Richard Branson Watches His Island Retreat Go Up in Flames
Richard Branson had to watch his Caribbean island retreat go up in flames after a fierce tropical storm.
The property is on Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands and has been a luxury retreat for the rich and famous since Richard Branson developed it in the early 1980′s.
It is thought that about 20 people were staying on the island, including the Oscar winning actress Kate Winslet and her family, when the tropical storm struck during the early hours of the morning.
It was the main house that was hit by lightening and went up in flames. Richard Branson was staying in one of the nearby lodges along with his family, including his 90 year old mother.
Happily everyone has been reported as being safe today.
Richard Branson said that the storm whipped up winds of 90 mph and that the lightening started around 4am hitting the main house.
He added that although the house has been completely gutted they will be looking to rebuild it as soon as possible, replacing it with something even more special.
Richard Branson’s Necker Island
Necker Island is a 74 acre site that has been used as a luxury getaway for practically every celebrity you can think off, offering privacy as well as luxury based on a Balinese theme.
For exclusive use of Richard Branson’s private island, with up to 28 of your closest friends, it would have set you back $54,500…..per night. That doesn’t include the 2.5% service charge by the way.
Still, for the cash rich you get up to 70 staff to look after your every whim and an idyllic playground away from the paparazzi. That is of course, if there are no tropical thunder storms around.
Photo: Virgin Media
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