Elite Traveler HRS 2022

te r li at ve eler HOTELS, RESORTS & SPAS 2022 48

One of the Bali-inspired accommodations

The decor is laid-back luxe

RELAX There’s no better way to unwind than with the live soundtrack of the sea. Necker’s small but fully equipped spa has an open-wall concept, meaning you can breathe in the salty air and listen to the oceanic lullaby as you indulge in a treatment or two. Massages leave muscles feeling soothed and supple (especially important if you partake in a Necker tennis tournament or an assault course on the beach) and a signature facial leaves skin hydrated and glowing. EXPLORE It's hardly surprising that the fun-loving, adventurous Branson has a whole host of thrilling activities on his island. While not quite reaching space like the man himself has done, you can still take flight with some windsurfing (during my visit, three-time world champion Kirsty Jones was teaching lessons, including ‘body dragging’ if you don’t quite feel like doing the whole thing: You hang on and are quite literally dragged through the sea and whooshed up

into the air. It is a blast.) The open-air tennis courts are made for tournaments with a spot of afternoon tea to follow, and The Amazing Race is a fun activity for competitive groups. Think of it as a scavenger hunt throughout the island with inventive and seriously fun challenges. There is a sandbank that you can paddleboard to and where you can have a few cocktails and canapes in a most unusual setting. WILDLIFE Most of the wildlife on Necker are free-roaming. You are guaranteed to spot giant tortoises on the beach; various species of lemur can often be found frolicking on the tennis courts; iguanas are scurrying at every turn. The pink flamingos and scarlet ibis can often be found hanging out in the lagoon and, according to staff, Branson calls from wherever he is in the world to check in on the pink birds. There is even a loveable island dog named Bento and a green parrot named Guinness who will squawk hello as you pass. Conservation is entirely funded by Sir Richard; if guests wish to donate, the funds go to Virgin Unite.

NECKER ISLAND BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Necker Island is a bit of a paradox: It is one of the most talked-about, well-known private islands in the world, yet is shrouded in secrecy and maintains an air of mystery. Sir Richard Branson’s own paradise island has had its fair share of famous guests (the Obamas, Mariah Carey, Princess Diana, Kate Moss…) and an even fairer share of tough times (fires, floods, hurricanes…). But after a seriously impressive eco-conscious rebuild following the various natural disasters, Necker Island is back and better (read: more sustainable) than ever. There are around 1,232 solar panels and three wind turbines on the island; Necker runs on around 80% renewable energy and is involved in a number of charitable organizations that help to train solar technicians, thus giving back to the local community. CONTACT enquiriesusa@virginlimitededition.com, +1 929 526 3034, virginlimitededition.com STAY The island is divided into different multi-villa accommodations. The Great House is the social hub, like the family home, where you’ll find the Crows Nest — a pirate-ship-like vantage point with seemingly endless views out over the sparkling ocean (this is also a prime spot to watch the resident flamingos circumnavigate the island every day around sunset). Bali Hi and Bali Lo are the newest, rebuilt after the devastation from Hurricane Irma. Think Bali-inspired decor, communal infinity pools and indoor/outdoor living among the lush foliage.

Dine under the stars on Turtle Beach

The island’s tennis court