For the first time, billionaire Richard Branson is opening his residence on Necker Island to individual stays during the festive season of 2023.
“This year, we’re inviting travelers from around the world to experience something very special to close out the year and celebrate 2023,” James Basson, the general manager of Necker Island, told Robb Report. “For the first time, we are offering guests the opportunity to book an individual room over selected dates during the festive season and have unique access to our beautiful private island.”
Situated in the British Virgin Islands, Necker Island serves as the home of Virgin Atlantic founder Richard Branson and stands as one of the most exclusive resorts globally.
Typically, the island is exclusively available for booking through Virgin Limited Edition as a complete buy-out, with costs starting from US$118,500 per night in 2024 for 40 guests. This exclusivity makes it accessible only to the super-rich or substantial groups of friends or family who can pool resources to cover the expense. However, a limited number of “Individual Stays” are open to the public throughout the year, allowing travelers to reserve one of the 24 rooms in Branson’s house instead of renting the entire property and island.
Until now, this privilege has not been extended for the festive season. However, this year, Necker Island has introduced a cluster of room nights in December for couples or smaller groups of friends and families, available between December 11 and December 26, presumably while Branson is celebrating Christmas elsewhere.
Rates start from US$5,400 (December 11-20) and US$5,850 (December 20-26) per room, per night, based on two adults sharing one room. (Departures are not permitted on December 24 or 25.) Minimum lengths of stay may apply.