DESTINATIONS CARIBBEAN |NECKER ISLAND
NECKER IN NUMBERS ECKER IN 74
Size of the island in acres
Solar panels across the island 1,230 140 0
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Necker’s Bali Hi Suite and flamingo pond; Bali Cliff Suite; some of the island’s 600 flamingos; The Beach Pavilion PICTURES: Virgin Limited Edition/
Adamslamaphoto@gmail.com, Jack Brockway
to cross the path at its own leisurely pace or are accompanied by a group of cheeky lemurs bouncing alongside the intended route. Tortoises were introduced to the island in the
early 2000s from the Aldabra atoll in the Seychelles and, in 2021, 12 hatchlings were born on Necker – the first outside the species’ native homeland. Given their life expectancy, they should still be strolling across the island in 150 years’ time. The resident flamingos made their comeback around
2006, having once been hunted to near-extinction in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Now, the Necker Island colony numbers more than 600. Their dazzling plumage is visible from across the island, a luminous flamboyant pink imbued into their feathers from their diet of shrimp. But they have serious competition from the equally dazzling scarlet ibis, whose crimson wings can be spotted stretching out in the treetops.
GREEN FINGERS Keen to understand the mechanics of how a private- island resort runs, we take a sustainability tour with engineer Marlon Burke. First on the agenda are three wind turbines, a unique feature in the BVI. They provide 40% of the island’s energy requirements, with another 20% coming from a solar farm, which
36 16 JANUARY 2025 Asked how soon carbon
neutrality might be achieved, the engineer says ‘Richard wants everything done yesterday!’
covers three-quarters of an acre. The remaining 40% is produced by diesel generators – though the property hopes to move away from these in future. Burke explains that all the island’s sustainability
and renewable resource programmes are instigated by Branson, right down to the staff shirts made using recycled ocean plastic. The ultimate aim, he tells us, is carbon neutrality. When pressed on how soon this is achievable, Burke replies with a rueful smile: “Richard wants everything to be done yesterday!” Indeed, time does seem to pass quickly on Necker,
with so much packed into a strikingly petite isle. One of my fellow travellers was enjoying his second stay and confessed that he cried when left the last time – and as we wave goodbye, I can wholly understand why. Necker leaves an indelible impression and the agents and I go home with unforgettable memories – the island has certainly worked its magic.
TW BOOK IT
Carrier offers seven nights’ all-inclusive from £21,545 per person, based on two adults sharing a Bali Lo suite. Price includes Virgin Atlantic flights, Winair flights from Antigua to Beef Island, transfers and VIP service, based on a September 18 departure.
carrier.co.uk
Virgin Atlantic flies non-stop from Heathrow to Antigua four times a week in high season, running until April 30 and resuming from October 24, with a weekly service with a touchdown in Barbados in the intervening months. Return fares start at £452 in Economy and £2,150 in Upper Class.
virginatlantic.com
Tradewind operates private charter flights from Antigua to Virgin Gorda from $14,000 return, for up to eight passengers.
flytradewind.com
travelweekly.co.uk
Number of animal species
Mosquitoes – Necker’s conservation staff keep the island mosquito-free
46
Weight in stone of Brutus, one of the resident giant tortoises
g and
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