by If there’s one man who deserves a bit of a break it’s Alan Bates. Having spent the past two decades without a holiday fighting the biggest miscarriage of justice in British history, the former sub-postmaster – of Mr. Bates v. Post Office fame – and his wife Suzanne certainly deserves a week in the sun.
And if there’s one man who can offer the trip of a lifetime, it’s Sir Richard Branson. After hearing Alan’s amazing story, and presumably caught up in the ITV drama like the rest of us, the Virgin boss invited the couple to visit his private island in the Caribbean. Little wonder Alan fought back tears after hearing the news. A one-week stay on Necker Island that costs more than $1 million (for up to 48 guests) is something very few places get to experience.
Alan and Suzanne will be in good company, following in the footsteps of Princess Diana, Beyoncé, President Obama and, er, me. I was lucky enough to spend last week on Necker, drooling over his understated masterpieces and an epic playfulness unlike any other.
So as Alan contemplates swapping the beach bars and lush hills of the British Virgin Islands for the verdant valleys and cozy pubs of North Wales, here’s what Mr Bates will be expecting if he meets Mr Branson.
Arrive in style
Like all great places, it takes a little time and effort to reach Necker. Alan and Suzanne will probably go via Antigua – flying there on Virgin Atlantic, of course. There will be a few hours to kill (I suggest they hang out at the Big Banana airside bar; there’s not much else to do) before the one-hour hop north-west in a much smaller plane to Tortola , the largest of the British Virgin Islands.
From there it’s a 90-second drive from the airport to the dock and a 30-minute ride on one of the island’s two fancy speedboats (named after Richard’s children, Holly and Sam) where the first bottle of Necker-branded champagne – or “ Necker Water” as it is commonly known – quickly open it and the fun officially begins.
Upon arrival, more Necker Water will be served up at the Great House, the heart beating hilltop of the island that famously burned down after a lightning strike in 2011. Most guests stay here, but there are also idyllic Balinese style villas with private pools. plotted across the 74 acre island.
Meet the locals
Necker is home to all sorts of weird and wonderful creatures, many of them introduced by wildlife lover Richard, who wanted to turn the cactus island into a sanctuary for endangered species. Among them are seven species of lemurs from Madagascar, including the ring-tailed lemurs that disrupt every tennis match by flying across the court towards the umpire’s chair. Feeding this friendly but mischievous crowd is Necker’s true highlight.
The island is also home to free-roaming turtles (including giant ones native to Seychelles with lifespans exceeding 150 years) – some have been known to nibble on red-painted tuna mistaking them for strawberries, and so Suzanne might want to avoid it. pre-trip pedicure.
The most striking species to be found on Necker, however, is certainly the less conspicuous bearded billionaire. Since purchasing the island in the 1970s, Richard has made it his home and spends much of his time there. Being the fun and social person he is, he takes great pleasure in gathering guests for meals and challenging them to a game of chess or pickleball.
A few of my group spent a happy afternoon splashing in the (very hot) hot tub down by the beach when a familiar face suddenly appeared. “Here’s another one?” Richard asked. As the tub could easily fit an entire football team (including substitutes) there was plenty of room and the next hour passed with lots of laughter as we discussed everything from Polar Bears to curry before Richard made me want to tackle the nearby ice bath.
Don’t bother
Although Necker elevates the concept of luxury – and rightly so for such a price – Alan and Suzanne might be surprised to learn how low it really is. Yes, all apps are attended and there is always someone around if you need something but there is no fuss, no hassle, no formality.
Necker is designed to be a home away from home – and that’s exactly what it feels like. The relaxed vibe means staff are friendly and guests are free to help themselves, including going behind the bar for another bottle of Necker Water.
This laid-back approach extends to dining, with everything from beachside wood-oven pizzas to tongue-in-cheek Asian dinners served family-style rather than à la carte. But no meal impresses more than the famous sushi kayak lunch, a popular Necker tradition in which a canoe beautifully loaded with delicate Japanese delicacies is pushed through the palm-fringed waters of the main pool with Buddha statues, waterfalls and bridges. . Now, you don’t get that in North Wales.
All white at night
There is no need to overpack for a trip to Necker. T-shirt and shorts at dinner? There is no problem. But there is one event that has a dress code. Alan and Suzanne must remember to wear white for White Night up at the Big House – another much-loved Necker tradition that involves an early party with the sounds of a live DJ.
Thomas, the island’s energetic mixer, keeps the drinks flowing and not only whips up a mean margarita, but also delivers SOS shots of hydrating, hangover-busting electrolytes.
The action inevitably ends with dancing on the 40ft long table under the glittering ostrich egg chandeliers – just like Kate Moss is known to do.
And if Alan doesn’t have a white tuxedo, there’s no need to panic. I came to joke about my room throwing the bath on Necker Island out of my room, which went down well.
Moments of solitude
Despite being a place that brings good people together for a good time, it’s easy to spend quiet moments at Necker to sit and reflect.
I would recommend the couple make their way up to the rooftop of the Great House at sunset where the crow’s nest hot tub offers solitude and great views of the Necker residence flames flying and circling the island.
Nearby tourist attractions
It is tempting to spend every possible moment on Necker but it would be foolish to miss the opportunity to please Alan and Suzanne further. The low-lying coral island of Anegada is the northernmost point in the archipelago, famous for its sunken ships and underwater caves. Closer to home is the Maiden Gorda (“Fat Maiden”, as Christopher Columbus called it), the third largest in the chain and considered by many to be the most picturesque. The Baths – a collection of large boulders and secret rock pools – are not to be missed and the main settlement of Spanishtown is a great spot for people watching.
Fundamentals
Necker Island can be booked on an exclusive use basis from £117,992 per night for up to 48 guests. Single rooms are available on selected dates starting from £4,762, based on two sharing (virginlimitedition.com).
