Last September, the British Virgin Islands were torn apart by Hurrican Irma, and Richard Branson’s Necker Island took a particularly bad beating.

You only need to look at the before and after pictures to see just how extensive the damage was, and the island was closed for more than a year to allow for rebuilding to take place.

Well, Necker Island is back, and it’s looking mighty fine once more. The first guests have just returned, staying on the island while they take place in a Branson-hosted start-up competition called the Extreme Tech Challenge.

Let’s dip a toe in the water via Traveller24:

The newly restored Great House is now complete with two brand new rooms and an additional Balinese style house; Leha Lo which can sleep two adults. The spacious and al fresco Great House, now with 11 guest rooms, boasts amazing panoramic views of the Caribbean, the Atlantic and neighbouring islands.

Each of the bedrooms has a balcony and all come with king-size beds and en-suite bathrooms. There’s also a bunk room sleeping up to six children.

Whilst on the upper level you’ll find the stunning Master Suite, complete with private outdoor Jacuzzi and sundeck. Necker Island can be booked exclusively throughout the year for up to 30 guests with rates starting from $77 500 (about R1,07m at R14/$) per night.

That’s right – if you want to book out the entire island, you’re looking at R1 million and more per night.

If you don’t mind sharing, you can book individual rooms during designated periods called Celebration Weeks, starting from $4 525 per room per night (around R63 000) based on a minimum of three nights.

More pictures for your perusal:

Ja, no, hey, that will do.

Here’s Jon Brown, Managing Director for Virgin Limited Edition:

“It is wonderful to see Necker Island’s beauty restored and to have welcomed back our first guests.”

“It has been a busy year and it’s not over yet as we look forward to 2019 and the reopening of further accommodations; including a new and improved Bali Hi complex which will feature an extended pool and outdoor lounge as well as a private plunge pool in each of the individual Bali Houses,” says Brown.

Yes, I was about to mention the lack of a private plunge pool in each house.

Some good news – the per night price mentioned earlier includes all food and drinks (including alcohol), as well as a few other goodies.

Must be nice.

[source:traveller24]