How a tycoon’s island, destroyed in 2017, was “resurrected” for tourism

A private paradise in the middle of the Caribbean became a scene of destruction when, in early September 2017, Hurricane Irma hit the region.

The tropical cyclone was the largest ever recorded in Atlantic Ocean history, according to the US National Hurricane Center.

Among the tens of thousands of people who lost their possessions was billionaire Richard Branson, co-founder of the Virgin Group, who bought Necker Island in 1978 with the initial intention of making it his family’s summer home.

After the mourning and shock of seeing his residence in ruins and much of the vegetation damaged, the tycoon faced the blank page a bit like when he bought the place, when there was nothing there but wild goats.

It was then that Branson used the devastated land, which is part of the British Virgin Islands, as an opportunity to develop a completely new proposal and with the aim of making the private island the most sustainable in the world.

The reconstruction was intense and in October 2018 Necker welcomed guests again. This means that those interested in renting the property to groups of up to 30 people could again do so for the low price, at the time, of US$77,500 per night, booking a minimum of five nights.

The works continued and in 2019, the facilities gained a complex inspired by the architecture and decoration of Bali, Indonesia, with several pools and a new lounge. However, the biggest highlight is due to the efforts to preserve the environment.

SUSTAINABILITY IN FOCUS

There are several initiatives that have ecology as their theme on Necker Island, from the conservation of endangered species, the use of renewable sources to the use of local natural resources.

The island’s electricity comes from 1,230 solar panels and three wind turbines that were installed in 2019. They were designed to tilt in case of high winds, as happened with Hurricane Irma.

Necker is full of life, and today has the greatest biodiversity in the British Virgin Islands. Of the total 30 hectares, six are exclusive to the 140 species of animals that live there, and 70% are at risk of extinction. Among them, the Anegada rock iguana, the scarlet tortoise, the giant Galapagos tortoise and the ring-tailed lemur.

The exotic animals were rescued and introduced there with the help of a team of specialists in wildlife, thinking about adaptation to the environment and climate. And it has worked, as many animals are reproducing.

Other ecological attitudes include the end of packaging and disposable straws, collecting tanks for rainwater, which is used for irrigation, replacing kerosene torches with solar-powered lanterns, concern for the local and sustainable origin of food, and employee uniforms made from recycled ocean waste.

And there is more to come: in the next steps are the expansion of the production of vegetables on the island itself, protection and reproduction of corals, and the mission to completely eliminate the consumption of fossil fuels by 2030 — which is currently 10%.

To publicize these environmental efforts, Virgin Limited Edition launched the four-episode series Creating A Better Future throughout October, which features Richard Branson and property staff explaining practical actions and future plans. 

MORE AFFORDABLE LUXURY

Those interested in visiting one of the most exclusive islands in the world in 2023, which has already hosted Barack and Michelle Obama, Mariah Carey, Kate Winslet and Robert De Niro, but unable to disburse US$113,000 per night, can take advantage of the Celebration Weeks, where it is possible to book individual suites for couples and families between July and September.

Guests enjoy, from US$5,150 per room, per night, luxury accommodations, all meals and beverages, including alcoholic beverages, private boat transfers to and from Beef Island airports or Virgin Gorda and all activities such as animal feeding, private lessons in tennis and water sports, snorkeling and excursions to visit caves and other beaches in the British Virgin Islands.

The accommodations have 11 rooms, plus one with bunk beds for children, in the main area (Great House) and nine private houses inspired by the Balinese style.

Amenities include two infinity pools, a whirlpool on the beach, spa, lake with flamingos, beginner and advanced tennis courts, pool table and other games.

The rental of the complete island includes, among services, the organization of parties, shows with a Caribbean band, DJ and theme nights, with casino games, Moroccan specialties, luau or elements of disco music.

To complete the stay, the presence of Richard Branson is always a possibility there, since, when he is not traveling around the world – or through space -, he spends his days in Necker, without being intimidated by the strangers in his home. In fact, he often interacts with guests and is a good host.

With information from UOL