NECKER ISLAND

About Necker Island

Necker Island was purchased by British entrepreneur, Sir Richard Branson in the late 70's as a vacation home. Sir Richard owns and operates Virgin Atlantic Airways and more than 200 other companies belonging to the Virgin Group.

The 74-acre island was barren and uninhabited when Sir Richard acquired it. The island is surrounded by coral reefs and marked by sandy beaches, striking rock formations and soaring hills overlooking breathtaking Caribbean seascapes.

An admirer of the natural beauty, art and architecture of Bali, Sir Richard enlisted the help of leading architects, designers and landscape artists to create a Balinese fantasy in the Caribbean. Indigenous art works, brilliant silks and batiks, handcrafted furniture and authentic building materials combine in the outstanding architecture and décor of Necker's six private villas.

Lavish tropical gardens now bloom throughout the once arid island, providing a haven for exotic birds, fish, insects and reptiles.

Today the island houses a Great House which sleeps 16 and six Balinese Houses which sleep 2 additional guests each.

Necker is also available for private rental when the Branson family is not in residence. It provides the perfect setting for memorable holidays for private groups of families and friends as well as for executive conferences and exclusive incentives. Share the island with others during Celebration Weeks.

Location

Necker Island is located in the British Virgin Islands, a stunning and unspoilt area of the Caribbean. You can reach Necker via San Juan (Puerto Rico), St Thomas, Antigua or Barbados followed by a connecting flight to Beef Island, Tortola. From Beef Island there's a 30 minute transfer by private launch. You can also reach Necker by helicopter.

Accommodations

You have your choice of rooms in The Great House or in one of the six individual Bali Houses.

The Great House, a majestic and airy villa with one-of-a-kind Balinese furnishings and art, is home to eight guest rooms, each with four poster king sized beds with mosquito nets and ensuite bathrooms and terraces over neighboring islands and ocean. The spacious second-floor master suite has its own Jacuzzi and a large terrace with panoramic sea views.

The six unique Bali houses dotted over the island are perfect for tropical seclusion. Three houses have three tiered levels with alfresco style living and were built in Bali, dismantled and then reassembled on Necker Island. The other three are spacious one level suites. Each house has access to pools and of course stunning views of the ocean or across the island. They are a short walk from the Main House. Native stone, huge hardwood beams and bamboo walls and ceilings augment the Balinese feel.

Dining

On Necker you can eat whatever you like, whenever you like. The chefs will prepare guests favorites, or wow them with their cuisine. Every day is an adventure as guests dine in some of the most stunning locations around the island - Beach BBQ's on Turtle beach, Sushi for lunch floating on a canoe in the pool or themed evenings in The Great House.

Activities

Enjoy beach Olympics, tennis tournaments, sailing, snorkeling, water-skiing, zip-lining, surfing, kayaking, hiking and kite-surfing. For those feeling less sporty enjoy a four-handed massage at the beautiful Bali Leha spa or choose to just soak up the Caribbean sun on a perfect secluded beach or one of the four refreshing pools. All sporting equipment is included in the rate. Spa services are additional.

Rates

Daily rates in 2009 begin at $51,000 per day for 28 guests. Take advantage of special offerings, based on availability, between now and December 18, 2009 for smaller group of family and friends. Rates for these special times start from $ 36,000 per night, based on a minimum of 16 guests, for stays of three nights or longer (additional per person rates will apply up to a maximum 28 guests).

Rates include all accommodations, meals, drinks, the use of water sports equipment including windsurfers, Laser, Sunfish and catamaran sailboats, water skis, sea kayaks, snorkeling gear, boating excursions to other islands, and a local band for one evening. A seven percent local tax is included, but a service charge of 2.5% percent is additional. Tipping is extra.

Special Packages

For a few weeks per year, Necker offers Celebration Weeks. It's a great way to share Necker Island with other couples and families. Prices per couple in 2009 start at $25,400 per week. Three and four-night rates also available. Call for dates.