Necker Island

When he rebuilt his 74-acre private island in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, Richard Branson made sustainability a primary focus. Which means that Necker has its very own micro-grid to supply solar and wind power, water collection tanks and an impressive goal of achieving net zero in fossil-fuel consumption by 2030. There’s also a flamingo breeding project underway, and the island wildlife team is monitoring seven species of lemur. But aside from making you feel like you are making an impact during your travels, the property is the absolute epitome of fun. You’ll find every toy and luxury you can imagine, including catamarans, infinity pools and a Crow’s Nest hot tub on the roof with sunrise views. The 2:1 staff-guest ratio ensures the needs of up to 48 guests are attended to, whether you’re looking for a tennis or kiteboarding lesson, a private dinner or a boat ride. The property centers around the Great House, which graces a hilltop with wraparound terraces, Balinese décor and soaring ceilings—open on all sides to the trade winds. There are 11 bedrooms with private terraces and a bunk room for up to six kids. If you’re lucky, Branson may be on-island during your stay— and may even start the dancing on the tabletops after dinner.

The Standout: Visiting the island’s own colony of endangered, ring-tailed lemurs Don’t Miss: Racing the other guests and staff members around the island in the property’s own fleet of Hobie Cat sailboats

• The focus on sustainability—from recycled plastic docks to eggs from island hens
• Privacy unrivaled anywhere else in the Caribbean
• An island’s worth of staff to help with all activities
• Dining in and around the island—it feels like there's a new dining venue for every meal

The private estate of billionaire entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson, Necker Island is a famously exclusive hideaway in the British Virgin Islands. With a guest list that has included the likes of Princess Diana, Barack Obama and Mr. Beast (of YouTube fame), there has been no shortage of high-profile visitors. The 74-acre property, which can be rented as a takeover for up to 48 guests, includes multiple private beaches, exotic wildlife (including flamingos and endangered ring-tailed lemurs), infinity pools, beachside hot tubs, tennis/pickleball courts and a spa. The staff of 100 is top notch, including a private chef, a tennis pro and kiteboarding instructors. The service is professional and yet casual and unobtrusive in a “new best friend” sort of way.

Life at Necker centers on the Great House, situated atop a hill with impressive views over the sea and surrounding islands. Destroyed by Hurricane Irma in September 2017, the house was completely rebuilt in 2018 and has a huge wow factor. The living room has a soaring peaked ceiling, comfortable couches and seating areas, an open and well-stocked bar, and a wrap-around terrace to take in the stupendous view. The 11 bedrooms are simple and elegant, with Balinese-inspired décor, including Indonesian artwork, carved wood armoires and four-poster beds with white mosquito nets. Each room opens onto a private terrace, where you can relax and watch the sea or take an outdoor shower by moonlight. En-suite bathrooms are spacious and well-appointed. There is also a bunk room that can sleep up to six kids. The prime accommodation is the Master Suite, with a vast private sundeck and Jacuzzi. Beyond the Great House, there are accommodations in three different areas of the island: Bali Lo, Bali Hi and Temple House. Each is unique and has its own advantages. We recommend contacting Indagare or your trip designer to decide which accommodation is right for you.

Food on the island is excellent, with an emphasis on fresh seafood. Breakfast, which is served in the Great Room, includes a buffet with fresh coconut water, chopped fruits and pastries, along with an à la carte menu with such dishes as eggs Benedict or French toast. Lunch is served family-style in different locations according to the day—perhaps at a long table down by the beach. There is often a touch of whimsy, such as the “sushi kayak” lunch, where guests dine in bathing suits in the pool, serving themselves from a floating kayak filled with fresh sushi. Dinner may be served beachside or up at the main house.

What makes Necker Island special is just how much enjoyment there is to be had on the island. The staff sees their job as ensuring that guests leave the island having never had as much fun. That means setting up activities like Seabob snorkel tours, kiteboarding shows and lessons, cruises to nearby BVI icons like the Soggy Dollar and Willy T, tennis tournaments (with or without oversized rackets) and more little surprises that we won’t spoil entirely.

Though often rented as an exclusive-use island (up to 48 guests), Necker offers “Celebration Weeks,” when guests can book individual rooms.

Active, fun-seeking sybarites in search of the ultimate island experience.

Indagare Impact hotels have been carefully vetted according to our Impact Hotel Criteria.

In 2016, Richard Branson began ideating philanthropic ideas centered in the British Virgin Islands, from supporting small business loans to entrepreneurs and addressing challenges with the environment. The result was the non-profit United BVI. As the centerpiece of Necker Island’s impact endeavors, United BVI has worked on hundreds of projects and dispersed millions of philanthropic dollars to bring sustainable, positive impact to the surrounding islands. This is on top of the strong sustainability measures saved for the island itself—with over 140 animal species (many of them endangered) on just 74 acres, it’s one of the most biodiverse places in the world, and the entire property is powered by 90 percent renewable energy generated on site.