Frequently asked questions
Looking for answers?
Find answers to our most frequently asked questions about staying at Necker Island.
Reservations & Bookings
When is Necker Island open?
Necker Island is situated in the North Sound of the British Virgin Islands, in the eastern Caribbean Sea, to the east of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
When is a good time to visit?
The British Virgin Islands (BVIs) are a tropical paradise known for stunning beaches, clear waters and vibrant marine life. Unlike temperate regions, the BVI’s do not experience the traditional four seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter, and instead the islands have two primary seasons – dry and wet – along with two transitional periods. Understanding this is key to planning the perfect luxury Caribbean holiday.
You can find out more here.
What are check-in and check-out times?
The official check-in time is 4 pm. Just let us know in advance if you are arriving before that, and we’ll be happy to help organise or recommend a lunch location that is nearby to the airport.
Time to say goodbye is officially 12 pm on the day of your departure.
What are your book direct benefits?
Throughout various times of the year, we have special offers available for direct bookings - you can view these offers here.
What are your best available rates?
Our best available rate is through our website booking engine. You can book online here.
Is there a minimum stay?
Minimum lengths of stay may apply, depending on your selected dates.
You can use our website booking engine to search for your dates here.
How do I pay for things at Necker Island?
The local currency used is the US Dollar, but you can also settle any extras, such as spa treatments, by credit card.
What is your cancellation policy?
You can find full details about our cancellation policy on our Terms and Conditions here.
Can you stay on Necker Island without booking the whole island?
There are selected dates throughout the year when you can just book an individual room, or a few rooms in your own private Balinese House and enjoy living on Necker Island without hiring the island exclusively.
You can find out more details about our individual stays here.
Can I hire the property exclusively?
If you’d like the whole place to yourselves, then hiring Necker Island exclusively is the way to go, and it’s also the best way to get the dates you’re looking for.
You can find out more details here.
Location & Travel
Why visit The BVIs?
The BVI’s natural beauty, warm turquoise waters and welcoming atmosphere make it a fantastic year-round destination. It is one of the least developed areas of the Caribbean.
The best time to visit the British Virgin Islands depends on your travel preferences. If you want perfect weather and world-class sailing, visit during the high season. For a mix of adventure and fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons are ideal. If you are interested in local culture and festivals, summer brings vibrant celebrations.
Where is Necker Island located?
Necker Island is situated in the North Sound of the British Virgin Islands, in the eastern Caribbean Sea, to the east of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
You can find out more here.
How do I get to Necker Island?
The closest international airport is Beef Island in Tortola (airport code EIS). You can fly to Beef Island (EIS) or Virgin Gorda (VIJ) via many parts of the Caribbean, including San Juan, Antigua and St. Thomas.
Do you offer transfers to the island?
Yes! Included in your stay is a speedboat transfer from Beef Island. Necker Island guests arriving here will be met by our driver and taken to the dock, which is just a two-minute car ride away. Here, guests will board our speedboat for a 30-minute journey to the island.
Can I arrive by private jet?
Yes - if you need assistance with charter booking, your Guest Services coordinator would be happy to help. You can also arrive by helicopter - Caribbean Buzz helicopter service operates between the BVI, USVI and San Juan during daylight hours only. If Necker is booking this on your behalf, there is a 10% additional administration fee.
What should I pack?
Situated in the tropics, the weather in the British Virgin Islands is hot and fairly humid throughout the year. Unless a specially-themed event has been organised for your stay or you prefer to dress up for dinner, there is no need to bring smart clothes - beachwear can be worn anywhere on the island.
When packing, please ensure you label your luggage with your name and ‘Necker Island’. This will help us make sure there is a smooth transition from the plane to your room.
What's the weather like?
Unlike temperate regions, the BVI’s do not experience the traditional four seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter, and instead the islands have two primary seasons – dry and wet – along with two transitional periods.
You can find out more here.
Do I need a visa?
US, Canadian, UK & EU Passport holders with a 10-year passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date do not require a visa to enter the British Virgin Islands for tourist purposes, provided the stay is no longer than one month.
If you hold a passport from outside one of these regions, we strongly recommend that you check entry requirements with the nearest British Virgin Islands Consulate.
Do I need travel insurance?
Insurance is always the guest’s responsibility. Make sure you have valid travel insurance that covers your trip.
Hotel: Rooms & Amenities
What types of accommodation are available on the Island?
Accommodation on Necker Island includes eleven bedrooms in the Great House and ten individual Bali Houses dotted around the island. The total number of guests that can easily be accommodated on Necker Island is 56 adults and 14 children in two bunk rooms.
Guest accommodation on Necker Island boasts panoramic ocean views and tropical outlooks. While no two rooms are the same, they all offer complete privacy and a spacious terrace. Some even have their very own plunge pool.
You can find out more about each specific room and suite here.
What's in my room or suite?
In your room, you will find US plug sockets (UK adaptors available), a direct dial telephone, and a selection of toiletries including shampoo, conditioner & shower gel, a hairdryer, hair straighteners, bathrobes, mosquito net and ceiling fan.
You will also find a selection of sunscreens in various factors located around the island, as well as after-sun lotion, insect repellent and pool towels.
All bedrooms are air-conditioned.
You can take a look at the different rooms and suites here.
Is there air conditioning in my room/suite?
Yes, all rooms and suites have air conditioning.
Island: Facilities
Do you have a pool?
We do! Take your pick from four infinity pools dotted around the island. A couple even feature a swim-up bar and hot tub. For those brave enough to try it, there’s also a cold plunge by the main beach pool.
Do you have a gym?
Yes - break a sweat in our outdoor Jungle Gym decked out with wooden workout stations. If you prefer a cooler environment, get active in our fully equipped indoor gym only a stone’s throw away from the Great House. Make use of the Peloton bike, treadmill, rowing machine and more as you look out to sea.
Do you have a spa?
Dive into island bliss at the Samudra Spa - our treatment rooms are nestled between Red Dock and the Beach House, where the lush tropical landscape meets a white sandy beach with views out to sea.
Our friendly therapists are here from 8am to 6pm, but if you fancy a class outside those hours, let our Spa Manager know.
You can find out more here.
Do you have a tennis court?
Our owner has always been a big tennis fan, so it’s no surprise we have two beautiful astro turf tennis courts. Surrounded by lush greenery and situated just meters from the ocean, guests can enjoy a Caribbean breeze while showing off their serves, volleys and ground strokes.
The island has also benefited from the recent addition of two new courts for the latest craze in paddle sports: padel and pickleball. Rackets and balls are supplied for all three sports, and all courts are floodlit, enabling guests to play at their leisure.
Competitions can be arranged on request for all levels, either in the morning or the afternoon.
Dining
How many meals are included per day?
All meals are included during your stay on Necker Island and are a highlight for guests.
Is alcohol included?
Yes, all drinks are included. There are bars at the Great House, Temple House and the Beach House, as well as on Main Beach, Turtle Beach and Palm Beach.
Our team will make sure you don’t go thirsty and that you’re supplied with your favourite cocktail, with well-stocked fridges in various locations around the island.
What the type of cuisine is served?
Distinctly Caribbean flavours, fresh ideas and local ingredients. At Necker Island, our chefs take a melting pot of inspiration and turn it into mouth-watering menus to suit your tastes.
You can find out more about our food and dining here.
Can you accommodate special dietary requirements?
Yes! You will have been sent a preference form to complete along with your confirmation, which we encourage you to complete so you can let us know what you’d like to eat during your stay; we will try our best to make this happen!
If you have any specific dietary requirements or food allergies, please let your waiter know before placing your order. Our chef will be more than happy to adapt any of our dishes where possible.
Are there family friendly dining options and menus available?
When it comes to mealtimes, Kids can choose from a selection of tasty, well-balanced, healthy and fun meals, keeping both the parents and Squids happy! Just let us know any dietary requirements and allergies, or even just a special food or drink request, in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate these.
Do you offer room service?
Yes, food and drink can be enjoyed within your villa, suite or room at your request.
Family Travel
Are children welcome at Necker Island?
Richard Branson designed Necker Island to be his family’s holiday home, and his own children spent almost all of their school holidays here since they were infants; therefore, it is no surprise that the island is child-friendly.
The only time when Necker is best left to the grown-ups is during our adults-only Celebration Weeks when it’s time for them to enjoy themselves!
Squids staying in the bunk room at the Great House can also make use of all the toys, books and games.
You can find out more about Necker Kids here.
What is there for children to do at Necker Island?
On Necker, there are plenty of things for Squids (what we call the little ones!) to do, most of which will keep them active all day long! From amazing treasure hunts to feeding the lemurs, as well as splashing around with inflatable toys in the Beach Pool and enjoying a pirate party on the sand.
Are babysitting services available at Necker Island?
We’re happy to arrange professional babysitting services (available at an extra charge) anytime you need. Just give us a heads-up with plenty of notice, and our friendly, experienced babysitters will take wonderful care of your little ones, making sure they’re safe, happy, and having a blast while you enjoy some well-deserved relaxation!
Can Necker Island provide amenities like cribs, high chairs or baby gear upon request?
Cots, baby baths and other baby essentials are available on request, as is our babysitting service, which is charged at an additional cost.
Things to do at Necker Island
What can I do during my stay?
There’s an endless list of activities on Necker Island to keep you busy throughout your stay.
Land lovers can enjoy everything from yoga to tennis, and water lovers can learn to kitesurf or embark on a sailing race around the island. And when the sun goes down... the party starts.
You can find out more here.
Do you offer excursions off the island?
Yes! Explore beyond Necker Island and join us for an unforgettable half-day excursion in the British Virgin Islands. Please note that one off-island excursion, excluding the trip to Anegada Island, is included in every stay. The prices quoted are therefore for any additional adventures.
Weddings, celebrations and special occasions
Can we get married at Necker Island?
It is hard to think of a better place to get married or celebrate a special occasion. The island can host groups of up to 200 people. It’s also an ideal spot for a romantic honeymoon. We can arrange practically anything to help mark a special occasion – fireworks, fabulous floral arrangements, a nonstop feast; you tell us what you want, and we’ll make it happen.
You can find out more about weddings & events on the island here.
Is Necker Island suitable for work events?
Our island offers an unparalleled setting for executive getaways, blending business and pleasure to inspire creativity and collaboration, all with the sand between your toes. There’s nothing corporate about Necker Island, though; here you’ll swap suits for shorts and flip charts for flip-flops. The serene and private atmosphere is perfect for team-building, brainstorming and strategic planning with spaces equipped for workshops, panel discussions and breakout sessions. Beyond the boardroom, teams can unwind and enjoy everything from watersports to wellness experiences.
You can find out more here.
Can you help arrange an event?
Yes - Whether it’s an intimate gathering, a gala event for up to 200 guests or something in between, Necker Island promises unparalleled luxury, exceptional service and total privacy. Expect your guests to be welcomed like family and encouraged to treat the island as their home away from home, in true Necker style.
During my stay
What should I wear at Necker Island?
Unless a specially-themed event has been organised for your stay or you prefer to dress up for dinner, there is no need to bring smart clothes - beachwear can be worn anywhere on the island.
What if there is a medical emergency during my stay at Necker Island?
We have a fully qualified paramedic on the island, as well as medically trained staff and a specialist medical provider readily available 24/7 throughout your stay. The nearest doctor and hospital are 60 minutes away, and emergency evacuation is possible by helicopter, subject to weather conditions (medical charges will apply).
We recommend you purchase travel insurance which includes appropriate medical coverage.
What's the tipping policy?
A 2.5% service charge is added to your rate and shared amongst the team on island. If you wish to specially recognise any or all team members, additional tips are entirely at your discretion. Please speak to your Estate Manager if you have any queries.
Do you provide sunscreen?
You will find a selection of sunscreens in various factors located around the island,
Are there bugs? Do you provide bug repellent?
The British Virgin Islands are malaria free however as mosquitoes are present we provide plenty of insect repellent, bite relief creams and sprays. To ensure a comfortable night’s sleep all beds are equipped with mosquito nets.