Necker Island

History & Story

Tucked away in the British Virgin Islands between Tortola and Anegada, Necker Island is one of the most idyllic and unspoiled locales in all the Caribbean.
As with all great stories at the centre of Necker’s history is a love story. Sir Richard Branson had been trying to impress a girl he had fallen for and upon hearing that an island was for sale in the BVI he approached the realtor who offered an all-expenses paid trip for him and a guest to see the island. As Richard and his guest strolled around the (then-uninhabited) Island they dreamed up plans for turning it into a haven for musicians. Smitten with the unspoilt paradise, and keen to impress his new love, Richard offered the highest amount he could afford. The realtor was quick to decline the offer, and left the couple high and dry to find their own way back home.
A year later, with no other offers on the table, Richard was approached about his initial offer. Virgin Records was in a much better position than it had been a year before, so Richard quickly agreed to purchase with a promise to build a resort on the Island within four years.
Today Necker Island boasts world-class amenities, facilities and service. Guests can expect to discover a 74-acre hideaway complete with white sandy beaches, luxurious accommodations, watersports, top class food and the holiday of a lifetime.
As for the girl… he married her there 11 years later in front of all their family and friends, and two children, Holly and Sam who were bridesmaid and page boy.

Whats on The island

• 28 guest bedrooms and two bunkrooms for up to 14 children
• Freshwater infinity pools, hot tubs and a cold plunge
• Two floodlit tennis courts, one pickleball court and one padel court (and two tennis coaches)
• A wide variety of watersports
• Fully equipped gym
• An abundance of wildlife from flamingoes to lemurs, giant tortoises and a whole host of others
• Snooker, chess and a wide variety of games
• Plenty of places to sit back and relax!

Sleeps up to 56 adults and 14 children

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Your luxury accommodation
• All meals and drinks (including all alcoholic drinks)
• Return boat transfer from Virgin Gorda or Beef Island
airports
• A dedicated team
• A wide variety of watersports
• Party with a DJ on one night
• An off-island excursion
• WiFi throughout the island

Main Strengths, Special Touch

• Necker Island offers exclusivity and ultimate privacy for guests for up 40 guests
  • Necker Island allows individual room bookings during Celebration weeks
  • Inclusive of the rate is watersports activities, food, beverage, wines, spirits, laundry and a team of more than 100 fabulous staff
  • Dining is a highlight of staying at Necker Island, we offer themed dinners with a list of entertainment options, lunch and dinner is served in different locations of the island so no experience is the same when staying at Necker Island
  • Necker Island is committed to sustainable development and respecting the local community and environment in which we operate by using locally and ethically grown and produced food products, adhering to policies on meat, waste, and carbon emission reduction

Location

Necker Island is situated in the British Virgin Islands located in a stunning and unspoilt area of the Caribbean. It sits in turquoise waters surrounded by coral reefs and fringed with beautiful sandy beaches.

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

It is possible to 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.

By private launch Necker Island is approximately 30 minutes from Tortola and 10 minutes from Virgin Gorda where there is another smaller airport. It is also possible to reach Necker Island by helicopter from Tortola, Virgin Gorda and St. Thomas, arrival and departure launch transfers to the island are included in the rates.

Key sites/activities in the area

• Kite Surfing: If you fancy giving it a go then we can teach you in a controlled, safe environment on Necker Island.
  • Waterskiing and wakeboarding: We have beginner and advanced waterskis, 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.
  • Paddleboarding: Otherwise known as ‘stand up paddleboarding’. 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.
  • 8 Person Paddleboarding: If you fancy having fun with friends all on one Paddle board then our inflatable 6 – 8 person SUP boards are for you.
  • 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 fiber wing.
  • Snorkelling: Snorkels and masks are provided for in the wardrobes in your rooms and there are fins located on both Turtle Beach and Main Beach. Both beaches offer excellent snorkelling depending upon weather conditions.
  • Scuba Diving: The waters of the British Virgin Islands have a superb range of dives. Wreck, reef and night dives can all be arranged to suit your level of adventure.
  Daytime Excursions: If you would like to explore more of the British Virgin Islands, join us on one of our excursions:
  • The Baths: famous for granite boulders and series of caves on Virgin Gorda
  • Anegada: has the third biggest barrier reef in the world
  • BVI Cruise: can be a leisurely and relaxing affair or a crazy booze cruise as we take you around the islands and fun bars of the BVI

Fun Facts

• Necker Island is home to a stunning array of wildlife including scarlet ibis, giant tortoises, iguanas and lemurs flewn in from Madasgar, and much more!
  • Necker Island is home to over 400 flamingos, yes, real ones, on island.
  • Necker Island has a team of over 100 staff to make our guests’ experience on island will be truly unique and memorable.
  • Zip line – a thrilling and fast way to get down to the beach!
  • Necker Island is Sir Richard Branson’s home and favorite hideaway and where he married the love of his life.

Children’s Corner

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.
Kids could also spend the day splashing around with inflatable toys in the beach pool before enjoying a pirate party on the sand.
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. 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!

For a limited time, Necker Island offers promotion

Book a stay on Necker Island during one of our Individual Stay dates, and when you stay 4 nights, your final night is completely on us. Spend your days paddleboarding over crystal-clear waters, sipping cocktails by the pool, meeting our friendly lemurs, or soaking in the sun on pristine private beaches. However you choose to unwind, your extra night in paradise is the perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable escape. The offer is available for selected individual stay weeks. This offer is subject to availability.

Images credit to Necker Island