Necker Island - Infinite Romance courtesy of neckerisland.virgin.com

When I was fourteen someone, a friend, asked me what I would buy if I had “all the money in the world.” I immediately said “my own island.” I guess Sir Richard Branson had the same idea when he bought Necker Island. I was not suspicious that he had stolen my idea until I heard about the twenty-two room villa completely Balinese in style boating a full 360 degree view of the entire island. I’ve always wanted a Balinese villa atop an island with a view of….everything. I bet he has an infinity pool, a garden showing off birds of paradise plants in every color of the rainbow and rambutan trees. I love rambutans. Not sure about the rambutan trees but when looking at the Necker Island website they had a picture of a small floating boat (probably on an infinity edge pool) filled with sushi and sushi rolls of all types (that almost trumps the rambutans in my book) and I’m pretty sure I saw hints of a beautiful garden. In addition, the villa is fully equipped with a staff of 31.

Sir Richard did such an amazing job of making Necker Island so romantic even he fell in love and got married there. When the Bransons are not on the island people with deep enough pockets are allowed to rent out the island. Although not always open to all couples for rent, generally because Europe’s aristocrats and international celebs get first pick, the island can be rented by couples four times a year during what is called “Celebration Week.” Costs? $19,000 per couple per week all-inclusive OR rent the entire island and invite 14 of your closest friends for $22,500 per day. If you feel like really celebrating with more of your friends (26 to be exact) it will run you $36,000 per day. Although not the only way to enjoy a Virgin Island vacation, it sure is one way to spend big on the Virgin Islands. Personally, I’m good with a well made Painkiller, some conch and a deserted beach.

Sebastien Tobler

Colliding Continents