Virgin Gorda
British Virgin Islands


The Experience

Never one to shun a spotlight, Sir Richard Branson made a splash in 1982 when he bought a barren, rocky 74-acre island in the British Virgin Islands and built a vacation compound, a Balinese fantasy of thatched-roof, open-air pavilions filled with hard-carved furniture, shimmering silks and batiks. He made another splash in 1984 when he began to rent it out, turning Necker Island into one of the first private island resorts and allowing similar spotlight-seekers to escape the heat of popping camera flashes. Except for two annual "Celebration Weeks," the rest of the year only one individual or group (up to 28) can stay at any time. Branson's "mi casa, su casa"; spirit means they have the run of the place and its three freshwater pools, snooker table, dinghies, tennis courts, library, bar, the works -- all included in the hefty price of admission.

The Rooms

With one Great House and five smaller pavilions scattered across the island, privacy comes with the territory. In the main house's nine rooms, sliding glass doors open to individual decks, and terraces provide indoor/outdoor living, with breezes that billow the curtains and sea views that go on for miles. Original designs featured furnishings and a design team flown in from Bali, while a renovation in 1995 refreshed the look. The homes -- from mid-island to one hanging over a cliff -- make for the quintessential private-island fantasy, with outdoor Jacuzzis, freshwater pools shaded by palms and outdoor bathrooms crafted of lava rock as if carved out by the surrounding sea.

The Service

A staff of 62 is at the ready to do, prepare or arrange anything you wish -- like chopper in a white grand piano (done for a famous musician who once stayed). Resident managers can stay in the background or host the dinners if that's your style. Chef Craig Harnden discusses the day's menu every morning, whether a sit-down dinner in the Great House, a beach barbecue or a platter of sushi floating on a raft in the pool.

The Highlights

The ultimate private island escape just keeps getting better. Since 2000, Sir Richard has added another pool and a dining pavilion by the beach and built the Bali Leha spa into a cliff overlooking the sea. Days might start with breakfast on your own terrace, a boat ride into Virgin Gorda for some shopping, a hike around the island's deserted beaches, lobster tails grilled on the beach for lunch, kite-surfing, a soothing aloe and mint wrap in the spa, cocktails in the sunset pavilion, dinner in the Great House, a bonfire on the beach and a midnight dip in the pool. Or absolutely nothing at all.

-- Kathleen Beckett

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