Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island is open once again and better than ever. After Hurricane Irma devastated the island in 2017, Necker Island had to be rebuilt. Meanwhile, the pandemic sealed the borders of the British Virgin Islands. Necker Island is now ready to welcome guests with ultra-luxury accommodations.
Necker Island is committed to sustainable development and respecting the local community and environment in which it operates. Bolstering the presence of more than 1200 solar panels, three new wind turbines were installed during the rebuild. The island now runs on 90 percent renewable energy.
From sandy white beaches to crystal clear water, there is an endless list of activities on Necker Island to keep you busy throughout your stay. Land-lovers can enjoy everything from yoga to tennis, or take to the waters and learn to kite surf with our friendly team of instructors. And when the sun goes down… the party starts.
The brand-new Bali Hi complex has an extended pool and outdoor lounges, plus private pools in the individual Bali villas. The Great House, perched on the highest point of the island provides sweeping views of the Caribbean and Atlantic, as well as neighboring islands. Accommodations include 11 bedrooms in the Great House, the Bali Lo complex composed of Bali Lo, Bali Buah and Bali Kukila and a new Bali House named Leha Lo. There are a total of 15 bedrooms, plus the bunk room with space for additional guests. There are also two additional rooms in the Temple House.
There is no mention of crowds on this 74-acre island. If you’d like the whole place to yourselves then hiring Necker Island exclusively is the way to go. The island comfortably sleeps 40 guests in 20 bedrooms; made up of 11 in the Great House, inclusive of the Master Suite, as well as Leha Lo, Bali Hi, Bali Beach, Bali Cliff, Bali Lo, Bali Buah, Bali Kukila, Temple Master and Temple Sunrise. For even bigger parties we can arrange for accommodation on nearby Moskito Island for up to 16 additional guests. This spacious al fresco Balinese house boasts amazing panoramic views of the Caribbean, the Atlantic and neighboring islands.
During “Celebration Weeks” there’s the option to book individual rooms as a couple, individual or family. You’ll share the island with up to 15 other couples, meeting at mealtimes and when taking advantage of some of the fantastic water sports facilities and activities on offer. But don’t worry there is plenty of room for social distancing. The island’s 74 acres have plenty of space for some quiet sunbathing or a relaxing swim in one of the pools.
Celebration Weeks in 2021
- 15th – 24th July 2021
- 14th – 21st August 2021
- 21st – 28th August 2021
- 18th – 25th September 2021 (adults only)
- 25th September – 2nd October 2021 (adults only)
- 16th – 23rd October 2021
- 23rd – 30th October 2021
- 21st – 28th November 2021
7-night stays required unless stated otherwise. Set arrival dates may apply.
Your main on-island companions come in the form of tropical wildlife; expect to spot tortoises, flamingos, Iguanas, scarlet and white Ibis and many endangered species of Madagascan lemurs, which Branson has a passion for protecting.
The most popular ways to arrive are by private jet, yacht or helicopter, or you can fly into nearby Tortola and take a 35-minute launch, which is included in the rate.
What’s included?
Nearly everything! Well… almost! Whether you’ve hired the entire island or an individual room, the following is included:
- Your accommodation
- All meals and drinks (including all alcoholic beverages) – served in a variety of locations
- Return launch transfer from Virgin Gorda or Beef Island airports
- A dedicated team of staff
- Two freshwater infinity pools and a huge hot tub on the beach
- Two floodlit tennis courts
- Water sports equipment so you can go windsurfing, kite-surfing, water-skiing, sailing, snorkelling and even SCUBA diving plus much more
- Disco DJ included on one night
- Wireless internet throughout the island
- BVI accommodation tax
The hotel features 24-hour room service, complimentary transfers, turn-down service, laundry/dry cleaning/pressing, wake up calls, children’s programs, baby sitting service, wedding packages, a fitness center, tennis courts, Jacuzzi/whirlpool, water sports, pool, spa, in-room bathrobes, a safe, complimentary tea & coffee, slippers, hairdryer, mini bar.
The staff will offer tempting dining choices, from six-course gala dinners to luxury BBQ’s on Turtle Beach. Relax, soak up the sun, try your hand at beach Olympics, sign up for tennis or go kitesurfing.
Activities
Water Sports
The island’s highly qualified waters ports team can call on the latest state-of-the-art equipment to give you the chance to try all the sports available. Options include kite surfing, sailing, paddle boarding, kayaking and more!
You will find snorkels, masks and fins on both Turtle Beach and Main Beach. Both beaches offer excellent snorkeling depending upon weather conditions, so please check with a member of staff which is most suitable. For people wanting to venture further afield we will prepare our boats with fins, towels and a cooler with refreshments to explore other underwater locations.
The waters of the BVI have a superb range of dives. Wreck, reef and night dives can all be arranged to suit your level of adventure. If you are already PADI qualified we can arrange a number of excursions. If you’re not qualified, instruction can be arranged on island however an additional charge would apply.
Land Activities
Island Walk – Necker is 74 acres in size with a 3 mile perimeter. There are a number of trails on the north end of the island which will take you around the coast or over the main ridge. Staff can take you on a guided tour and share some interesting facts about Necker, or simply point you in the right direction to brave it alone!
Yoga – Classes can be arranged at various locations on the island. It’s a great way to appreciate the island’s spectacular sunsets.
Tennis – The owner has always been a big tennis fan so it’s no surprise there are two floodlit Astroturf tennis courts next to the Beach House. Both courts have beginner and advanced rackets along with ball baskets in the huts. There is a resident tennis pro who can organize individual or group lessons, tournaments or someone to hit with if you fancy a challenge.
Fitness Coach – Keep your fitness levels sky high with our very own fitness coach on island.
Beach Olympics – We can also organize some beach Olympics for your whole party, from dizzy sticks to stand up paddle tunnel and plenty more – it’s sure to bring out your competitive side.
Spa
As if being on Necker wasn’t relaxing enough, the island also boasts beautiful Bali Samudra spa treatment rooms, combining fabulous treatments with an incredible setting. We use Aromatherapy Associates skincare range which is exclusive to Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands. Treatments are charged at an additional cost.
Nightlife
Well… you’re not here to sleep! Necker Island has held some legendary parties but remember, Vegas rules apply! Enjoy parties such as UV Night, Casino Night, Moroccan Night, Disco Fever, Beach Party and more.
Dining
The Great House – Dinner at the Great House is a revelation with a variety of themes to make each night unique. Meet at the bar for cocktails and head up to the roof terrace where dinner will be served while you watch the sunset.
The Beach Pavilion – On the upper level of the Beach Pavilion is a huge dining table that can seat up to 40 guests at any one time with views overlooking the tennis courts to one side and the ocean to the other.
Turtle Beach – Turtle Beach is a great option for lunch – we usually organize a sailing race around the island which ends at Turtle Beach for a drink and either a picnic style or BBQ style lunch. If you fancy an afternoon activity the nearby reef promises some great snorkeling opportunities.
Floating Sushi Bar – We offer a very unique twist to the traditional sushi bar and serve the sushi in a floating kayak filled with ice and decorated with beautiful flowers! The chefs float the kayak down the Beach Pool and are there to tell you what decadent rolls and sashimi they have prepared.
If you rent the entire island, prices can range from $42,000 to $105,000 per night depending on your dates of travel.
If this is a bit out of your budget range, try out Richard Branson’s Virgin Voyages Cruises.
Photos credits: Virgin Limited Edition
