Inside royal holiday island 28 miles off Brit coast where Kate and Wills hang out as ‘locals’ and go dolphin watching

AQUAMARINE water, white sand beaches and luxurious villas with beachfront dining... no, we're not talking about the Caribbean - this idyllic island is much closer to home.

Located just 28 miles off the Cornish coast, the island of Tresco has been dubbed 'Mustique without the mosquitoes'.

It's a favourite of the royals - and used to be owned by the Duchy of Cornwall.

Over the years members of The Firm have travelled there to escape the public glare and hustle and bustle of royal life.

In 1989 then-Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana vacationed on the island with their young sons Princes William and Harry.

While they no longer own the island, the royals still own a property there, Dolphin House, which is part of the Duchy of Cornwall's impressive property portfolio.

Nicknamed the 'Cornish Caribbean', Tresco is completely car-free.

It's privately owned after the lease for the Isles of Scilly was acquired from the Duchy of Cornwall by a wealthy philanthropist called Augustus Smith in 1834.

Mr Smith, who was an MP for Truro, built his home on the island of Tresco, and started the sub-tropical Tresco Abbey Gardens.

Although the other islands have since gone back to the Duchy of Cornwall, Tresco remains in the procession of his descendants, Robert and Lucy Dorien-Smith.

Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton are known to be fans of the island, and enjoyed a holiday there in August 2020 with their kids.

Locals and holidaymakers who got a glimpse of them were amazed by how well the down-to-earth couple blended in.

Some visitors said: "We hardly noticed at first as they seemed a normal family on holiday intent on keeping themselves to themselves."

Residents told Mail Online: "William and Kate were both smiling widely and looked really happy and relaxed.

"Their bodyguards had big smiles, too – it was clear to see that it had been a really good holiday."

On their activities, a source added: “Boat taxis known as Specials were organised for low-key scenic boat trips for the family to be privately taken to some of the wilder islands for bird watching and seeing dolphins.

"This island is part private so a bit like their favourite holiday destination Mustique, but without the mosquitoes."

Plush home

It's not known whether Kate and William stayed at Dolphin House - which is available for holidaymakers to rent for £59 per person per night.

Now the Prince of Wales has taken over the Duchy, he is technically its owner.

With six bedrooms and the ability to accommodate 10 people, the huge granite building is one of the most remarkable homes on the island.

Guests can enjoy its breathtaking views of the coastline, huge dining room and spacious living area with high ceilings.

Arrive in style

The best and fastest way to get to Tresco is by flying direct in a helicopter on a 15-minute journey from Cornwall.

Upon arrival, a complimentary electric shuttle will transport guests to their accommodation. You can also fly in on a fixed-winged plane from Land's End or Newquay Airport.

The island stresses that guests must let them know about their travel plans in advance using an online form so they can be greeted and accompanied to their accommodation.

Tresco is the perfect destination for total privacy - there are only 150 people that permanently live on the island.

There are several luxurious rooms, apartments and homes, including five-star beachfront accommodations.

Traditional cottages are also scattered across the island for guests who want a taste of quintessential Cornish living.

While on the island, visitors can book a bike ride like the royals have previously done, or relax with yoga and meditation at the Tresco Island Spa.

Other activities include snorkelling and swimming with seals, or visiting the Tresco Abbey Gardens, which is home to over 20,000 plants from more than 80 countries.

Guests can even treat themselves to some retail therapy as there are several shops that sell island-inspired jewellery, paintings and homeware.

There are plenty of historical attractions to see in Tresco - it is the home of King Charles's Castle, which was used by Royalists during the English Civil War and dates back to 1550.

Another popular historical landmark is Cromwell's Castle, built in the 1650s by Abraham Tovey.