Sir Richard Branson’s private Necker Island resort in the Caribbean has re-opened for business less than a month after a devastating fire.
The eight-bedroom Great House was destroyed by 200ft high flames that followed a lightning strike during a tropical storm in August.
A statement from Virgin Limited Edition confirmed that it is “business as usual” for Necker Island with plans already in place for the Great House to be rebuilt.
In the meantime Necker will be able to cater for “slightly smaller groups” to stay on the island with six newly refurbished Bali Houses, as well as Sir Richard’s private home Temple House and his 105ft luxury catamaran Necker Belle, to substitute for bedrooms lost in the Great House.
“As for the Great House itself, much of the beautiful features of the former Great house will be incorporated into the new design to ensure it retains its authentic Balinese style with panoramic views of the Caribbean but will include a couple of new and innovative twists,” the company said.
The group includes Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve in South Africa, The Roof Gardens and Babylon Restaurant in London; Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco, The Lodge in Verbier, Necker Belle and Necker Nymph, a three-man submarine.