Necker Island Reopens

Necker Island Reopens
By Gay Nagle Myers (Travel Weekly)

Necker Island, the private island owned by Virgin Atlantic Chairman Richard Branson, is back in business following a fire on Aug. 22 that destroyed the eight-bedroom Great House.

The island, part of the British Virgin Islands, often is reserved by small groups and celebrities for weddings and getaways.

Guests will have use of six newly refurbished Bali Houses as well as Temple House, Branson’s private home, and his 105-foot Necker Belle catamaran.

Branson plans to rebuild the Great House in the same Balinese style with views of the Caribbean, although he promised several “innovative twists.”

The fire was triggered by a lightning strike during Hurricane Irene. Actress Kate Winslet, a guest, reportedly carried Branson’s 90-year-old mother to safety during the fire.