January 4, 2011 at 9:05 am

The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island

by twistedsifter

necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 3 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island


If the Sifter ever wins the lottery (or the World Series of Poker), Necker Island is where I’d take my 28 closest friends. Created by Sir Richard Branson, Necker Island is one of the jewels of the British Virgin Islands. For a modest sum of $53,000 USD a night, this private oasis can be yours for you and your guests (and a staff of 60 of course). Check out the pictures and information below on this little piece of Heaven, sigh…


necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 20 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island

necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 7 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island

necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 10 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island

necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 19 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island

WHERE IS NECKER ISLAND?

Necker Island is located in the British Virgin Islands to the north of Virgin Gorda, one of the country’s larger islands. Its Caribbean location means that Necker’s 74 acres are surrounded by beautiful turquoise waters, coral reefs and gorgeous sandy beaches.

HOW TO GET THERE

By plane, the closest international airport is on Virgin Tortola (Beef Island) which is a 35-minute flight from San Juan and up to a 1 hour 20 minute flight from Antigua. It is possible to fly to the British Virgin Islands via many parts of the Caribbean, with the most popular routes being via San Juan, Antigua and St. Thomas. Fixed wing aircraft are not able to land on Necker Island. Private aircraft can land at Beef Island and Virgin Gorda (depending on aircraft size) to then transfer by boat or helicopter to Necker.

By boat, Necker is approximately 30 minutes from Tortola and 10 minutes from Virgin Gorda where there is another smaller airport. It is also possible to anchor a yacht off Necker if guests are going to be sailing in the area.

By helicopter you can reach Necker Island from Tortola, Virgin Gorda, St. Thomas, San Juan and many other neighbouring islands. Please note that helicopters cannot fly after dark in the British Virgin Islands except in emergencies, as customs must be open to clear the flight.

Transfers: Arrival and departure boat transfers to the island are included in the rates, and boats can make the journey during the day and night.


necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 4 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island

necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 6 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island

necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 21 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island

necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 27 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island

necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 28 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island

NECKER ISLAND ACCOMMODATION

THE GREAT HOUSE
Set on the top of Devil’s Hill, this beautiful house is the heart of the island. The Great House brings everyone together for drinks before dinner whilst watching the sun set from the crow’s nest, leisurely chats on the comfy sofas, or for our legendary themed parties! The Great House has six stunning rooms and a spacious Junior Suite each with a balcony. The jewel in the crown is the Master Suite which has its own Jacuzzi and private terrace with panoramic views over the ocean and neighbouring islands.

THE BALI HOUSES
There are six unique Bali Houses dotted around Necker Island which are perfect for tropical seclusion. Bali Hi, Bali Cliff and Bali Beach are built on a cliff in order to maximize views and sea breezes, and share a plunge pool. Bali Lo, Bali Buah and Bali Kukila can be found in the middle of the island and boast wonderful views with a large private pool. Golf buggies (mules) are provided so guests can drive to other areas of the island.


necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 5 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island

necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 12 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island

necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 31 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island

necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 32 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island

necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 14 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island

NECKER ISLAND DINING

Fine food is the highlight of any guest’s stay, and the prices are fully inclusive of all food and all drinks, including fine wines and champagne. Guests can set the menu and mealtimes – or this can be left up to the staff. The Michelin-trained chefs can prepare dishes for all tastes. Dining can be formal or informal, indoors or outdoor, themed or traditional, beachside or poolside, or even under the stars!


necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 11 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island

necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 17 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island

necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 22 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island

necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 29 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island

necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 35 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island

NECKER ISLAND AMENITIES & ACTIVITIES

THE BEACHES
There are plenty of places on Necker Island to lie on the beach and enjoy the sun, sand and sea. Main beach is where most of the water activities are based, and where you will find the Tennis and Beach Pavilions where there are sun loungers to lie on.

Turtle Beach is a more peaceful palm-fringed beach, with hammocks hanging between the trees, sun loungers to relax on, snorkelling equipment for floating around in the calmer water with the sea life, and an aqua-trampoline anchored to the sea floor.
There are many other places where guests can find a peaceful spot to relax, and the more energetic can take a 2-hour walk around the island to view the native wildlife and plant life.

THE POOLS
The Great House has a large infinity pool with beautiful views of the ocean and a Jacuzzi. The Beach Pavilion, however, has one of the most stunning pools around. It is located at Main Beach and can be accessed from both the land and the beach. There is a swim-up bar with rocks in the pool where guests can sit and enjoy a drink before the freeform infinity pool with its impressive waterfall.

Within the pool complex is the thatched Crocodile Pavilion which houses a large solid teak crocodile table; guests can feast here on fresh fare from the Pavilion’s gourmet kitchen. A large private pool is shared by Bali Lo, Bali Buah & Bali Kukila, and Bali Hi & Bali Beach share their own plunge pool.


necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 18 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island

necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 24 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island

necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 26 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island

necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 33 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island


WATER ACTIVITIES
There is a large selection of state-of-the-art equipment to provide guests with the opportunity to try kite-surfing, sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing, kayaking, power-boating, and plenty more. They also provide snorkelling equipment for those who want to go out and blow some bubbles with Necker Island’s underwater residents! The more adventurous can hire the Necker Nymph, a 3-person aero submarine to explore the stunning reefs and marine life around Necker Island

THE TENNIS PAVILION
Also located in the Main Beach area – here guests have access to two floodlit courts and a viewing deck.
Equipment is provided, although enthusiasts may wish to bring their own, and tournaments can be arranged. There is also a tennis coach who is normally a resident on Necker Island and available for those who wish to perfect their game

THE GYMNASIUM
Located at the Great House, the fully-equipped gymnasium has stunning sea views that will definitely take your mind off all that hard work!


necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 9 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island

necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 25 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island

necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island

necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 2 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island


THE BALI LEHA SPA
Leha Leha is the Balinese way of describing peace, relaxation and daydreaming, and there is no better place to do this than at the Necker Island Spa. Bali Leha is built into a cliff overlooking the sea just a short walk from the Great House. Enjoy the gentle sounds of the sea while you experience our fabulous range of treatments. Spa treatments are an additional cost and the treatment list is available by clicking here. A fun range of beauty treatments for children is also available.

THE NECKER NYMPH
If all the activities on Necker Island weren’t enough to keep you busy, this private island paradise now has a new world-first – a 3-person aero submarine called the Necker Nymph. This underwater ‘aircraft’ has been designed especially for Virgin Limited Edition and takes exploration under the sea to a whole new level – or should that be depth?! Discover some stunning parts of the British Virgin Islands you might not get to see any other way!

How does Necker Nymph work?
Two passengers sit either side of a trained pilot who will take the submarine down to as deep as 30 metres below the surface. Once you’ve buckled up you’ll have front row views of some spectacular marine life without having to swim around with all the usual scuba gear. Necker Nymph can travel at speeds of up to 6 knots underwater, and dives typically last between one and two hours.


necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 36 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island

necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 13 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island

necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 8 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island

necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 16 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island

NECKER ISLAND EXCLUSIVE USE RATES

Necker Island can be hired privately for up to 28 people sharing 14 rooms – eight rooms in the Great House and six Bali Houses dotted around the island. A minimum stay of 5 nights generally applies, and supplements and minimum stay requirements may apply over Christmas, New Year and Easter.

ARRIVALS UNTIL 31ST MARCH 2011
From US $53,000 per night for up to 28 guests
($1,893 per person per night)

ARRIVALS 1ST APRIL – 31ST DECEMBER 2011
From US $54,500 per night for up to 28 guests
($1,946 per person per night)

Rates are priced in US dollars. A 2.5% service charge is added to your bill.

What’s included?
– Your accommodation
– All meals and drinks (both alcoholic and other)
– Return boat transfers from Virgin Gorda or Beef Island (Tortola) airports
– Laundry facilities (dry cleaning not available)
– Business facilities, wireless internet in the Great House
– 7% local tax
– A team of approximately 60 fabulous staff


necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 23 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island

necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 15 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island

necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 30 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island

necker island richard bransons private island in british virgin islands 34 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island

ALL PICTURES AND INFORMATION VIA NECKER ISLAND OFFICIAL SITE








If you enjoyed this post, the Sifter highly recommends: 25 INCREDIBLE PHOTOGRAPHS OF BORA BORA


bora bora french polynesia 10 The Ultimate Getaway: Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island