Necker Island

Miranda Kerr, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley & More Go Nude at Necker Island

Filed under: Books

The world's sexiest new supermodels pose sans clothes at Richard Branson's Necker Island paradise in a massive new monograph from famed photographer Russell James. V2 from uber-luxe publisher teNeues showcases the girls James believes will be the superstars of the new era, including Miranda Kerr, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Candice Swanepoel and Brooklyn Decker (on the cover, above). The Australian lensman, a connoisseur of the female form, has shot numerous ad campaigns for Victoria's Secret as well as sizzling spreads for Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue. In V2 he presents the gifted goddesses in the natural splendor of Necker Island, Vrigin mogul Richard Branson's luxe tropical retreat. We're sure Branson was only too happy to play host to the bevy of naked beauties. See the gallery for an SFW preview (you'll have to buy the book to get the full treatment).

Gallery: Russell James: V2

Tags: books, Brooklyn Decker, Candice Swanepoel, coffee table books, Island, Miranda Kerr, models, Necker Island, nude, photography, Richard Branson, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Russell James, supermodels, teNeues, Victorias Secret

Branson Debuts New Submarine

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Wings

You'd think Richard Branson might be busy conquering space but he's got plans to explore the sea as well. His Virgin Limited Edition has unveiled the Necker Nymph, a DeepFlight three-person aero submarine. The craft was built by Graham Hawkes, of Hawkes Ocean Technologies. The open cockpit winged sub is bit like an underwater airplane. Unlike conventional subs which use ballast to sink, the Necker Nymph (named after Branson's Necker Island) uses downward 'lift' perhaps a bit similar to the way an airplane uses its wings to sustain loft. The Nymph is available to those staying on Necker Island or chartering the 105-foot catamaran Necker Belle. Dives can last up to two hours. Guests will be trained/accompanied by a certified Necker Nymph pilot. It was was designed specifically for Necker Belle, but can also be launched from shore. When taking Necker Belle for 7-nights' exclusive hire, the sub is available at a weekly rate of $25,000.

[via Engadget]

Tags: NeckarNymph, necker island, necker nymph, NeckerIsland, NeckerNymph, richard branson, RichardBranson

Victoria's Secret Girls Invade Necker Island

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

When the new Victoria's Secret swim catalog shows up in your mailbox you may recognize the exotic locale - it was shot at Virgin mogul Richard Branson's Necker Island luxury retreat in the British Virgin Islands. Then again if you're not actually in the market for a bikini you may be transfixed by the bathing beauties, especially cover model Lindsay Ellingson (far left). Of the experience, the quintessential California girl avowed, "It's the most beautiful place I've ever been. We shot the cover in the evening during sunset. It was really a magical setting." Of course you can book your own stay at Necker Island, part of Virgin's Limited Edition collection of luxurious escapes, but don't expect a gaggle of half-naked supermodels to be permanently in residence.

Tags: beach, British Virgin Islands, BritishVirginIslands, catalog, Lindsay Ellingson, LindsayEllingson, model, Necker Island, NeckerIsland, Richard Branson, RichardBranson, swimsuit, Victorias Secret, VictoriasSecret, Virgin

Charter Richard Branson's Carbon Fiber Catamaran

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Wealth

Want to go cruising in the Caribbean like a fun-loving mega-mogul? Starting next month you can now charter Virgin founder Richard Branson's 105-ft. catamaran, the Necker Belle (above), for $88,000 per week. The carbon fiber craft, which just underwent a two-year refit at Australia's Azzura Marine, is capable of over 20 knots while under sail and 18 knots under power. The yacht can accomodate up to 10 guests in four en suite staterooms and the main cabin's lounge area, which can be converted to a double cabin, as well as a crew of seven. The modern, beach-house style interior modeled on Branson's Necker Island retreat in the British Virgin Islands features a wine cellar and there's an open-air cinema as well.

[via JamesList]

Tags: carbon fiber, CarbonFiber, Caribbean, catamaran, Necker Island, NeckerIsland, Richard Branson, RichardBranson, yacht

Richard Branson Plans An Eco Island

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Green

Richard Branson, the charismatic chairman of the Virgin Group of companies, is planning a new eco-friendly resort on Mosquito Island. The island, which is part of the British Virgin Islands, is one of two Branson owns in the Caribbean. His Necker Island is already a private retreat for the wealthy and famous, even hosting the wedding of Google co-founder Larry Page. Mosquito Island is a tiny piece of land off the island of Virgin Gorda and within view of Necker Island. Branson's dream is to plop down 20 villas and a beachfront restaurant powered by wind turbines and solar panels on the uninhabited land. The buildings would capture cool thermal airflows, eliminating the need for air conditioners, an organic orchard would provide food and beach buggies would run on biofuels.

The British Virgin Islands planning department is currently reviewing Branson's design plans for the Mosquito resort. The government response seems positive so far and they are especially impressed by the green angle. Branson is also planning to launch a consulting group, Virgin Green Owls, which will advise governments and corporations on carbon neutral projects this August.

Source

Tags: eco resort, EcoResort, green, mosquito island, necker island, NeckerIsland, richard branson, RichardBranson

Google Co-Founder To Tie the Knot on Branson's Island

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Celebrity Shopping

It's official, as of this weekend both of Google's billionaire co-founders will be off the market. Larry Page will marry his girlfriend, Lucy Southworth this weekend (his parter-in-search Sergey Brin married earlier this year). Page and Southworth are getting married on Richard Branson's private playground, Necker Island, in the Caribbean and Richard Branson will serve as Page's best man.

The NY Post's Page Six reports that the wedding is a "logistical nightmare" because planners have to coordinate lavish places to stay for all of Page and Southworth's 600 guests which are said to include the Clintons, Bono and a whole gaggle of billionaires. The wedding hasn't just taken over Branson's island, most guests will be staying at Little Dix Bay Resort on Virgin Gorda with boats and ferries being pressed into service to get the guests over to Necker Island. Page is also booking private jets to fly guests in from all around the world.

Source

Tags: expire-images:2008-12-6, google, larry page, LarryPage, lucy southworth, necker island, richard braonson

Valentine's Day Package For Those Who Like To Share

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Yachts & Sailing

We have seen luxury packages for two but maybe your love is larger than just a couple, if your idea of bliss is spending time with more than just one love, read on, this is the package for you. Villas of Distinction has created a $425,000 travel package that is designed for those who wish to celebrate Valentine's Day with up to 10 people. The package includes private jet service, seven days aboard the 140-foot yacht, Martha Ann, and three nights on Necker Island, Richard Branson's famed Caribbean retreat. The Martha Ann holds up to ten guests in five cabins and includes an on-deck Jacuzzi, gym, wet bar, wine cellar and a large entertainment area in the sky lounge. After seven days together you might need some room to stretch out. Necker Island has 10 bedrooms and a large swimming pool with views over the water. The private resort also has a large staff to cater to your every need.

Source

Tags: martha ann, necker island, NeckerIsland, travel, vacation, valentine's, yacht