This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
The Wild Isle: How Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island became a hub for regenerative travel
By Lauren Jade Hill | 13 November 2024 | Travel
Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island shows how a private island resort can become a beacon of impactful regenerative travel
I lean forward from my position at the back of the tandem kayak to get a hold of the branches bending in towards us on each side of a small passageway leading through dense mangrove. With my paddling partner pulling at the same time, we leverage our kayak over a web of branches growing just above the water’s surface beneath us, leaning back to slide beneath the low branches overhead.
We’re navigating a path that connects two open areas of sheltered pools at the heart of a great expanse of coastal mangrove as we follow a channel through this thick wilderness of the Hans Creek lagoon. Reached by paddling along the windswept coastline from a small, secluded bay, this wilderness lies on the edge of Beef Island, to the east of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, which is the archipelago that Sir Richard Branson’s private paradise, Necker Island, also calls home.
The ecological importance of mangrove ecosystems cannot be underestimated. These marine forests are thought to sequester carbon at 10-times the rate of mature tropical forests. Their ecosystems provide the habitat for a wealth of wildlife, acting as a nursery for juvenile marine species and, of particular significance for this part of the world, these mangrove systems also protect coastlines from extreme weather conditions.
Related: 24 Hours in Westminster – a guide to London’s most popular neighbourhood
Much of the mangrove in the British Virgin islands was destroyed by Hurricane Irma but, thanks to vital mangrove restoration efforts, this area of submerged coastal forest is once again thriving.
On a kayaking expedition with the local eco-operator GroundSea Adventures BVI, insight is given into the environmental importance of these mangrove systems with the chance to also plant mangrove propagules (or seedlings) and play a small part in its ongoing regeneration. This tourism initiative is supported by the non-profit Unite BVI Foundation, which was founded by Virgin Limited Edition and Virgin Unite in 2016.
As of 2024, Necker Island is now offering guests the chance to join this mangrove conservation tour because, while Necker may be best known for sheer unbridled luxury, this private island retreat is also a leader in regenerative tourism.
The creator of this island paradise, who has made Necker Island his home, is Sir Richard Branson – the billionaire British business magnate and founder of the Virgin empire who first set about making this exclusive retreat a wildlife haven in 2005. A flock of flamingos, once native to the British Virgin Islands but hunted to extinction, was introduced to the island the following year, and a stream of species have made their arrival in the years since.
UNSPOILED SANCTUARY
The 74-acre island is now home to 140 different species, including seven types of lemurs, birdlife such as the scarlet ibis, Anegada rock iguanas and Aldabra giant tortoises. Turtles hatch on the island’s sandy shores and, when 12 tortoise hatchlings were born on the island in 2021, they became the first Aldabra giant tortoises to be bred naturally outside of the Seychelles.
A flock of 44 flamingos that was introduced to the island has now grown to number around 630 birds today. The biodiverse environment. also home to smaller creatures like the Anegada Calisto butterfly and plant-life such as mangrove, is then surrounded by the marine-life rich waters of the British Virgin Islands.
A dedicated wildlife and conservation team manages this biodiverse environment, which also integrates enough solar panels and wind turbines to provide almost 100% of the island resort’s energy. An extensive recycling programme, the reduction of food miles, and the collection and repurposing of water for irrigation add to the island’s environmental efforts. Guided walks around the island introduce you to these initiatives and the abundance of wildlife.
Related: Space to explore: How Halo Space is redefining space tourism
“What we’ve tried to do with Necker is set an example that shows what can be done,” says Sir Richard, as we discuss the impact of the island. “If you can get yourself into a position where you can make a difference, you shouldn’t waste that opportunity. I think the difference you make is really important, and it’s about the big things you do — like our planetary guardianship programmes — but also the smaller things you do for individual people.”
Richard’s ethos is epitomised by the efforts of Unite BVI Foundation in particular; which makes a difference through a multitude of projects spanning environmental conservation, community enrichment and empowering local entrepreneurs.
On Necker Island, this care for the environment and community comes hand in hand with the hedonistic resort experience, which pairs barefoot luxury with a lot of fun. While staying in one of nine Balinese-style houses, with either shared or private pools and far-reaching ocean views, days are spent as slowly or as high-energy as you feel. A day here could be spent unwinding on one of the sandy beaches, in the spa and by the main pool with a glass of champagne or making the most of the many water- and land-based activities on offer.
Kite surf, snorkel with turtles, and join a Hobie race around the island, take to the tennis, padel and pickleball courts, and hike the island’s undulating trails.
As well as the newly offered mangrove conservation tour, off island excursions then include visits to the famous Baths of nearby Virgin Gorda, and laidback cruises around the surrounding islands with a stop-off at one of the local beach bars. As such an exclusive island hideaway, every aspect of a stay, from how you spend your time to the food and drink, is tailored to you.
The social atmosphere between everyone on the island extends to Necker’s signature sushi-laden kayak lunches in the beachside pool and the island’s legendary white parties where everyone is encouraged to dance the night away on the long wooden table of the Great House.
Since Richard also makes his home here, you’ll often find the billionaire entrepreneur joining you for a celebratory drink, meal on the beach or game of pickleball.
“I love people,” he says. “So to be able to socialise, interact and have so many wonderful discussions is something I thoroughly enjoy.”
However you decide to spend your time on the island, each day comes with a glimpse into the many initiatives demonstrating just how luxury tourism at its best can have such a positive impact on the surroundings.