Necker Island

Necker Island is my home and favourite hideaway. I invite you to explore this idyllic island paradise for yourself and to be inspired by its beauty. I hope someday to be able to share it with you. (Sir Richard Branson)

Necker Island, is Sir Richard Branson’s private island paradise. This is barefoot luxury in a setting that’s just about as exclusive as it gets. Necker Island is located in the Caribbean in the beautiful and unspoiled British Virgin Islands.

THE HISTORY
From the first moment Sir Richard Branson visited Necker Island in 1978 he had a vision, one that has resulted in one of the world’s most exclusive island retreats. Click play on the video above to learn about Necker’s history (so far!).

SUSTAINABILITY
Necker Island is committed to sustainable development and respecting the local community and environment in which we operate. Click play on the video above to learn about some of the planned initiatives, including our strategy to make Necker Island energy independent (no more diesel generators!).

The solar panels on Necker Island play a key role in the push for the island to be powered completely by renewables. There are 1232 solar panels in total, covering 0.6 acres, and weather dependent, the island runs at around 80% of renewable energy each day.

Three wind turbines were installed on suitable spots on the island in June 2019 and together with a solar farm and battery system, they allow the island to be without generators for around 90% of the day and save approximately 2.5 tons of carbon from going into the atmosphere each day.

PACK FOR A PURPOSE
We are proud members of Pack for a Purpose, an initiative that allows travellers like you to make a lasting impact in the community at your travel destination. If you save just a few kilos of space in your suitcase and bring supplies for area schools or medical clinics in need, you’ll make a priceless impact in the lives of our local children and families.

On Necker Island, we are currently supporting The Robinson O’Neal Memorial Primary School. The Robinson O’Neal Memorial Primary School was one of the first schools in the area to be built for education purposes only in 1971. Prior to 1971, schools were housed in churches until the government began providing public buildings dedicated to education.

Over the years the school has evolved from a one-room building housing two classes to three additional buildings housing four classes in total, meaning more space for the growing number of students.

Donations from local businesses have allowed for the addition of a computer lab and kitchen in recent years. The number of students continues to grow as education is an important focus in the BVI and all contributions are a big help!

THE WEATHER
Unsurprisingly, this is one of the most common questions people ask us when booking a stay on Necker Island. The average monthly temperature in the British Virgin Islands ranges from highs of around 82°F (28°C) in January to highs of roughly 95°F (35°C) in July. In short, it’s hot and sunny pretty much all year round!

Regardless of when you plan your visit to Necker Island, you can expect the weather to be warm and pleasant, with the months from September to December generally somewhat wetter than the rest of the year. July is the hottest month, but only by a few degrees.

WHAT TO PACK
Situated in the tropics, the weather in the British Virgin Islands is hot and fairly humid throughout the year so it’s best to dress for the heat. Unless a specially-themed event has been organised for your stay or you prefer to dress up for dinner, there is no need to bring smart clothes and beachwear is just fine anywhere on the island.

For guests staying during a Celebration Week when the island is shared, many evenings will have special themes so we recommend asking our team what these might be before you finish packing.

GREAT HOUSE BEDROOMS
This spacious al fresco Balinese house boasts amazing panoramic views of the Caribbean, the Atlantic and neighbouring islands. Each of the 11 guest rooms in the Great House has a balcony and all come with king-size beds and en-suite bathrooms. There’s also a bunk room sleeping up to six children. Whilst on the upper level you’ll find the stunning Master Suite, complete with private outdoor hot tub and sundeck.

THE GREAT HOUSE
Perched at the island’s highest point, the Great House is where people come together, to dine, party or just relax. The house has a wraparound terrace with hammocks and sofas, and this being Necker Island, naturally you can expect a fully stocked bar. Up on the roof you’ll find a cosy four-person hot tub – perfect for sipping champagne as you watch the sun set.

THE BEACH HOUSE
Right on the island main beach, the Beach House sits in between the island’s two tennis courts and the Caribbean Sea. With an impressive bar, space for games tables and an enormous 26-foot sofa, the Beach House is the place for relaxed lunches and enjoying the sea breezes in between dips into the crystal clear waters.

THE BEACH POOL
Just next to the Beach House, the Beach Pool has a freeform infinity pool complete with a swim-up bar where guests can sit and enjoy a drink. There’s also a huge hot tub right on the beach with space for more than 30 people. Within the pool complex is our thatched Crocodile Pavilion with its large solid teak crocodile table.

THE BEACHES
Since this is the Caribbean, there are plenty of places on Necker Island to lie on the beach and soak up some sun. Main Beach is where most of our water activities are based whereas Turtle Beach is a more peaceful palm-fringed beach, with hammocks hanging between the trees.

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 sun set.

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 or dinner – we usually organise 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 snorkelling 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.

WILDLIFE
You will see a stunning array of wildlife on Necker Island during your stay, from lemurs to flamingos to giant tortoises! Our friendly team will be delighted to introduce you and arrange a feeding time that you’re welcome to attend.

LEMURS
Richard has developed a passion for trying to help preserve endangered species of Madagascan lemur. We currently have over 60 lemurs on island from six different species including ring-tailed lemurs, three species of brown lemurs and two sub-species of ruffed lemurs. The lemurs are in enclosures all around the Beach House and tennis courts so you can visit them every day.

FLAMINGOS
From the very humble beginnings of just six Caribbean flamingos we now have a successful breeding programme and a total count of well over 250 Roseate and Caribbean flamingos. They live in the salt pond just next to Bali Hi Beach and it has been our aim to establish a breeding ground to repopulate the Caribbean with this once widely spread, stunning bird.

SCARLET IBIS
Don’t be surprised if when you see these guys you fall in love, their plumage is absolutely fantastic to look at. They are one of two species that we have here on Necker, the other being the white ibis. They used to be native to these parts almost 100 years ago, but were hunted to local extinction.

TORTOISES
We have nine Aldabra giant tortoises. You will usually spot them on the road leading to Bali Lo so if you’re behind the wheel of one our ‘mules’ (golf buggies) please drive carefully!

IGUANAS
The Rock or Stout iguana is endemic to the British Virgin Islands, specifically on the neighbouring island Anegada, where they were re-introduced in the early 1980s. They can grow up to over 6ft long so you won’t miss them!

TAKE THE WHOLE ISLAND
If you’d like the whole place to yourselves then hiring Necker Island exclusively is the way to go. The island comfortably sleeps 30 guests in 15 rooms; made up of 11 in the Great House, including the Master Suite, as well as Leha Lo, Bali Lo, Bali Buah and Bali Kukila.

For even bigger parties we can arrange for accommodation on nearby Moskito Island for up to 16 additional guests. From April 2020, Necker Island will be fully restored with 20 glorious bedrooms.

CHILDREN ON NECKER
Kids can stay in the super-equipped Bunk Room at the Great House which is full of toys, books and video games. We have cots, baby baths and other baby essentials available on request. Babysitting is provided at an additional cost. There are all of our usual activities however we can also arrange activities such as treasure hunts or beach Olympics.

On Necker there are plenty of things for children to do, most of which will keep them active all day long! From amazing treasure hunts to meeting the lemurs near the beach pool, there are surprises around every corner.

Your kids could also spend the day splashing around with inflatable toys in the beach pool before enjoying a pirate party on the sand. Children’s meals can be provided any time. Choose from a selection of tasty, well balanced, healthy and fun meals keeping both the parents and kids happy!

EXPERIENCES & ACTIVITIES
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 kitesurf with our friendly team of instructors. And when the sun goes down… the party starts.

ON THE WATER
Our highly qualified watersports team can call on the latest state-of-the-art equipment to give you the chance to try all the sports we have available. Here are a few ideas…

KITE SURFING
If you fancy giving it a go then we can teach you in a controlled, safe environment on Necker Island. The first stage is simply mastering to fly a kite and then we move into the water for some serious fun. We can also offer advanced tuition for anyone already riding.

WATERSKIING & WAKEBOARDING
The best ski area is on the back side of Prickly Pear Island, less than a 5-minute boat ride from Necker. We have beginner and advanced water-skis and wakeboards and offer high quality instruction for all these activities.

SAILING
We have a fleet of Hobie Cats located on Main Beach and offer beginner to advanced sailing instruction. Alternatively, if you want to lie back and simply enjoy the exhilaration of being on the water, we can take you for a cruise around the islands. Also popular is a sailing regatta around the islands with a number of our boats, helmed by either guests or members of our team.

PADDLEBOARDING
Otherwise known as ‘stand up paddleboarding’, this sport has taken the world by storm from the big waves of Hawaii to inland waterways of England. Necker has a range of paddleboards (10ft – 14ft long), and people of all shapes and sizes can have a go at this easy but fun watersport.

If you fancy having fun with friends all one Paddleboard then our inflatable 6-8 Man Sup boards are for you. We have 2 of these on island so if you are competitive a race can be arranged!

KAYAKING
A number of kayaks and paddles are situated on main beach, available for guest use.

SUB WING
Subwinging allows you to experience the ocean in a whole new way. Riders are towed behind a boat allowing them to turn and dive by holding onto the 4 foot carbon fibre wing.

SNORKELLING
You will find snorkels, masks and fins on both Turtle Beach and Main Beach. Both beaches offer excellent snorkelling 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.

SCUBA DIVING
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.

ON LAND
If you don’t quite have your sea legs yet, or if you prefer to look at the ocean rather than taking the plunge, there is plenty to keep you busy on the island itself.

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
Our owner has always been a big tennis fan so it’s no surprise we have two floodlit Astroturf tennis courts next to the Beach House. Both courts have beginner and advanced racquets along with ball baskets in the huts. We have a resident tennis pro who can organise individual or group lessons, tournaments or someone to hit with if you fancy a challenge.

THE POOLS
The Great House has an infinity pool with beautiful views over Necker Island and of the ocean. Just off Main Beach is a second infinity pool which can be accessed from both the land and the beach.

The swim-up bar off the freeform infinity pool is complete with seats in the pool where guests can sit and enjoy a drink plus there is a huge hot tub right on the beach with space for more than 30 people.

BEACH OLYMPICS
We can also organise 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 TREATMENTS
As if being on Necker wasn’t relaxing enough, the island also boasts beautiful 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

PARTY TIME
Well… you’re not here to sleep! Necker Island has held some legendary parties but remember, Vegas rules apply! Here are some of the things we CAN tell you about…

UV NIGHT
Make the dress code white for the night and dance the night away under our black lights wearing glow stick accessories! The recommended location for UV night is the Great House or the Beach House.

CASINO NIGHT
Las Vegas comes to Necker for those that would like to try their luck at the blackjack or roulette table. Guests are asked to dress in white, black, or red with a touch of glitz and glam, and are given Necker poker chips to play with during the evening. The guest with the most chips at the end of the night will be presented with a prize. Casino nights are usually held in the Great House.

MOROCCAN NIGHT
Inspired by our sister property Kasbah Tamadot, our Moroccan night is a relaxed evening with a continuous flow of amazing dishes served either buffet or family style. The recommended locations for Moroccan Night are the Great House or at the Crocodile Pavilion where you can enjoy a bonfire and gaze at the stars after dinner.

DISCO FEVER
Necker has a huge collection of funky hats, glasses and accessories for guests to wear that will help transform your night into a disco party! Ask your guests to bring an outfit of your choice (many opt to coordinate disco night with Austin Powers costumes) to make this evening even more funky and fun.

We set up a variety of coloured disco lights and let the tunes play until the last one goes to bed. The recommended location for disco night is the Great House or the Beach House.

BEACH PARTY
A party on Main Beach is a night to remember forever! We set up large speakers, disco lights, a cushion area for looking at the stars, and of course have a fully stocked bar to enjoy. Incorporate a fancy dress theme if you want to really go all out, or hire a band to play on the stage at the edge of the beach.

DAYTIME EXCURSIONS
If you would like to explore more of the British Virgin Islands join us on one of our excursions which can be arranged as a full or half day. These are inclusive in your rate.

THE BATHS
These famous granite boulders and series of caves on Virgin Gorda were formed from volcanic action many years ago and are an amazing place to spend the morning or afternoon exploring.

ANEGADA
Located 12 miles northwest of Necker, Anegada Island has the third biggest barrier reef in the world and is an amazing place to visit if you have time during your stay. Anegada has 17 miles of beaches no higher than 8 feet above sea level and is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled places you’ll ever experience.

We will take you in our speedboats to enjoy lunch on one of the most beautiful beaches in the BVI. If the seas are rough, we do not recommend this trip, so it is best if organised once you’re on island when we can assess the sea and weather forecast.

BVI CRUISE
A BVI cruise can be a leisurely and relaxing affair or a fun party as we take you around the islands and fun bars of the BVI. We generally leave Necker at about 10:30am and stop for a quick snorkel along the way, followed by lunch somewhere special.

After lunch we visit the Soggy Dollar Bar which is a great place to lounge in the crystal clear water while sipping on one of their famous painkiller cocktails. We end the day with a stop off at the famous ‘Willy T’ boat bar and then head back to Necker before dark! This trip can be catered to your liking so please speak to us upon your arrival if you are interested.

WEDDINGS ON NECKER ISLAND
Can you think of a better place to get married than Necker Island? We hope not, because we love weddings! Sir Richard Branson arrived for his wedding on Necker Island clinging to the struts of a helicopter… now that’s making an entrance! A few years later his daughter Holly and her husband Freddy followed suit!

We’re used to all kinds of requests when it comes to weddings, and frequently work with neighbouring resorts to accommodate parties all the way up to 200 people. Each guest not staying on Necker Island will be charged a daily rate to cover food and drink.

Our normal nightly accommodation rates will apply during your stay and a one-off wedding supplement will be added to these rates on the day of your ceremony depending on the option you choose. To get a marriage license in the British Virgin Islands you will need to have spent at least one working day in the country before applying and an administrative fee will apply.

Necker Island has a wealth of locations to choose from, all catering to groups of different sizes. For larger weddings of up to 200 people the best options are the sandy beaches on the island’s western side. However, our team will be happy to talk you through all the options available and will be happy to advise on where to hold your reception. Here are just some of the possibilities…

Turtle Beach is an all-time favourite for our guests – feel the sand between your toes as you walk down the aisle. The Great House Southern Terrace: See the whole of the British Virgin Islands from this vantage point at the top of Necker Island and exchange vows as the sun sets. Want to say ‘I do’ somewhere else? Of course, our team can do just about anything…

Following the wedding ceremony there are just as many options to choose from for your reception. We can organise a six-course gala dinner or a more informal gathering on the beach lit by tiki torches with the sound of the waves breaking on the shoreline.

The Beach Pool Pavilion alongside Main Beach has a large crocodile shaped table and a large hot tub for up to 30 guests, so the party is sure to continue late into the night! There is also the Great House, the scene of more parties than we dare to count. Start with a gala dinner in the Great Room, or gather round the large table on the roof terrace.

To plan a wedding on Necker Island the first thing you’ll need to do is to give us a call to talk dates, and then we can walk you through all the wedding options and your preferred theme.

One suggestion is our Beach Classic Wedding which covers all the fees needed to get married on island and a few essential extras, from an extra special turndown service on the wedding night with Dom Pérignon champagne to a special couples massage in the spa.

Our Premium Exclusive option includes everything from the Beach Classic option as well as even more special extra touches. We can also help you with all the trimmings, from hair stylists and flowers to entertainment and fireworks – the sky really is the limit!

And let’s not forget the honeymoon! Necker Island is one of the world’s most secluded and romantic spots for newlywed couples and our specially designed ‘Celebration Weeks’ provide the perfect opportunity to escape. Our Honeymoon offer includes certain weeks held throughout the year when couples can hire an individual room on the island for a 7-night stay -bliss!

GETTING HERE
The closest international airport to Necker Island is on Tortola (Beef Island – airport code EIS) which is a 35-minute flight from San Juan in Puerto Rico and a 1 hour 20 minute flight from Antigua.

You can also 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. All our rates include return launch transfers to and from Beef Island Airport on Tortola, and the journey takes roughly 35 minutes.

Once you reach the island you’ll be welcomed with a glass of champagne, or ‘Necker water’ as it’s known! If you’re making your way to the island independently the options are below and we can firm up the details once your booking is confirmed.

PRIVATE JET
Fixed wing aircraft are not able to land on Necker Island, however private aircraft can land at Beef Island and Virgin Gorda (depending on aircraft size) to then transfer by boat or helicopter to Necker.

ARRIVING BY YACHT
It is also possible to anchor a yacht off Necker if guests are going to be sailing in the area.

HELICOPTER
Necker has a helipad just a short distance from the Great House, but 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. It is possible to fly via helicopter from Virgin Tortola, Virgin Gorda and St. Thomas.

Rooms: 17

Price: from 1.885 EUR per night

Source: www.virginlimitededition.com