Moskito Island

Fourteen years in the making, Moskito Island is the latest addition to Sir Richard Branson’s astonishing collection of worldwide retreats. An exquisite 125-acre private hideaway, it sits surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, just across the water from its sister island Necker, in the beautiful and unspoiled British Virgin Islands. The island is comprised of ten very different and exclusive estates, four of which are now available to rent.

Situated on the north-east tip of the island, surrounded by turquoise Caribbean waters, the Branson Estate features three individual villas offering a total of 11 bedrooms for up to 22 guests. The villas are all elevated to maximise the views and are connected by wooden walkways that blend naturally into the landscape. Each villa is decked out with its own kitchen, lounge area, infinity swimming pool and hot tub, while tying the estate together is a gorgeous private beach, complete with its own beach bar and seaside dining area.

On the island’s highest point is the Oasis Estate, whose vaulted position affords panoramic views of the sea and surrounding islands. Perfect for entertaining, its four-storey main house features six stylish suites, each with a balcony, separate living area, kitchenette and bathroom. To this you can add a series of stunning, split-level terraces, a grass-filled flat roof, a selection of bars and dining areas, floor-to-ceiling glass throughout, and a crescent-shaped pool that’s perched on the hillside, from which you half expect Thunderbird 2 to emerge. Off of the pool are three further bedrooms, each also fitted with their own kitchenette and luxurious living room.

Next is the dramatic Point Estate, whose open-air, sea-facing dining pavilion is one of the best sunset spots on the island. Ideal for families and multi-gen holidays, the estate can comfortably sleep 22 people across its eight bedrooms, which includes a playful eight-bunk children’s room in the main house. Of particular note are the two master suites, one overlooking the entire estate, the other set in a quiet cove with sensational sea views. It also boasts a huge infinity pool with 180-degree views and direct access to Moskito’s main beach, Manchioneel, complete with dining pavilion, well-stocked bar and other guest facilities.

Last but by no means least is The Village, whose position in the far west of the island affords fantastic sunset views. Designed for the young at heart, The Village sleeps up to 18 guests across seven spacious standalone guest houses – all with stunning sea views – and two guest rooms in the main pavilion. Highlights include two pools with a waterslide, hot tub and fire pit, a fully equipped gym, state-of-the-art home cinema and hidden DJ booth.

All four estates are impeccably run, with guests’ needs anticipated right down to the tiniest details. They also each benefit from the island’s shared facilities, which centre around the Beach House and include tennis courts, a gym and wellness area, and a watersports centre offering everything from kite surfing and wakeboarding to scuba diving and stand-up paddleboarding.