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Necker Island
Necker Island Previously uninhabited, the House on Devil's Hill is the
only residence on this exquisite, 74-acre, private paradise owned by multi-millionaire
and entrepreneur Richard Branson. Enjoy the supreme comforts of an 18
person professional staff, superb chef, freshwater swimming pool, jacuzzis,
and breathtaking views that encompass the green of the Atlantic, the coral
reef, and Virgin Gorda beyond. Necker enjoys two private beaches, state
of the art watersports equipment including James Bond-like underwater
scuba machines, a flood-lit tennis court.private beaches, Dine truly al
fresco right next to the water at the Balinese hut barbecue at Well Beach,
the staff will be delighted to insure that your dream is realized in every
aspect of your visit. Accommodations for up to 24, Necker Island is the
perfect private island experience.
An Interview
with Richard Branson Owner Necker Island, Virgin Atlantic Records,
Virgin Airlines by Alfredo Merat "One has a dream and is driven by
an incredible commitment to perfectionČ avows Richard Branson, President
of Virgin. "From cola's to balloons, music to airplanes; one must
find a way to come down to earth and rest, relax, look back and reflect
in a tranquil and wonderful setting. Necker Island was conceived for that
basic reason." From his limousine, enroute to taking on yet another
adventure against "the 'evil' British Airways empire," Branson
(somewhat serenely) spoke to me on the telephone about his private hideaway
on the British Virgin Island. Wendy and I had the fortunate experience
of spending time on Necker Island, and then understood fully what Branson's
commitment to impeccable taste and fine cuisine means to him. He can not
emphasize enough how he is perpetually excited to visit Necker, his "purification
center," with its four-star chef, quiet wind, 12 master bedrooms,
colorful reef and turquoise waters.
The island
awaits you. . . Come to this mystical isle and dive or sail, where only
the best can be expected. Perhaps you'll be the lucky one to wave as Richard
and his hot-air ballon pass by while he tries to conquer a new world.
The following
interview is just a peek into the creative mind behind this wonderful
island:
Q:
Why did you purchase Necker Island, out of all the islands you've probably
seen? A:
It was the brightest jewel I've ever found. . . it really had everything
we could possibly dream of – sandy beaches, beautiful reefs, the
view (you can't see another house from it in any direction), it is reasonably
easy to access and is completely unspoiled. Despite all that, we basically
just fell in love with it.
Q:
Do you go personally? A: Not more than 2-3 times a year. In the
summer I spend quite a bit of time there.
Q:
Do you do business while there, or try to keep it for relaxation? A:
I have to admit I do do a little bit. But, basically I'm there for relaxation.
Q:
A question so often asked about many of our celebrity properties is: "Why
do you rent it?" Why are you offering it to the public? A:
Basically it would be a complete waste to have it sitting empty when we're
not there. It's important to share beautiful things like that, and I think
it would be an indulgence not to, basically.
Q:
On a more personal level, and correct me if I'm wrong, I know your past
a little bit, starting with the Sex Pistols and record companies, and
culminating with the ultimate in luxury. How did you get here? A:
I just love challenges, particularly new challenges, and can't resist
opportunities where I feel that we can bring something to a company or
to an island and make it special without spoiling it. It takes a very
inquisitive type of individual. One thing leads to another, and we try
to create the best in any field we go into. When we bought Necker Island,
the key thing was to make sure we did not spoil it, but possibly enhance
it.
Q:
You are not going to do any expansion? A: No, we're not going to
do any more development on it at all. The great thing about having us
there is we got rid of the goats, who were damaging the undergrowth. We
planted a lot of trees which attracted wildlife, birds in particular.
Q:
Is there one spot in the world you would recommend other that Necker Island?
A: I love Bali and Indonesia. I haven't been there for a number
of years since we've had Necker Island, but white-water river rafting
in Bali is something I wouldn't mind doing this very second.
Q:
Now we have the idea of Virgin Ultimate, and our vision of the magazine
is also along those lines, but some of our owners are asking is there
a criterion to be a possible candidate to join Virgin Ultimate? Are you
going to look into those options or just keep it very exclusive? A:
Basically, the person who runs Virgin Ultimate, Geraldine, has the most
wonderful job because she's the one that goes around looking for the ultimate
properties. What we found with Necker is that people would go there and
they would then try to re-book and find it was booked. They'd then ask
us for a recommendation. Or they'd come to Necker and then want a winter
holiday or they'd want a yacht. We thought we'd put together a brochure,
(it's quite usually for myself personally) where we could find the ultimate
places.
Q:
If Mr. Bill Gates asked you if there is one main feature he should or
should not have in his new $30 million retreat, what would you tell him?
long pause. . . A: A computer, he definitely should not have. I
believe in notebooks. He should have a notebook and no computer.
Busy man
that he is, I had to sum up my interview with Richard Branson, so I asked
him about any future adventurous trips. . . to which he replied: "This
December we're attempting to sail around the world in a hot air balloon."
This no doubt is just another one of the challenges that Richard presents
himself with to keep him on his toes. . . And who knows what new and exciting
places he may find? Luckily for us he will share them, opening the door
to some of the most beautiful places in the world. – AM
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