News Release
Condé Nast Johansens Luxury Hotel Guides select Firefly as a “Recommended Property” for 2007
SAN FRANCISCO October 2006 -- Condé Nast Johansens, the international luxury hotel guide publisher, today endorsed Firefly as a “Recommended Property” in Recommended Hotels, Inns, Resorts & Spas - The Americas, Atlantic, Caribbean & Pacific 2007.
The Condé Nast Johansens Guides are published for discerning travelers who seek top-quality facilities and services. They are the most comprehensive illustrated reference guides to independently owned hotels, inns, resorts, spas and conference facilities throughout the Americas, Great Britain and Europe, and the only guide books to carry the prestigious and widely-recognized Condé Nast seal of approval.
“We are excited to include Firefly in our 2007 portfolio,” said Lesley O’Malley-Keyes, Condé Nast Johansens Vice President and Publishing Director for the Americas. “Our inspectors visit numerous high-end properties and select only those that meet the rigorous criteria of the Guides. Firefly is an exemplary illustration.”
Recommendationsare selected for their individual charm, character and superior service, and only properties that meet the exacting requirements are included in the Guide. Condé Nast Johansens inspects each recommendationannually to ensure that it maintains high standards, and awards each included property the “Condé Nast Johansens Mark of Excellence” wall plaque as a sign of approval. The plaque is a guarantee of exceptional accommodations and serves as a valued endorsement for more than 13 million of the world’s most discerning travelers.
The 2007 Americas Guide, which includes 310 recommendations and two new destinations, Canada and Chile, is laid out in an easy-to-use format that greatly simplifies the independent traveler’s task of selecting and booking accommodations by providing maps and detailed information about facilities, locations, rates and contact information. Additionally, the company web site, www.johansens.com, provides an extensive searchable database of Recommended properties, along with exclusive special offers and seasonal discounts.
Consumers can purchase Condé Nast Johansens Guides at leading bookstores and via the online bookstore at www.johansens.com. Condé Nast Johansens promotes its Guides with an extensive media advertising program in such publications as Condé Nast Traveler, Gourmet and Architectural Digest.
Condé Nast Johansens is owned by Condé Nast Publications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Advance Publications and Condé Nast International, which publishes 72 magazines around the world including Vogue, Condé Nast Traveler, House & Garden, Architectural Digest, The New Yorker, GQ,, Tatler, Vanity Fair, Brides, Glamour and Wired.
After more than 18 years of Desert Island Discs, Sue Lawley has decided it's time for a break. This is where she plans to take it...
Most people assume that Radio Four's desert island is tropical. Palm-fringed curves of pale-gold sand meet a gentle azure sea, with only the lap of a wave or the call of a bird to disturb the peace.
The reality is, of course, that left alone in such a place you would soon become a dish fit for the Devil himself, as sand flies and mosquitoes conspired to eat you alive, and you were baked to a peeling husk by a merciless sun. I'm afraid that kind of desert island only works if it has been civilised by five-star luxury.
I've tried several of them - from the Seychelles to the Bahamas - but it may be that my step-daughter, Amy, recently found the perfect one. Her husband, Mark, took her on honeymoon to Mustique, where they stayed in a small hotel - five rooms only - called Firefly.
Firefly Restaurant
This is one of the island's most consistently popular restaurants, characterized by its bright tropical colors and open-air terraces, a busy bar area where you're likely to see Mustique's glitterati at play, and a menu that's the by-product of a European-trained chef whose earlier venues were very grand and very prestigious. Some of the establishment's tried-and-true dishes include spicy Caribbean crab cakes and pineapple-shrimp curry with rice. Other entrees change with the season and the inspiration of the chef. The drink associated with this place is the Firefly Special, made with coconut cream, two kinds of rum, fresh papaya, and nutmeg. Don't miss the banana flambé.
News Release
CONDÉ NAST JOHANSENS SELECTS FIREFLY AS A “RECOMMENDED HOTEL” FOR 2005
New York, Jan. 2005 - Condé Nast Johansens, the internationally acclaimed publisher of hotel guides, announced today that based on its hotel inspections in 2004, it will recommend Firefly, St. Vincent & The Grenadines in its 2005 Guide to Recommended Hotels, Inns and Resorts - North America, Bermuda, Caribbean, Mexico, Pacific.
Condé Nast Johansens publishes its Guides for discerning travelers who seek quality service and facilities. It makes hotel Recommendations based on their excellence of service and cuisine, as well as their unique style, diverse or exceptional location. Each recommended hotel must pass a rigorous inspection annually to be included in the Guide. “The word ‘Recommendation’ in the title of our Guides reflects the critical contribution made each year by our team of inspectors, all of whom have a wealth of experience from which our readers can benefit,” said Andrew Warren, Condé Nast Johansens Managing Director.
Lesley O’Malley-Keyes, Condé Nast Johansens Vice President and Publishing Director North America, added, “We are very pleased to be recommending Firefly in our 2005 edition. It is truly a reflection of its impressive hospitality.”
The 2005 edition of Recommended Hotels, Inns and Resorts - North America, Bermuda, Caribbean, Mexico, Pacific, available at Borders and other major bookstores, includes 243 hotel Recommendations ranging from quiet rural retreats to spectacular resorts. The Guide devotes a fi.ill page to each hotel Recommendation, complete with full-color photographs and detailed information about its facilities and tariffs.
Consumers can purchase Condé Nast Johansens Guides at leading bookstores, by calling Condé Nast Johansens at 1-800-564-7518 or via the online bookstore at www.johansens.com. Condé Nast Johansens promotes its Guides with an extensive media advertising program in such publications as Condé Nast Traveler, Gourmet, The New York Times Magazine, Sophisticated Traveler and Architectural Digest.
Condé Nast Johansens is owned by Condé Nast Publications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Advance Publications and Condé Nast International, which publishes 72 magazines around the world, including Vogue, Condé Nast Traveler, House & Garden, Architectural Digest, The New Yorker, GQ, Taller, Vaniay Fair, Brides, Glamour and Wired.
The location
Perched high above the harbour, with magnificent views of the sea, Firefly is just one of two hotels on the exclusive Caribbean island of Mustique (the other is the more expensive Cotton House). Built in the 1970s as a private villa, it's a cosy affair with just four bedrooms, a lounge and bar and a restaurant on the terrace. Looking down the steep, verdant hillside to the pool, Jacuzzi and waterfall area below, the famous Basil's Bar is also visible.
The USP
Everyone drops in for a drink at some time or other - Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Liz Hurley, Hugh Grant (not necessarily all together) have called in for sundowners, taking a break from the exclusive isolation of their rented houses. But owner Stan Clayton does not encourage rubbernecking or autograph hunters - you will be shown discreetly to the door. You have been warned.
The comfort factor
Deliciously tropical. White muslin curtains drape the four posters. We stayed in "Pineapple", which was a spacious, extremely romantic room with its own balcony. Proper white linen, a CD player and air conditioning or ceiling fans are all provided, plus complimentary sarongs and a beach basket with towels, masks and snorkels. The lack of a television means you can leave the world behind.
The bathroom
Hot and cold showers, a circular bath made with local beach pebbles and stone. Unbleached cotton towels, robes and hair dryers are also provided.
The food and drink
Just climb the circular staircase to the restaurant (some have been known to slide back down after a few drinks). The fresh home-cooked food focuses on fish and vegetables. I particularly enjoyed a breakfast of papaya and mango, scrambled eggs and pancakes. And cheerful room service means you don't have to face your public if you don't want to.
The people
As well as aforementioned celebrities, most guests are couples enjoying a romantic holiday. The atmosphere is intimate and while Stan and his wife, Elizabeth, are always on hand, they're not in your face.
The area
Mustique is all about relaxation - if you want nightlife go to St Barts - although Basil's Bar is a great place to go dancing. Also recommended is gospel singing on Sunday at the island's tiny church. For even more fun, hire a yacht and go to Bequia or St Vincent for a day. Otherwise, stick to scuba diving or picnicking on Macaroni Beach.
The access
Due to its position on a steep hill, and its spiral staircase, Firefly is inaccessible for people with disabilities or children under 12.
But even this pales in comparison to the world's most exclusive hotel - the Firefly on the privately owned Caribbean Island of Mustique. Its become a retreat for the extremely wealthy to build private villas, including Tommy Hilfiger and David Bowie. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the Firefly has only four bedrooms but they are all exquisite, with four poster beds and exposed stone walls. These rooms boast some of the most magnificent views in the Caribbean and neighbouring islands. Guest will discover hammocks and private lounging areas nestled amongst amazing scenery and beautiful waterfalls. They will also be able to swim in the Fireflys two fresh water swimming pools. The Fireflys small bar and lounge area, complete with grand piano, draws Mustiques rich and famous, such as Phil Collins, who once gave an impromptu concert in the bar.
Most of the villas are for rent (at astronomical rates) or you could stay at the Cotton House, a sumptuous hotel. I would instead, return to the Firefly Hotel every time. Owned by Stan & Elizabeth Clayton, this small gem cascades down a hillside to two pools joined by a waterfall and to a series of stone patios shaded by flowering trees. It has only four rooms to rent but they are all exquisite, with four poster beds, mosquito nets and exposed stone walls. Firefly's small bar and lounge area, complete with grand piano and comfortable couches, is the island's "in" spot, often drawing the visiting famous, such as Phil Collins, who once gave an impromptu concert there.
Who goes there ? .... Incurable romantics. Firefly could have been created for lovers. Even the pool is sexy and secluded, with little grotto-like sunbathing areas (each with just enough room for two people) scattered throughout the leafy gardens. For serious romance, however, be sure to book the "Seashell" suite, which has a private ocean-facing patio, and is the perfect place for watching spectacular sunsets. Firefly is also ideal for young funky couples who don't mind the steep climb from the swimming pool to the hotel. Jay Kay from Jamiroquai and Zara Phillips have both stayed here.
The four-room (yes, four) Firefly is a little- known hideaway on a hill, with wall-less views of Canouan and Grenada, three minutes by foot above Britannia Bay or five minutes to the palm-shaded Lagoon Beach. (Although almost everyone rents minimokes.) Packing picnic baskets is a hotel specialty, and there are two swimming pools, one a mini. Four-posters are draped in mosquito netting. The restaurant is both unexpectedly excellent and filled with those names of fame who own their own Mustique villas. Who knows who might be at the keyboard of the grand piano in the bar with a view?
The Firefly, where Mick Jagger might be seated next to you. Or Phil Collins or Richard Branson or Princess Margaret of England... This is the place where ordinary people steal glances at you wondering if you are somebody famous, someone extraordinary, someone with a home here on this dreamland of sumptuous architecture and opulent taste. You celebrate a classic sunset sipping Champagne at the Firefly, high atop a cliff, a guest house, a restaurant and bar with a black grand piano and an electric crowd that is the epitome of Mustique Casual. The accommodations here take you to a wonderland of Caribbean fantasy, in harmony with everything that is beautiful in these radiant tropics, the rooms them selves virtually outdoors yet secure in their privacy, convincing you then that this is all yours, the roar of the ocean far below, the crickets, the tree frogs serenading only you...
...the cocktail bar at the Firefly is a better bet
...the trendy Firefly restaurant and bar
... an even more intimate option is the captivating Firefly... The bar at the Firefly is the "in" hangout, open till "?". Very Cool.
...unfailingly provides an alternative interpretation...
Mustique’s best kept secret is Firefly, the only privately owned hotel on the island. Perched on a hill above Britannia Bay, with magnificent views of the sea and nearby islands, it has only four rooms and is undoubtedly one of the most exclusive small hostelries in the Caribbean.
Firefly... voted one of the top four Caribbean hideaways with "few rooms and lots of charm"
...(Firefly)... It is certainly much needed competition for the long established monopoly of Basil’s Bar... has succeeded in attracting the likes of Johnny Depp, Kate Moss and the Gallagher brothers (very hip), Jamiroquai (sort of hip) and Phil Collins...
Stan’s bar at the four bedroom Firefly is legendary for attracting Mustique’s hipper drinking crowd.
Basil’s Bar has been famous since the sixties, when Princess Margaret built a house on Mustique, Now Basil’s is for bare boaters or for lunch, or for the Wednesday barbecue with live music. But time has moved on - and so should you - to Firefly, an inn above Britannia Bay... The high life starts at 10:00 p.m. providing glimpses of Mustique’s jet set-maybe Mick Jagger, Jerry Hall and Viscount Linley
Firefly Hotel, the only place to stay... George Michael, Bill Gates, Princess Margaret, Treat Williams, Courtney Love and Mick Jagger have all been seen there recently
...the fun place to hang out is Firefly, a guesthouse, bar & restaurant owned & run by Stan & Elizabeth. There you will find Mick Jagger propping up the bar during his regular sojourns (Mr. Jagger is also chairman of the local school board - their meetings must be worth attending). Last month Liam Gallagher of Oasis was in the bar for a drink with a party which included Kate Moss. Also in that evening was Phil Collins - you get the idea of the sort of clientele here.
Mustique has around 80 private villas including those belonging to H.R.H. Princess Margaret & Mick Jagger. The island has seven pristine deserted beaches. Mustique attracts a large "showbiz" clientele due to its deliberate policy to prohibit the paparazzi entry to the island. The popular place to stay is the small privately owned Firefly Hotel. It is also the place to be seen. Phil Collins, Kate Moss, Johnny Depp, Oasis, Steven Dorff, Liv Tyler & Mick Jagger have all been spotted there in the last few months.
Having visited every Caribbean island and nearly every hotel (God help me!) In my 30 years critiquing everything on the horizon and beyond I once more returned to the pristine island of Mustique set just 12 miles off the coast of St. Vincent in the Grenadines. I paid my first visit to the Firefly Hotel. Why, pray tell me have I had to wait this long to find (in my humble consideration) the "Jewel in the Crown" (well it is British!). Set high in the trees overlooking Britannia Bay, this "Boutique" hotel stands apart. I am not giving a hotel brochure description of it but if I was an Olympic Diving Judge I would throw away all my score cards except the one with 10 on, as the only splash here will come from the swimming pools. Only six glorious rooms and the finest watering (and feeding) hole you will find anywhere in the Caribbean. By the way if you are into royalty and celebrity spotting, this is the island hangout but be warned cameras & autograph hunters are definitely not welcome, that is of course if you can get in. Christmas New Year is booked five years in advance & getting a table for dinner is about as impossible as getting one in Spago’s on Oscar night. My tip is not to give it a miss when you are in this part of the world.
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