OPENS: January 2016

TOP OF our New Year Travel resolutions list is a visit to The Branson Estate on Moskito Island, British Virgin Islands, and the newest addition to the Virgin Limited Edition collection is available for rental beginning early next year.

The island in the North Sound just off shore from Anguilla Point, is next door to Necker Island.  Richard Branson bought the island back in 2007 for what was reportedly a tidy $20 million and he has taken his time deciding whether to share this little island paradise with the world. Last year he decided the time was right and an eco-sensitive development (think solar panels and wind turbines) began.  Located on 125 acres, The Branson Estate includes three villas: Headland House, Mangrove Villa and Beach Villa, offering a total of 11 bedrooms for at least 22 guest There is also a Beach House and beach bar and a recreation area on the eastern side of the island where guests can take indulge in the normal island activities of snorkelling, swimming, diving, kite surfing and water sports. . The Beach House has a wraparound infinity pool, hot tub, and swim-up bar and nearby tennis pavilion.

There are also nature trails and an organic garden and an orchard.

Branson has kept a very exclusive cliffside residence for himself, and personally selected his neighbours who will occupy the other private villas, not surprisingly they include several of the world’s leading billionaires.

Guest will be pleased to know that the name ‘Moskito’ comes from the Moskito Indian tribe, not the bug that bites!

Luxury Links: www.virginlimitededition.com/en/moskito-island

Hilary Doling 07/11/15