If you’re a billionaire and go anywhere in the world, naturally your retreat will be your own private island. With your entourage of 40+ besties and family. Welcome to Necker Island, where the likes of Sir Richard Branson can be found with an equally celebrity-studded guest list on any given week. We have the inside scoop of how you can experience Necker, without buying out the entire island for a cool $100k a night.
Necker since 1978
Everyone is in the same boat nowadays with the pandemic when it comes to travel, even celebs. That’s why many avoid quarantine and stay at home. But not all homes are equal. Some involve private islands you can make yours for a little while.
One of our favorites is Necker Island. Sir Richard Branson made headlines when he bought Necker Island in 1978. Since the ’80s, celebrities such as Nelson Mandela and Princess Diana have spent time on the island. Kate Winslet reportedly saved Sir Richard’s mother during an unexpected fire. However, don’t mention that to Eve (aka Mrs. Branson). She’s a tough lady, and no one needed to rescue her. She walked out right on her own.
Today, Necker Island stands as one of the oldest celebrity-owned destinations in the world. It’s easily one of the best spots, if not the best place to stay, in the British Virgin Islands.
Good for:
You and up to 40 of your closest friends. If you’re not up to rent the whole isle, there are special celebration weeks at Necker. During celebration weeks you can reserve an individual room. While it’s still a relatively expensive nut, it beats the $100k/night price tag to buy out the isle.
The Experience
Upon arrival, staff awaits you with champagne to welcome you “home.”. At Necker, you are more than a guest. The Great House is a Balinese-style villa with 10 rooms and a 1,500-square-foot master suite. Rooms all have a balcony and en suite bathroom, of course. There, you’ll recline on a wrap around terrace with hammocks during the day. At night, the house is where people come together for food and partying. Of course there’s a hot tub and full bar. The food approach is fun and creative at Necker, so you’ll never miss a meal. The floating sushi bar has fresh-caught fare for you and your friends to share.
If you want a little more privacy, beautiful Balinese-style villas away from the main house are set on the beach and scattered around the island. Each villa has private pools. You’ll get the best luxe experience there is, but what the island is really about is making you feel at home. And an incredible home, at that.
Necker Island knows though that the natural scenery is the star. It is a tropical island, so the experience is to appreciate the natural surroundings, and lounge with your friends on the beach.
