The island’s story is one of regeneration. Once depleted by cotton and copra farming, it has been carefully restored over decades into a lush, thriving environment. Ongoing conservation work includes planting resilient vegetation and dry forest, reducing the impact of extreme weather and fire. This long-term approach has strengthened biodiversity, including the discovery of species such as the crested iguana.
This is a family story led by Josephine (Josie) Smith-Moffat and Will Moffat, whose hands-on ethos sets the resort apart from commercialised offerings. Their focus is on sustainable infrastructure suited to conditions, including an underground power system balancing resilience with aesthetics. They operate beyond their guest base with ‘The Trader’ general store, servicing marina visitors, locals, wider island community, along with on-site fuel for visiting vessels. Looking ahead, solar energy initiatives form part of a carefully managed transition toward renewables. ‘Long-term sustainability and viability go hand-in-hand and must be financially cohesive, not just greenwashing and tokenistic,’ said Will Moffat.
For now the focus remains on what sets them apart, not chasing trends or reinvention, but recognising their defining strength is its people. Many have stayed for decades, delivering authentic service that has become synonymous with the Musket Cove experience.
‘What matters most over the years is the relationships we’ve built with guests and our team; a strong sense of place,’ Wayne Deed, director of sales and marketing says. ‘That genuine connection is what creates an old friend’s reunion vibe and keeps people coming back.’
Musket Cove is marking the occasion with a rebrand, new staff uniforms, commemorative merchandise, and a calendar of events, including two major yachting rallies and the flagship September regatta, all honouring shared memories.
By Faye Spooner
