been lovingly restored to its original grandeur, with beautiful gardens that stretch across lush land. 

His investment has both preserved an important part of the island’s history and made it accessible to the public, making it a great place to visit to get a taste of what it was like centuries ago, but now guests can enjoy a slice of paradise with modern amenities while staying here. 

Les Jolies Eaux

Les Jolies Eaux estate is a special place that provides a unique type of luxury and relaxation; it’s little wonder why royalty – and many others – have chosen to stay here. This luxurious residence has been providing the perfect escape for nearly 60 years, making it a great destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of life. 

Les Jolies Eaux luxury villa has two king bedrooms with en-suites and showers, one king bedroom with en-suite bath and shower, a queen bedroom with en-suite and shower, and a twin bedroom with en-suite and shower. In addition, there is an extra children’s bedroom with two bunk beds. Les Jolies Eaux villa is sure to fit your party’s needs. The wonderful staff of Butler, Chef, Gardener, and two Housekeepers live on-site in dedicated staff accommodation to provide daily service and hospitality for residents of Les Jolies Eaux.

At Simply Islands, we are dedicated to making your trip memorable. We work closely with the management of Mustique Island, who take great care to ensure guests’ transportation arrangements are in place. To see details of how to get to Mustique, download the Property Brochure.

Are you ready for the perfect luxury getaway? You can book the Les Jolies Eaux estate or a similar property for your Caribbean holiday. Together, we can plan a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Our experienced concierge team of travel advisors will provide you with expert advice and personalised service to ensure your trip is as special and stress-free as possible. 

So what are you waiting for? Contact us today to plan a vacation and live like royalty.



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