Necker Island, Sir Richard Branson’s private island located in the British Virgin Islands, is famous for its stunning views and its long list of celebrity, presidential, royal, and high-profile guests. But what really makes it stand out is how it completely rethinks hospitality.
After spending a week on Necker Island, I walked away with a few surprising insights into what EXTRAordinary hospitality really looks like.
Here are my five most surprising hospitality takeaways:
1. No keys: trust over security 🔑
On Necker Island, there are no keys to the rooms. While you can lock the door from the inside while you’re in your room, once you leave, there’s no option to lock it behind you. This reflects Richard Branson’s philosophy of creating an environment where trust is the foundation. It fosters a sense of relaxation and ease that you don’t typically find in even the most luxurious resorts. Without the formality of locks and keys, the island feels more like a home—a place where you can truly unwind and be yourself. It’s a reminder that the best hospitality makes guests feel safe, not through strict security, but through genuine trust.
2. No TVs: disconnect to reconnect 📺
There are no TVs in the rooms either. Why? Because Necker Island wants you to disconnect from the usual distractions of everyday life. Instead of zoning out in front of a screen, you’re encouraged to immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty, engage in outdoor activities, and connect with fellow guests. The absence of TVs nudges guests toward more meaningful interactions and experiences, whether it’s kayaking in crystal-clear waters, playing tennis, or enjoying long conversations over dinner. Sometimes, the greatest luxury is simply being present.
3. Communal dining: building connections over meals 🍴
All meals on Necker Island are served family-style at communal tables. This isn’t your typical fine-dining experience. The goal here is to create an informal, welcoming atmosphere where guests can bond over shared meals. The setup fosters deeper conversations, friendships, and memories. Richard Branson himself often joins guests at the table, sharing stories and creating a sense of connection that’s hard to replicate in more traditional dining settings. It’s a powerful reminder of how shared meals can bring people together and make a stay feel more like visiting a friend’s home than staying at a resort.
4. Informal luxury: make yourself at home 🍾
Necker Island redefines luxury. Yes, it’s high-end, but it’s also laid-back and casual. With over 20 fully stocked bars on the island, most aren’t staffed. If you’re thirsty, you simply grab whatever you want—whether it’s a fresh coconut or a bottle of champagne. Feeling hungry? There are snack stations scattered across the island, offering anything you crave. See a boat, kayak, or paddleboard? Just hop on and explore the island at your leisure. The idea is to make you feel like you’re on your own private island, without rigid boundaries or endless waivers.
And if you need assistance or don’t know how to sail (like we didn’t), no problem—a team member will be there within minutes to take you on a guided sail around the island. This seamless blend of comfort and luxury proves that exceptional hospitality doesn’t have to be formal. In fact, it’s the island’s relaxed vibe that makes it feel truly special.
5. Emphasis on relationships: staff are part of the experience ❤️
The personal connection between guests and staff is central to Necker Island’s hospitality. It’s not just about serving drinks or making beds—the team is encouraged to actively socialize with guests. During my stay, the staff didn’t just serve meals; they ate with us, shared stories, and even joined us for late-night drinks or parties (talk about a dream job!🤩). Want to take a dip in the pool at 10 PM? The General Manager might be there too, hanging out with guests. This is almost unheard of at most luxury resorts, where staff typically remain in the background and are not allowed to eat or drink in front of the guests. Richard Branson, his family, and the staff blur that line, making everyone feel like part of one big family. Branson himself often joins guests for tennis, chess, hikes, or simply relaxing by the pool.
Final Thoughts 🏝️
Necker Island showed me that true luxury isn’t necessary about five-star amenities—it’s about creating an atmosphere of trust, connection, and ease. Whether it’s removing the need for keys, ditching the TV, or encouraging genuine relationships between guests and staff, the hospitality on Necker Island is all about making people feel at home in a way that’s truly unique.
What hospitality lessons have surprised you the most? Let’s keep the conversation going!
