Necker Island

Despite the infamous names that have crossed its shores, Necker Island is not merely reserved for the Branson clan and friends - Kate Winslet may have been saved from the fire by Richard Branson himself, but we mere mortals are just as welcome. Thankfully Necker Island is still standing, and the private island has been restored to its former glory and is as beautiful as ever.

Necker Island is comprised of 14 rooms, in the main house and further Balinese-style villas spread across its 74 acres. During certain 'celebration weeks' the rooms can be rented out individually, however the island is usually rented out in its entirety, perfect for a large group of friends or a family looking for an exclusive getaway. All are exquisitely decorated as expected, and many have private pools.

The ethos behind Necker Island is treat it as your own, and guests are encouraged to help themselves to whatever they want, when they want. The menus are entirely dependent on the party's individual tastes (and what is in season of course), and where you eat is again determined by mood - be that at a table, on the beach, or off a canoe in the swimming pool - the choice is yours (and it will always be delicious).

The same mantra is practiced with activities - do as much or as little as you please. There are plenty of water sports on offer, including water-skiing, wind-surfing and wake-boarding, as well as snorkelling and scuba-diving. Yoga, Pilates and meditation can also be arranged, and there are tennis courts and four swimming pools. The new Bali Leha spa overlooks the sea and has a range of superb treatments on offer.