Barefoot Luxury on Necker Island

The most unique private island experience on basically a world famous billionaire’s home. It would be a shame to talk about places away from the crowds and not give a mention to Virgin owner Richard Branson’s privately owned, luxurious, Necker Islands in the British Virgin Islands. I am talking about a 74-acre resort in the Caribbean that oozes luxury from the moment you set foot in the crystal clear and turquoise water set amongst the cleanest looking white sand you’ll encounter. Now imagine colorful borders of coral reefs amidst hundreds, maybe thousands of fish wandering around. As you are looking out at the vast sea, peals of laughter catch your ears and you turn your head to see a single boat across the waters hauling a couple parasailing. You smile and turn around to see the tropical path ahead, complete with flamingo-filled lagoons, and come across lemurs, giant tortoises and other exotic creatures all while heading to the 24-roomed, Balinese-inspired villas that are to be your new home for the next few days or week. It’s like something right out of a movie set. If I said imagine a place where a rich celebrity wanted to escape to, this would be it. In fact, Princess Diana used to bring William and Harry here.

I spent a few days here with a group of women, 9 of us total, and it did not disappoint. We had private chefs, fine dining, open bars, spa treatments, and so much more. The cuisine was simply incredible; one day we had lunch served on a kayak in the swimming pool and the kayak was filled with sushi, sake, and our favorite seafood! The chef swam it over to us, it was very cool! I got to hang out with the resident lemurs on the island which was outstanding. I wasn’t sure if they were going to run away from me at first, but despite the isolation, they seem to be rather friendly and approachable. So, I got to play with and feed them and it was just the most fun. I know I already mentioned the giant tortoises but I have to talk about them once more because they really are titanic. They’re native to a coral atoll called Aldabra in the Seychelles, and have been on the island since the early 2000s. In 2021 several hatchlings were born and they were the first born anywhere in the world outside of Aldabra. A couple may not seem like much, but keep in mind they are an endangered species.  The whole experience was like and adult playground or summer camp and it puts a smile on my face reminiscing because it inspires a sense of joy and freedom. You can be sipping on cocktails in your hammock one moment, enjoying a party with your group on the beach in the next moment, and then be in complete isolation for a day of two while listening to nothing but the natural sounds around you. Join me next time for another adventure to recharge and unplug Away From the Crowds!