Necker Island, British Virgin Islands · Great House · Private Island Buyout
Richard Branson's 30-hectare private island in the British Virgin Islands — one of the most celebrated private island experiences in the world. Purchased by Branson in 1978, rebuilt after the 2011 lightning fire in its original Balinese open-air style. Up to 40 guests on full island buyout across the Great House and Bali Houses, with the Crocodile Pavilion event space, eleven private beaches, full staff, and all-inclusive watersports. Ring-tailed lemurs, flamingos, and the finest sailing waters in the Caribbean.
Necker Island is a 30-hectare private island in the British Virgin Islands, owned by Richard Branson. He purchased it in 1978 at the age of 28 for £180,000 — a story he tells with characteristic candour: he could not afford it, so he negotiated creative terms. Over the subsequent decades the island was transformed into one of the most celebrated private island destinations on earth, with the Great House designed in a Balinese open-air style at the island's summit, commanding 360-degree panoramic views of the BVI island chain and the Caribbean.
The Great House was destroyed by fire in 2011 — caused by a lightning strike during a family gathering — and was completely rebuilt to the original design. The island now accommodates up to 40 guests across the Great House and its collection of Bali Houses on the hillside and beachfront. On full island buyout, guests have exclusive use of the entire 30 hectares: the Great House, all Bali Houses, the Crocodile Pavilion event space, the Elders Temple restaurant and bar, two pools, eleven beaches, and the full complement of staff and watersports.
The island is known for its extraordinary wildlife programme: resident ring-tailed lemurs, flamingos, giant Aldabra tortoises, and more than 200 tropical bird species share the island with guests. Necker has hosted world leaders, celebrities, philanthropists, and royal families. It is the venue of choice for major private celebrations, retreats, and fundraisers. The proximity to the BVI sailing grounds — some of the finest in the world — makes sailing, kitesurfing, and watersports central to the island experience.
The Great House is the architectural centrepiece of Necker Island — a multi-level Balinese-style open-air residence at the summit of the island with 360-degree panoramic views of the British Virgin Islands and the Caribbean Sea. On individual stays, the Great House accommodates six couples or ten singles across its bedrooms, each with private bathrooms, verandas, and Caribbean views. On full island buyout, all accommodation is reserved exclusively for the group.
The Bali Houses — Bali Hi, Bali Lo, and Bali Cliff — are private beach-side residences around the island, each with its own outdoor living areas, hot tubs, and direct beach access. The Crocodile Pavilion is the island's dramatic open-air event space, used for communal dining, celebrations, and themed evenings. The Elders Temple provides the island's primary bar and dining venue. Two pools, eleven beaches, a spa, a gym, and the full watersports centre complete the offering.
All meals and premium beverages are included in the Necker Island rate. The island's cuisine is described as "sharing plates" — abundant, seasonal, Caribbean-inspired menus prepared by the island's dedicated chef team. Every meal is tailored to the group's preferences. Breakfast is served al fresco at the Great House or in the various beach locations. Lunch is typically served at the Crocodile Pavilion or the main beach. Dinner is an event — the Crocodile Pavilion transforms for evening celebrations with full production and lighting.
Dining venues across the island include the Elders Temple bar and restaurant, the Crocodile Pavilion, the main beach grill, and in-villa dining in any of the Bali Houses. Private beach picnics, sunset cocktail events on a specific beach, or private dining on the hilltop summit with Caribbean views can all be arranged with the island's event planning team. The island's bar programme includes premium spirits, wines, and champagnes alongside tropical cocktails served anywhere on the island.
Four nights on Necker Island — Richard Branson's 30-hectare private island in the British Virgin Islands. The Great House at the summit. The Crocodile Pavilion at sunset. Eleven beaches. The ring-tailed lemurs on the hillside. The flamingos on the main beach. The BVI sailing grounds directly off the jetty. One of the most famous private island experiences on earth.
All packages are fully customisable. Full island buyout pricing and event production on request. Contact your Richseen specialist.
Necker Island is not a resort. It is a private island owned by one person, opened to guests for private experiences. Richard Branson bought it in 1978 as a 28-year-old. He rebuilt it after the 2011 lightning fire. The ring-tailed lemurs arrived because he wanted them there. The flamingos are on the beach because he wanted them there. The BVI sailing grounds are directly off the jetty. The Crocodile Pavilion was designed for celebration. The Great House was designed to be remarkable. It is remarkable.
A 4-night all-inclusive stay on Necker Island, British Virgin Islands — Richard Branson's 30-hectare private island in the Caribbean, one of the most famous private island experiences in the world. Great House or full island buyout for up to 40 guests. All meals, premium beverages, watersports, staff, and event planning included. Boat or helicopter transfers.
The ring-tailed lemurs on the hillside. The flamingos on the main beach. The kitesurfing lesson. The Crocodile Pavilion at sunset. Eleven beaches, the BVI sailing grounds, and the Caribbean at your feet.
Full island buyout pricing and event production enquiries on request — contact your Richseen specialist.