Sir Richard Branson’s Home, Necker Island
Necker Island, British Virgin Islands
Necker Island is Sir Richard Branson’s home and favorite hideaway. He first purchased the island in 1978 and it opened as a luxury retreat available for private hire in 1984. Necker Island is now part of Virgin Limited Edition, Sir Richard’s portfolio of unique retreats. There is a dedicated team of fabulous staff on the island plus more than 200 flamingos who are all part of the Necker family!
Whether your passion is suiting up and getting wet in the crystal clear water or relaxing with a book on a deserted beach, you’ll be well catered for.
Great House Accomodations
Necker Cup participants will get to stay in the Great House, with 9 bedrooms, a bunk house and numerous ocean views. Click on a picture below to view a larger version.
Bali Accommodations
Bali Buah
Room Details: The Indonesian name for fruit, Bali Buah is built adjacent to Bali Lo. This spacious double room has an en-suite bathroom below and a large balcony with chairs and a hammock affording fantastic views of the fruit trees and the ocean.
Bali Lo
Room Details: A three-tiered Balinese house, the ground floor lounge area has a TV and DVD player, the bedroom is located on the middle level, and on the top floor is a cushioned relaxation area with spectacular views out to the ocean.
Bali Beach
Room Details: A beautiful double room all on one level with private entrance and terrace complete with a relaxing daybed. And, it’s only two steps away from the plunge pool.
Bali Hi
Room Details: A three-tiered Balinese house, the ground floor lounge area has a TV and DVD player, the bedroom is located on the middle level, and on the top floor is a cushioned relaxation area with spectacular views along Turtle Beach.
Bali Kukila
Room Details: The Indonesian word for bird, this spacious room has uninterrupted views out to the sea and a spectacular terrace.
Bali Cliff
Room Details: One of the most romantic settings you’re ever likely to experience. Bali Cliff perches on the edge of the island facing out to sea and has a double bedroom and open-air bathroom to maximize the views and sounds of the ocean.
Island 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 ridge of Necker. Staff can take you on a guided tour full of the interesting facts of Necker, or simply point you in the right direction to brave it alone! Sneakers are recommended as there are a number of cacti around the trails.
Sailing
We have a fleet of Hobie Cats located down on the 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 staff.
Tennis
We have two floodlit Astroturf tennis courts located down by the beach pool. Both courts have beginner and advanced rackets along with ball baskets in the huts by the courts. We have a resident tennis pro who can organize individual or group lessons, tournaments or if you fancy a challenge someone to hit with.
Wind Surfing / Kite Surfing
We have a range of beginner, intermediate and advanced windsurfing kit, and offer instruction for all standards. Our Watersports instructors will prepare equipment so it’s ready for use when required.
Kite surfing is a new high adrenaline extreme sport. 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.
Snorkeling & Scuba Diving
You will find snorkels and masks in your wardrobes and there are fins located 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 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 you level of adventure. Training is also offered in house though PADI. Scuba Diving is a non-inclusive activity.
Surfing
During the winter months the BVIs get many great days for surfing and Josiah’s Bay, on Tortola, is a friendly beach where there are excellent waves for competent surfers and beginners. These trips can be a full or half day and are always extremely good fun as well as a great way to see some of the BVIs.
Water Skiing / Wake Boarding
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, wakeboards, kneeboards and offer high quality instruction for all these activities.
Paddle Boarding
Otherwise known as ‘stand up paddle boarding’, 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. It’s also a great workout for the core and great for balance!