BILLIONAIRE HIDEAWAY
LOCATED NORTH OF VIRGIN GORDA IN THE CARIBBEAN, ‘NECKER’ – AS IT IS LOVINGLY REFERRED TO – IS SURROUNDED BY STUNNING TURQUOISE WATERS, CORAL REEFS AND UNTOUCHED BEACHES.
As one returning guest quipped, “Necker Island is somewhere that can’t be imitated, only appreciated.” As only a billionaire could do, Sir Richard Branson has created a floating oasis not only for the personal use of his own family, but for a limited few who can afford the US $42,500 per night price tag.
With 74-acres and 60 full-time staff at your disposal, Necker Island features luxurious lodging, ultimate privacy and top-notch amenities. From a relaxed beachfront ceremony to a six-course gala reception dinner, flickering tiki torches and the sound of breaking waves along your own private shoreline create the ultimate tropical wedding destination.
Located north of Virgin Gorda in the Caribbean, ‘Necker’ – as it is lovingly referred to – is surrounded by stunning turquoise waters, coral reefs and untouched beaches. Conveniently accessible from the islands of Antigua, Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, a smaller airport on Virgin Gorda allows an easy 10-minute boat or helicopter transfer upon arrival. Or if you prefer to sail, anchor a yacht directly off Necker to experience the perfect island welcome.
Awarded best private island in 2010, Necker is one of Branson’s collection of limited edition properties found worldwide including Ulusaba Private Game Reserve in South Africa, Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco, The Lodge in Verbier, Switzerland, The Roof Gardens and Babylon Restaurant in London and Makepeace Island in Australia.
A rare peek into the world of the charismatic billionaire, Necker offers a bespoke wedding experience, where your wildest nuptial fantasies are played out right before your very eyes. With on island suites for up to 28 people, Necker works with neighboring island resorts to accommodate additional guests. Split between six, one-bedroom Bali Houses, Temple House, and Love Temple, a total of eight sumptuous bedrooms is available. Necker’s sleek 32-meter catamaran, Necker Belle, features four permanent cabins and can be moored alongside the island. Necker Belle’s master suite offers spectacular views of the ocean through large windows. This room has ample storage space along with a comfortable queen size bed, private bathroom, and 52-inch LCD TV. Two double VIP guest cabins can also be arranged upon request.
Dotted around the island in blissful, tropical seclusion, the Bali Houses are accessible via your own private golf buggy. Bali Hi, Bali Cliff and Bali Beach are built on a cliff in order to maximize views, breezes and the sounds of the sea. Boasting authentic Balinese style surroundings and a delightful plunge pool with panoramic Caribbean ocean views, each bungalow features a private verandah, artisan-crafted furnishings and hand hewn tropical woods.
Situated in the middle of the island with breathtaking views, Temple House is Branson’s private home and was built to his exacting standards. The house features a gorgeous freshwater infinity pool, a large lounge and a freestanding marble bathtub – ideal for soaking as you gaze out to the ocean. Love Temple is accessible by a short grass footpath featuring a private and spectacular room with a semi open-air bathroom at the back and its own lawn terrace.
In addition to the opulent ambience at Necker, fine food will be the highlight of any wedding on the island. Yes, the nightly price is exorbitant, but it is fully inclusive of all food and drinks, including fine wines and Champagne. Guests set the menu and mealtimes. Necker’s Michelin-trained chefs will prepare unforgettable dishes for all tastes. Dining can be formal or informal, indoors or outdoor, themed or traditional, beachside or poolside, or even under the stars. The accommodating staff is always open for new ideas, so let the creativity flow
Just steps from the beach, Necker’s Beach Pavilion is a fantastic space to kick back and enjoy the island. The building is split over two levels with a large bar, cinema and entertainment area on the lower level. Relax on the oversized sofa positioned in front of a massive flat screen television. Catch up on the latest DVDs, or relax in the shade when the sun’s at its hottest. On the upper level you’ll find a huge dining table that can seat up to 40 guests at any one time with views overlooking the tennis courts.
As Necker’s experienced staff will be seeing to all of your event details, there will be plenty of time to lie on the beach, and enjoy the sea. Main Beach is where most of the water activities are based including kite surfing, water skiing, kayaking and power boat excursions. Turtle Beach is a more peaceful palm-fringed beach, with hammocks hanging between the trees. There are many other places where guests can find a peaceful spot to relax, and the more energetic can take the 2-hour walk around the island to view the flora and fauna. The Pool Pavilion has one of the most stunning pools around. This is located at Main Beach and can be accessed from both land and beach sides. There is a swim-up bar off the freeform infinity pool complete with rocks in the pool where guests can sit and enjoy a drink. A huge Jacuzzi right on the beach with space for more than 20 people is often the go to place when celebrations last into the wee hours.
Leha Leha is the Balinese way of describing peace, relaxation and daydreaming, and there is no better place to experience this than with a spa treatment at the island’s private spa. With two fully trained resident beauty therapists offering a fabulous range of treatments, Necker Island Spa is an indulgent place to primp for the big day or let your hair down in carefree, Necker style.
