Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds stopped off in St Lucia to meet the Caribbean island’s prime minister before jetting the final stretch of their journey to the celebrity enclave of Mustique for a luxury-laced retreat.
Emerging slightly dishevelled and weary from the long-haul flight, the Prime Minister mustered a thumbs up as he wrapped an arm around his St Lucian counterpart Allen Chastanet, who congratulated him on his thumping election victory.
Beaming British Airways cabin crew also squeezed around the two leaders for a picture on the steps of the airplane which touched down on Boxing Day.
Mr Chastanet yesterday said: ‘Today we welcomed British PM Boris Johnson to Saint Lucia for a short layover.
‘I thanked the PM for his country’s continued support to our country and the region and of course took the opportunity to once again offer my heartiest congratulations on his hard-won and well-deserved victory in the recent election.
‘We look forward to working more closely together on our countries’ shared mutual interests.’
With a bag slung over his shoulder, the PM emerged from the plane wearing a dark suit jacket and trousers to meet the St Lucia leader.
But he is expected to leave all formal government duties at the door of his £20,000-a-week Caribbean villa where he and 31-year-old girlfriend will toast in the New Year and celebrate keeping the keys to Number 10.
Emerging slightly dishevelled and weary from the long-haul flight, the Prime Minister mustered a thumbs up as he wrapped an arm around his St Lucian counterpart Allen Chastanet, who congratulated him on his thumping election victory
Beaming British Airways cabin crew also squeezed around the pair for a picture on the steps of the airplane which touched down on Boxing Day
The couple, whose relationship has been under the spotlight since he became Tory leader in July, were hardly seen together during the election but will now enjoy a getaway
Mr Johnson and Ms Symonds – who was not pictured in St Lucia – are now understood to have arrived at Mustique to get some winter sun and relax after a tough month criss-crossing the country on the campaign trail.
The couple, whose relationship has been under the spotlight since he became Tory leader in July, were hardly seen together during the election.
In the aftermath of his win, Mr Johnson has still not had chance to put his feet up – instead ramming through his Queen’s Speech bills and Brexit withdrawal deal.
Yet, still flying high from storming to the largest Conservative majority since Margaret Thatcher, he and Ms Symonds will finally recharge their batteries on Mustique.
Famed for its white-sand beaches, the exclusive island in the archipelago nation of St Vincent and the Grenadines is a favourite of the rich and famous, with Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger owning property on the island.
The extraordinary six-bedroom villa is perched on the hilltops of Mustique, giving resplendent views of the island.
The couple will be staying with the Von Bismark family – who are descended from the first German chancellor Otto Von Bismark – but it is not clear who will be picking up the bill.
A brochure for the villa says: ‘The open air plan provides the perfect balance of indoor and outdoor living spaces.
‘Multiple sunset decks and lounge areas with seven lighted water features make the property well suited for entertaining.
The stunning bedroom of the six-bedroom villa where Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds will staying. It comes replete with a four poster bed
The open plan dining area is perfect for entertaining and eating, with stunning views of the surrounding ocean and countryside
Mr Johnson and his girlfriend can kick back and relax after a bruising general election campaign while enjoying the panoramic views at the villa
The couple are staying with the Von Bismark family and as well as having the sea just a stone’s throw away, then can also take a dip in their own pool
he couple are understood to have landed at a nearby island yesterday, before taking another plane and arriving at Mustique today at the villa which boats three private pools, a butler, chef and housekeeper
‘This tranquil villa rests harmoniously on a hilltop overlooking Britannia Bay, which offers perfect trade wind breezes and panoramic views of the surrounding Caribbean and lush landscape of the island.’
The couple are understood to have landed at a nearby island yesterday, before taking another plane and arriving at Mustique today at the villa which boats three private pools, a butler, chef and housekeeper.
The island is also a favourite of the Royal Family, with the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall having holidayed there as well as Princess Margaret who was gifted land on the island as a wedding present.
She was famously photographed in 1976 with Roddy Llewellyn while still married to Lord Snowden, which caused a major royal scandal.
In recent years, prime ministers have tended to take more low-key holidays with Theresa May enjoying walking holidays in Wales with husband Philip and David Cameron and his family often holidaying in Cornwall.
But Mr Johnson is clearly in the mood for a more luxury retreat after securing his passage back to No10 with a thumping Tory majority.
A brochure for the villa says: ‘The open air plan provides the perfect balance of indoor and outdoor living spaces’
Stunning view: The island is also a favourite of the Royal Family, with the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall having holidayed there as well as Princess Margaret who was gifted land on the island as a wedding present
The couple will be staying with the Von Bismark family – who are descended from the first German chancellor Otto Von Bismark – but it is not clear who will be picking up the bill for the swanky villa
Private Pool: Mr Johnson and Ms Symonds are understood to have arrived at Mustique to get some winter sun and relax after a tough election campaign
Known for its white-sand beaches, the exclusive island (pictured) in the archipelago nation of St Vincent and the Grenadines is a favourite of the rich and famous