Originally an 18th century coral warehouse and sugar mill, the late British designer, Oliver Messel carefully restored many of the original features of the Cotton House. The Cotton House underwent a full scale renovation, completed in December 1996 and a second phase of the renovation in December 1997, the restoration of an original Oliver Messel house to the "Coutinot House" which now boasts five of the most deluxe and distinctive rooms and suites. In the Caribbean with the third refurbishment and development in 2004 saw the creation of the two bedroom Cotton Hill Residence, two Duplex Suites, a large swimming pool and a number plunge pools and the total refurbishment of all existing rooms. It is widely recognised as one of the Caribbean's top established luxury resorts.

Located on the tiny Grenadine island of Mustique which is only 3 by 1/2 miles, the Cotton House is situated on a picturesque hillside surrounded by the Caribbean Sea to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Mustique is one of the most exclusive private islands in the world and the Cotton House is the island's only full-service hotel. The Cotton House has been managed by GLA International since November 1998.