British Virgin Islands
Necker Island
Setting
Necker Island is a private island of some 30 hectares in the British Virgin Islands, about 5 kilometres north-east of Virgin Gorda. It belongs to Sir Richard Branson and is run by Virgin Limited Edition. It can only be reached by water: a speedboat brings you across from Beef Island International Airport in around 30 minutes.
The island & all-inclusive
There are no conventional hotel rooms and no reception desk, but an island set up for the stay of one group. All meals, fine wines, champagne, the boat service and nearly every activity are included. The island normally sleeps up to 48 adults. Power comes from the solar and wind installations of this largely self-sufficient island.
The Great House
The airy Balinese-style main house stands on the highest point of the island, Devils Hill. The master suite has an outdoor bathroom and its own jacuzzi; alongside it are ten further large bedrooms with king-size beds, en-suite bathrooms and balconies looking out to sea. Indonesian timber furniture, pale fabrics and open, wind-swept lounges set the tone.
Bali Houses & Temple House
Free-standing Balinese houses are spread across the island: Bali Hi, Bali Cliff, Bali Beach. Each sleeps two and has its own bathroom; some add private infinity plunge pools, outdoor showers and hanging beds above the cliffs or among the palms. The Temple House brings four more suites, and there are children's rooms designed for the purpose.
Beaches & pools
Every white sand beach on the island is private and usually empty; between them lie two large infinity pools, along with a floating sushi bar service and boats to use freely. Turtle Beach on the north side shelves gently, and the west side catches the sunset. If you want a day alone by the water, you get a beach to yourself.
Water & sport
The trade winds make the island a place for kitesurfing and windsurfing, and coral reefs lie just offshore for snorkelling and diving. Kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, waterskiing, wakeboarding and catamaran trips to the neighbouring islands are all part of it. On land there are tennis courts, padel and pickleball, along with yoga and pilates on the beach and a spa looking out to the Caribbean.
Nature & evenings
Guided walks lead across the island up to Devils Hill; on the way you meet lemurs, flamingos and the rare Aldabra giant tortoises. Tours of the mangrove conservation projects and the solar and wind installations show the island's other side. Dinner is a barbecue in the sand, a gala dinner at the Great House under the stars, or a party at the infinity pools. The rhythm follows the group, not a menu.
