Fustic House is a luxurious private estate set in eleven acres of stunning tropical gardens and is considered by the National Trust to be one of the treasures of Barbados. The original Great House dates from the 17th century and was transformed in the 1970s by Oliver Messel, the famous theatrical designer. Messel left England at the height of his career to retreat to the lush beauty of the Caribbean. He designed many homes on Barbados and Mustique, including Princess Margaret’s.

The Gentler Side of Barbados

The owners of Fustic House are keen supporters of the local village at Half Moon Fort, where both the school and village sports days are very important to the community. Guests to Fustic are likewise encouraged to support the village where they feel able. Fustic recommends that guests try dining out at the (delicious) village Fish Fry or the (hilariously noisy) Karaoke Bar and shop, owned by the local MP. Guests get a vivid, real experience of natural Barbados, but importantly, they also bring business which is much appreciated.

Fustic has close links with the local Andromeda Botanical gardens include a programme of planting indigenous trees and shrubs which have become rare over the centuries of sugar cane farming.

A meditation area is set aside for quiet contemplation and staff can organise massage, yoga, reflexology, reiki (and beauty treatments). Most of these disciplines encourage a thoughtful and sensitive state of mind, so that a holliday at Fustic becomes less about Taking something (as in taking a holiday), and more about going on a journey.

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