Richard Branson’s private island is open to public this Christmas – with empty beaches, infinity pools & Nutcracker ball

ANYONE who’s ever dreamed of having their own private island can now get a taste of exactly what it’s like.

Billionaire Richard Branson is opening up a Caribbean island of his own to members of the public this winter, with an array of luxury accommodation to choose from.

Necker Island boasts 74 acres of land in the middle of turquoise water as part of the British Virgin Islands.

It is described on the as “pure paradise” and is home to creatures like flamingos, tortoises, lemurs and whales, among others.

Ordinarily, stays are either by invitation only, or only open to those who are able to book the whole island as a group.

Individual stays are opened up on rare occasions, but never during Christmas.

However, this year, Branson is inviting guests to book stays during the festive period for the first time ever.

From November 18 to 25 and December 11 to 26, guests will have the opportunity to stay on the island and enjoy some very exclusive winter sun. Bookings can be made for a minimum of five nights.

There are only 24 rooms available to book, so a relaxing and quiet stay is pretty much guaranteed.

However, it also means that anyone interested will have to move quickly to book their stay.

Previous guests on the island have included the likes of Ed Sheeran, Kate Winslet and Harry Styles, so any visitors could end up in the company of A-listers.

However, it comes at an A-list cost, with prices starting at around £4,400 per night.

For that money, guests can explore the island’s hiking trails, do water activities like kayaking or paddleboarding, enjoy a treatment from the spa therapists, or simply relax on the empty beaches.

The island’s chefs will “create mouthwatering menus, using fresh and local ingredients wherever possible” .

There’s also a floating sushi bar, which is “not to be missed”.

There will also be special festive activities put on for Christmas guests, including a “Get Grinched Beach Olympics”.

Santa Claus will be also be stopping by to provide visitors with gifts and Christmas cheer. 

In the evening, a Nutcracker-themed ball will offer festive dining and dancing before an after-party with a DJ.

The island has its own itineraries for kids, with fun activities at the Necker Squids Club, like wildlife interactions, swimming, beach activities, and cookie, sushi, and pirate hat making among others.

Rooms include all meals and drinks, including alcohol, served in a variety of locations, return boat transfer from Virgin Gorda or Beef Island airports and water sports equipment.

Each of the rooms are “designed to take advantage of the island’s natural beauty and stunning vistas”.

The Necker Island websites tells guests to “expect airy bedrooms, sun-drenched terraces, infinity pools and plenty of places to relax”.

Necker Island’s general manager James Basson told : “This year, we’re inviting travellers from around the world to experience something very special to close out the year and celebrate 2023.

“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.”

Meanwhile, this tiny private island is for sale for less than the price of a house.

And this incredible private island was used to film Pirates of the Caribbean.