Necker Island — Hotel Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"Why book? To experience an iconic billionaire’s sun-splashed private island—and maybe spend some time with the man himself—complete with exotic animals, water sports, idyllic beaches, tennis courts, and a culinary program fit for a king. Set the scene Necker Island is the creation of Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, who has transformed what was once a scrubby, 74-acre British Virgin Island caye into a fortress of lush greenery, serene Balinese villas, exotic animals ranging from local flamingos to endangered lemurs and tortoises, and solar panels and wind turbines that make the island self-sustaining. The resort is accessible only by boat from nearby Tortola—no private-plane runway here—which makes it feel more approachable and refuge-like, especially compared to some other private-island hospitality projects. Every inch of the place feels like a Bond hideaway: tropical canopies give way to white-sand beaches all your own, lagoons filled with flamingos, infinity-pooled suites, and cozy lounges. A sprawling hilltop Great House has far-flung views of the azure waters around the island; there's also a billiards table, board games, a bar (one of many on the island), and dining nooks with incredible views where five-star dinners and healthy breakfasts are served. Endangered species of animals including massive leatherback turtles (around 800 pounds and up) from the Seychelles and ring-tailed (and other) lemurs from Madagascar wander the lower part of the resort, where a wildlife team manages habitats as well as corrals for mini horses and enclosures for smaller tortoises, chickens, and other barn animals (try to spot the enclosure that houses a cohabitating tortoise and hare.) As much as Branson has made the island an ideal representation of his sustainability ethos , he's also given thought to saving at-risk animal populations from other parts of the world; after successfully campaigning to make shark-finning illegal in the nearby Caribbean waters, Branson turned his attention to a series wildlife conservation efforts. The tortoise and lemur habitats here are the only place outside the leatherback's and ringtails' original homes where anyone has successfully gotten those species to procreate—the idea being that if ever their original populations completely end, there are domesticated versions of the gene pool that could repopulate them. It's also immensely fun to feed the gentle, high-jumping lemurs with one of the keepers onsite, and to say hello to the goats and horses in their enclosures on your way to the beach in the mornings. The backstory Branson—who spends much of the year on-island at his private estate when he’s not away on business (or, you know, in outer space )—may be spotted around the island enjoying one of his twice-daily tennis sessions or skimming along the horizon kite surfing. It’s not a mirage; the business mogul is even known to tap guests in for a round of beach tennis or a game of backgammon; don’t be surprised if he sidles up to you in the Great House for a friendly chat over dinner, either. The property, once available only for buyouts (the entire island can host 48 people across its 24 rooms), is now open for individual villa bookings over a selection of dates every year as part of the Virgin Limited Edition portfolio of hotels and resorts. The rooms Every multi-bedroom villa on Necker feels like a Balinese tree house, with unique flair differing for each one; I stayed in Bali Cliff, a grand wood-carved, four-suite complex sitting atop a dramatic bluff on the westernmost side of the island—it happens to be the villa Mariah Carey once showed off on MTV Cribs when she stayed here. It's ideally situated for sunset views from your outdoor shower and getting lost in the sound of loudly crashing waves from a terrace day bed. Interior beds have decorative mosquito nets (Branson famously keeps the island mosquito-free by keeping a year-round deterrence program in place) and fridges are stocked with included snacks , soft drinks, and wine, while an extensive full bar and soft drink/beer and wine fridges are available in the villa's common area where guests can also grab-and-go seltzers, coffees, ice, electrolytes; you name it, you'll probably find it in a cabinet or behind the bar, which can be manned by staff for pool parties or evening dinners (but everyone will tell you you're welcome to jump behind for whatever you need). Beyond Bali High, more rooms await in similar complexes named Bali Lo (a more forest-nestled option) and Elders Temple (perched atop a hill in the center of the island for 360-degree views). The massive Great House also hides an assortment of rooms and suites—including one for kids complete with a playroom and bunk beds. Bedrooms and common areas alike channel Indonesian temples with intricately carved wooden ceilings, eclectic art, serene zen gardens, sanskrit decor, and stone Buddhas. Across the board, interiors are oversized (both the space and the furniture) and decorated with unique trinkets and textiles that add depth and warmth, and make you feel like you're truly staying in a very hospitable billionaire's guest house dotted with souvenirs. Massive soaking tubs and double showers (one half is indoor, the other half outdoor) totally separate from the living areas and balconies make these digs perfect for groups who want to mingle for activities, meals, and pool time but still have their own space to recharge and get ready in between family time. The vibe is less fancy-hotel and more storied-beach-house-slash-mansion—definitely not the kind you'll find on Airbnb. The minimum stay length for Necker Island is four nights. Beyond your lodging, there's plenty to do—and that's always welcome news on any remote island resort, where you could otherwise begin to feel like a castaway by the third or so day. Active travelers will love the water sports pavilion, tennis courts, beach-tennis and volleyball nets in the sand, and newly installed Pickleball and Padel enclosures. More laid-back travelers might spend more of their time at the relaxing beach cabanas, spa, and infinity pool pavilion with hot tub and a swim-up bar. There are activities everywhere you look, and if you don't join in then Branson himself might emerge to assign an expert staffer to teach you something new (my favorite new hobbies post-visit include Pickleball, Padel, and beach tennis). Once you're tired out you can pick a beach lounger or cabana to really savor the scenery and quiet feel of the island while a staffer brings you a drink or two. By night, the vibe can get rowdy with karaoke or live music performances the property has boated in for ambiance that occasionally turns the Great House bar into a disco-balled dance floor. Food and drink At the Great House, made-to-order breakfasts on the roof are a lovely way to start your day after a morning yoga session on the terrace; think chia pudding and yogurt, fresh fruit and juices/health shots, plus a menu of eggs and high-protein items like oatmeal and avocado toast. Meals here are five-star and more for fuel throughout the day (healthy and veg-heavy options abound, until you're ready for pre-dinner cocktails) in true quiet-luxury, active-vacation fashion. Dinners and lunches are all served family-style and around the island, depending on the day—anything from the pool pavilion for floating sushi boats (a Necker tradition) served within the swim-up bar area to beach barbecues of lobster and sirloin may be on the menu. Don't miss the outdoors pizza ovens at Turtle Beach, where giant leatherback turtles may come to visit while you enjoy a perfectly wood-fired sourdough crust with leopard-spotted toppings. Every meal is different, and while the property can honor all allergies/preferences, it's great fun to let the chef make the menu and be surprised by the differing spreads night after night. Asian night (peppery beef noodles, succulent bun dumplings, and crispy rice bowls), Mediterranean lunches (yogurt-drenched vegetables, aromatic kebabs, spiced cous cous dotted with edible flowers), and outdoor barbecues were favorites, and pop up often on the schedule while incorporating plenty of variety. Frozen daiquiries and coladas (I personally found the non-alcoholic virgin versions especially yummy) and the extensive house wine list (on display with pairing options uncorked at dinner each night) are a standout part of the bar program. The spa Onsite spa Samudra (meaning ‘ocean’ in sanskrit) has three treatment rooms for facials, massages, scrubs, and Sodashi skincare beauty treatments. For such a small wellness outlet, the menu is extensive, encapsulating everything from dry brushing and lymphatic drainage massages to mud wraps, scalp treatments, waxing, lash/brow tinting, and private yoga and meditation sessions on the beach. The area/eco effort When it comes to private islands, this one is about as unique as it gets; Branson has built the island up over many decades. Well-developed compared to most of its Caribbean counterparts, it has wind turbines and solar panels (evident daily as you explore the property) that allow the property to self-sustain on 40% wind, 30% solar, and 30% diesel. An irrigation system that reuses wastewater for plants and a reverse-osmosis drinking water system mean the property is totally free of single-use plastic bottles—each villa and bar have a filtered water system, and room fridges are stocked with small Nalgene bottles of cold water. The service Casual and warm, yet attentive and extremely detail-oriented. The full-time staff is always available when you need provisions or a lift across the island in a golf cart, yet invisible when it matters most. There's a team for every need here, because this is a self-sustaining hub of hospitality—and from the wildlife managers to the events team, engineers and landscaping to cleaning staff and bartenders, everyone is a chatty expert in their field who wants to know where you're from, what you're enjoying most, and how they can make your stay even better. For families The property can accommodate kids, and the Great House has a small number of designated children's rooms. Most of the villas are centered around a pool and more geared toward adult groups and those with older kids, however. Moskito Island , the quieter Branson Estate on an adjacent multi-owner island just a short boat ride away, may be a better, quieter beach-rental resort option for those with small kids in tow. Accessibility While there are step-free rooms onsite , the island isn't exactly accessible due to steep hills and the use of gold carts for getting around. Anything left to mention? Landing on Necker Island for a few nights is what I imagine the closest real world scenario to getting inside Wonka's Factory would be: the inner workings of one of the world's most complex minds, personified. If the otherworldly animals and serene beachfronts don't get you, the self-sustaining bubble of expert hospitality minds certainly will—and may convert you into one of the many multi-visit repeat guests who keep coming back to this truly unparalleled gem of a private island resort."