#Mandalay Pearl | Pearl Retreats | Mustique **Mandalay Pearl has an enviable combination where a fantastic location meets jaw-dropping views. The property is a 6.2-acre, Balinese-style villa perched on the hills above Britannia Bay on the island of Mustique, in the archipelago nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.** **Mustique is a private island, known for its luxurious white-sand beaches. Britannia Bay is located on the island’s west coast, and is home to a collection of small shops and fruit stalls; nearby is the tiny village of Lovell.** **Nestled amongst luscious vegetation, Mandalay Pearl is the ultimate tropical escape, a real tropical paradise, and as much care and attention went into the external architecture as it did to the internal.** **** ***_History_*** Mandalay was built by the Swedish architect Arne Hasselqvist between 1986 and 1989 and was built for David Bowie who on a trip to Mustique stumbled across the site and was instantly enamored. David wanted a build a Balinese-style house, or as he put it a ‘folly of follies’, and Swedish architect Arne Hasselqvist, known as ‘The Man Who Built Mustique’ worked with a team of architects led by Robert Litwiller, Michael White as landscape experts, and Linda Garland as interior designers to achieve this. The home was completed in 1989, with David moving into the property in December and naming the property ‘Britannia Bay House’. After moving in he built a small recording studio in the grounds, which is now a self-contained bedroom suite. In 1994 David sold the property to poet and author Felix Dennis who said that once he entered the estate it had him “under its spell” and he knew there was “no turning back”. Felix decided on the name Mandalay after the Rudyard Kipling poem, ‘The Road to Mandalay.’ Over the next ten years, Felix carried out various refurbishment projects at the estate, enhancing the offering and size of the property without compromising on the incredible original design. One of the biggest refurbishment projects was to the roof of Mandalay which involved creating a new roof for the entire property. The entrance pavilion provides an impressive welcome to many guests. Filled with an incredible selection of Balinese festival masks which look down from the rafters, and are accompanied by fire-breathing griffins designed by sculptor David Annand, Mandalay offers a welcome like no other. In 2014, Mandalay was sold again, this time to British Entrepreneur Simon Dolan who shares the same passion and enthusiasm for the estate as its previous owners. As it says at the entrance to Mandalay ‘Selamat datang!’ – ‘Welcome to our house!’ **** ***_The Estate_*** This stunning hilltop estate is a culmination of eclectic styles – Balinese style is fused with essential modern elements and Caribbean charm. There are west-facing views over Britannia Bay, and an infinity pool and split-level koi pond that blend the estate with the surrounding Caribbean Sea. **** ***_Features_*** The villa is set amongst six acres of gardens, and centres around a beautiful koi pond. The estate features both a luxurious infinity pool and a children’s paddling pool, so the whole family can enjoy a swim. There are five individually-styled bedroom suites, with private verandas leading to the pool. The main bungalow features a TV room, along with six en-suite bedrooms and a stunning Koi pond and waterfall at the centre. The estate has a drawing room, dining pavilion, games room, and fully-equipped music room, library with over 3,000 books and 2,000 films. *The Studio* features a sitting room, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom, along with its balcony. *The Writer’s Cottage* features an open-plan living and bedroom area, along with a bathroom and a balcony terrace. *The Bamboo Lounge* has a fully stocked bar, so is the ideal spot to further unwind after a day of relaxation. Each room of the estate is fully-prepared, from the fully-stocked bar of the Bamboo Lounge to the fully-equipped music room, waiting to be enjoyed. As you’d expect from the incredibly luxurious and exclusive Mandalay Estate, it houses a host of rooms and features that are provided to make your holiday amazing; Mandalay has it all and more. **** ***_Activities_*** Mandalay Pearl is on an island of tranquillity, so relaxing by and in the infinity pool is a must. Mustique Island is home to many beautiful beaches, so you’ll be spoilt for choice. Paddle in the sea or lounge on the sand and soak up the sun; particular favourite spots include Macaroni Beach and Lagoon Beach. For those seeking to be more active, there are six acres of gardens waiting to be explored, and mules (golf buggies) are available for travelling around the island. Sports activities are also available, including snorkelling, scuba diving, and paddle boarding. Head out on a private catamaran and explore the crystal clear waters. ****