So, what was Necker Island like?

The most asked/texted/emailed question of the past week has naturally been, ‘So, what was Necker Island like?,’ followed by the obvious, ‘So, OMG, did you meet Richard Branson?’ The answer to the first question is surprisingly simple. Necker Island was like heaven on earth and is easily one of the most insane lifestyles I’ve ever been privy to. Sailing, snorkeling, wake boarding, kite boarding, tennis (pro on staff), gourmet food — the island had it all. One afternoon lunch was served not at the pool, but in the pool, two ice-filled kayaks floated around one of the pools covered in sushi; the only way to eat it was, well, dive in.

I did manage to spend some time one on one with the man himself, and have nothing but great things to say. He was authentic, fun, and an incredibly gracious host — even when he did try to push me off the sailboat. The story of his original acquisition of the island is a great one, buying it for basically chump change when he was 24. Originally the island was covered in cactus and infested with snakes. 30 years later, they’ve planted more than 200,000 trees, and created an eco-paradise.

It’s $46,000 per night for up to 28 guests (you have to rent out the whole island at once), and a minimum of 5 nights is required. If you need this kind of privacy and throw money around by the million, I guess the cost is worth it. And to those who wont stop asking, yes, my stay was pretty much exactly like the cribs episode.

I’d share more pictures, but I’m forever sworn to secrecy…