re island t
Sir Richard Branson’s exclusive Caribbean retreat offers more than luxury lodgings – but they’re a good place to start, finds Paul McLaughlin
he sun has just risen on what promises to be another glorious day on Necker Island, and we opt for an early-morning game
of padel before the temperature soars. We hop into golf buggies to descend the narrow, tropical tree-lined tracks until we reach the racket sports area and are met by tennis coach Kristin Wiley, who rigorously puts us through our paces. We soon attract a small audience: a
pair of ring-tailed lemurs. They appear behind the glass to one side of the court, bobbing their heads from left to right
like the crowd at Wimbledon’s Centre Court. They are joined by an enormous tortoise the size of a coffee table, who slowly rustles through the undergrowth around us. We smile in amazement while Kristin exclaims: “It never gets old!” Such is the charm of Necker Island, Sir
Richard Branson’s privately owned paradise in the British Virgin Islands. Wonderment is found at every turn, from the wildlife to the dreamy views, Balinese-style architecture and extraordinary plant life. I’m here with a small fam trip group
including the winners of Virgin Atlantic ²
travelweekly.co.uk 16 JANUARY 2025
DESTINATIONS NECKER ISLAND | CARIBBEAN
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