By MARISA SPYKER From Coastal Living

The private island has been a favorite escape for the royal family for years.

There are maybe a handful of times in our adult life when we long to be in the shoes of a five-year-old. This is absolutely one of those times.

The eldest child of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge just turned five on July 22, and to celebrate the big day, his royal parents have reportedly whisked him away to none other than the exclusive, celeb-magnet island of Mustique–and he looks pretty happy about it, judging by his most recent official portrait released by the palace.

Situated west of Barbados in the archipelago of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, this 2-square-mile paradise is beloved by the royal family for its privacy. Since it’s a no-fly zone and home to only 100 villas, paparazzi are non-existent and people, in general, are minimal. The island prides itself on remaining low-key, with just a few shops and restaurants and the entertainment largely coming in the form of house parties and the pristine white-sand coastline.

The destination, naturally, has been a favorite for Prince William and Princess Kate for years, according to People, who report that the royals first vacationed there together while dating in 2008 and have returned several times since—including while Kate was pregnant with Prince George.

But, despite its exclusivity, you don’t need to be a royal to enjoy the stunning beaches of Mustique. Gather a group together and snag one of the ultra-luxurious villas for a week, or book a room at the charming Cotton House Hotel (where Will and Kate reportedly go for cocktails). Rates for the hotel start at $580.

All in favor of celebrating their next birthday—be it 5^th, 35^th, or 75^th—like Prince George? Yea, us too.

IMAGES:

Getty Images

Kensington Royal

Julien Capmeil; Styling by Rachael Burrow; Model Chelsea Rollins of Wilhelmina

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