NECKER ISLAND - It was 5 in the morning, my brother and I were rocking out to Bruce Sprinstein in the giant hot tub with a few beers in hand. As we did our air guitar leg kicks with our mullets flapping in the wind it all hit me.... Joe and I were on Necker Island, one of the worlds most expensive private island rentals owned by Sir Richard Branson and we weren’t holding back. How the hell did these 2 Canadian kids dancing in their underwear make it on Necker?

A few weeks ago I had just completed reading Richard Bransons book. In his book Mr. Branson describes his various Virgin businesses and of course a little about himself and how he went about building his the Virgin business empire. Early on in his career Mr. Branson purchased an island in the British Virgin Islands called Necker Island. It’s located just minutes away from Virgin Gorda. He would over the next 20 years build the infrastructure required to run the island along with several villas, pools, tennis courts making it a second home. Some of Mr. Bransons best ideas were hatched from his favorite hammock which overlooks the beautiful blue Caribbean ocean. I remember thinking to myself that I wanted to see this island and hoped that maybe by lying down in his hammock that I would also hatch more successful ideas. I visualized this so well in my mind it was actually a little scary. The reality was that I couldn’t afford the $50,000 USD / night price tag but it didn’t matter....I knew deep down, somehow, some way, this vision was going to become a reality. A few days later I was given an opportunity that I simply couldn’t refuse.

A week later my brother Joe and I were catching up over lunch. Joe was telling me about his new love for kitesurfing and that he had just been certified in Barbados. I told him how the Tripulu show was coming along and that I had visualized myself being on Necker Island after reading my latest book. Joe paused from eating his soup and starred at me as if I had told him I found photos of him online Brett Favre style. He then developed a huge smile followed by laughter. Joe said to me “Man, that’s crazy! because I was thinking of heading there next week! Want to come?” What wasn’t known to me at the time was that Necker Island was hosting the second annual Kite jam where the worlds best kite surfers, amateurs and enthusiasts would descend onto the British Virgin Islands to partake in this growing sport. Because of this special event, the island which is normally rented on an exclusive basis would now accept anyone who could afford an individual room at $4,000 USD / night. Luckily because Luxury Retreats sends business to Necker Island Joe was given a good deal which I would also benefit from :) These two Canadian boys were now heading to what has been described as one of the worlds most magical vacation experiences available on our beautiful planet.

Getting to Necker Island was little bit tricky. The cheapest flights took us from Montreal > Miami > San Juan (Puerto Rico) > Tortola ... and then a ferry ride (20 mins) to the island. We landed in Tortola’s cute little airport and searched for our transfers which weren’t there. With typical Caribbean fashion we weren’t worried, we decided to stop into Cyber Cafe and ask the shops owner for further information. Carol welcomed us to the island and served us up some cold drinks. Within a few minutes we were all cracking jokes and getting the latest scoop on just about everything that was happening locally. It was a great way to begin our trip. Carol told us not to worry because the ferry dock to Necker Island was just a 3 minute walk from the airport. We thanked her, said our goodbyes and headed down the road...it really was just a few minutes away. We then waited by the dock meeting up with more locals. I looked around for anyone that appeared old and rich figuring those would be the typical people heading to Necker but they were nowhere to be found. Instead I saw a couple (who happen to speak French) with tons of kitesurfing bags, a really energetic girl with a cute friend and some tough looking guy. Little did I know but this diverse group of people would also guests on Necker and in a very short period of time becomes friends. After a brief hiccup with the transfers, we would be on our way to Necker Island. I knew this was going to be a cool place the minute we stepped onto our transfer boat. Our Scottish captain greeted us with a chilled bottle of Champaign. That’s how they roll and Joe and I were ready for it :)

As we approached Necker I couldn’t help but to think how crazy this was. The weather was perfect, the water was aqua blue and most of all I was going to get to chill out with one of my brothers on island I had dreamed of coming only weeks before. Tucked away through the rolling hills of Virgin Gorda and Mosquito Island laid Necker Island. Now I understood why Mr. Branson developed this jewel. Picture absolutely perfect aqua blue Caribbean ocean and white sandy beaches all surrounding this exotic island. The boat docked and we were greeted by a young team of English guys which I figured were around our age. James, Rory, Mike, etc... all super polite, very cool guys. We were then told to hop in back of the pink truck and up towards the main house we would go. Along the way we saw giant tortoises which looked a thousand years old...they were massive. Mr. Branson is very much into preserving and developing eco friendly destinations, seeing these turtles and islands pink flamingos was proof of this.

The truck rolled up the short hill and in less than 2 minutes we were at Necker main house, the highest point on the island. It’s Balinese decor, deep dark woods and soft white colors created a very inviting environment. This very relaxed, open air concept would be replicated in all areas of the island. Everything it seemed was built in a way that assured great views from almost all angles whether it be a at bar, bathroom, or lying in one of the main houses hammocks. As we looked around we were greeted by more people from the Necker team, Lucy, Lisa, Catherine, etc... For anyone who planning to stay on Necker Island I can guarantee you that you two things. One, you’ll probably use the words wow a lot and second, won’t forget Catherine. A beautiful blond from San Diego who would later on teach us pilates (aka “the bird dance”). To be honest with you guys, if Catherine taught basket weaving, knitting, or watching paint dry I would have signed up for the lesson :)

Ashely was quick to offer us drinks and finger food which I loved. We introduced ourselves to the group and more guests arrived. Joe and I went to the roof of the main house and took a few pictures to send to James (our other brother in Montreal) and our parents. The view up there was amazing, I’m mean screen saver material. Head up there for some cool photos. The main house is where most dinners would take place and would serve as a meeting point whenever evening activities would take place. Guests can chill by the pool, watch TV, play darts, use its computer and of course use its bar!

After about 20 mins of meeting everyone were we shown our room which Joe selected in the main house. Prior to booking Necker Island guests are given several accommodation options. Sleeping in the main house meant smaller rooms but you’re only steps away from the bar, dinners etc.. I’d recommend this option for anyone who wants to be closer to the “action”. The view from our room was incredible....large glass doors open up to panoramic views of pure blue ocean. The best part of our room was its bathroom. Most washrooms on Necker Island are built facing the Caribbean sea, a true open air concept. It was a little weird at first showering, or sitting on the can because you’d worry someone might see you but rest assured it’s all built in a very private way. Someone isn’t going to accidentally drive by while mowing the lawn!

During the evening we all gathered by the bar in the main house for what was to be one of many excellent dinners. The Necker team was constantly filling up our wine glasses and just when you thought you needed more water someone was there anticipating your need for it. I was impressed by the team, they really understood service and were always smiling. Dinner gave everyone a chance to meet and share stories. Joe and I got to know Michael and Jane (aka Mrs. Champaign) from the UK, JP and Monique who were coincidentally from Montreal and many others like the young Austrian stud Constantine. Jenny and her husband created CSI, Amy was a hilarious ex Ford model and Shane was totally one of the boyz who was born in Las Vegas who’s going to write a book on the secret to lasting relationships. There were many other people there, all very different, all loosening up and sharing life stories. I remember pausing and really absorbing that moment during our first dinner. This is truly what makes traveling so special. Here we were, a group of strangers all gathered on this beautiful island being taken care of by a young and professional team. In that moment it didn’t matter who was worth what, or what anyone did for a living....it was all about connecting again. Breaking routine and just getting out there....living life and as Jane would say “just being”.

Over the next few days Joe and I would experience all Necker Island had to offer. We hiked the island, tried kitesurfing, tested most bars, swam, sailed, ate like kings, laughed and hung out with each other. Yes there was a kite jam happening but that was all secondary to me. I came to Necker Island to spend time with my brother, to experience something exciting founded by a man who to this day, even after his recent knee injury, appears to live life at its fullest each an every day. Its impossible to recap everything that happened during these magical few days because like so many great memories words just can’t describe them. It’s a feeling that’s unique to every person. I did my best to take photos and videos to share with you how I saw Necker Island during my brief visit so you could get a rough idea of this magical place.

Our last morning had come. After breakfast I made my way over to one of the many hammocks at the main house. The hammock swayed as I watched distant sail boats slowly slice through the blue ocean. I thought about the crazy last few days, the pranks we pulled, the wonderful people we met, the amazing food we tasted and priceless memories I would take home. It was only a few weeks ago I had finished reading Sir Richard Bransons book and visualized myself seeing Necker Island in person. The reality is however is that most people, guys like me, just can’t afford to rent the island. I was never suppose to be here, it was suppose to only be a dream. But maybe that’s the secret, that’s how it all starts, with a dream. Mr. Bransons hammock was working its magic. I closed my eyes and visualized once more........I have another dream to work on :)