Moskito Island, situated in the British Virgin Islands, has garnered attention not only for its stunning scenery but also for the intriguing story behind its ownership. Sir Richard Branson, the founder of the Virgin Group, was just a 29-year-old entrepreneur eager to impress a prospective romantic partner when he first ventured into island ownership. His journey began with Necker Island in the late 1970s, a decision driven more by passion than financial acumen.
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Branson’s initial foray into real estate occurred in 1978, well before he amassed his current billionaire status. The young businessman had already established Virgin as a burgeoning brand in the music industry. It was during this period that he heard about an island for sale in the British Virgin Islands that shared its name with his company. In a blog post on the Virgin website, he reminisces about how fate seemed to intervene.
“I had been crazy about this girl and was desperate to impress her. So, I called about the island,” he recounted. His inquiry prompted a surprising offer from the realtor: an all-expenses-paid trip to visit the islands. Branson seized the opportunity on the condition that he could bring a guest, which turned out to be Joan Templeman, the woman who would later become his wife.
The trip was transformative, but Branson soon realised that the price tag for Necker Island was astronomical. The realtor quoted a price of $6 million, which far exceeded what he could afford. Undeterred, he made a bold offer of $100,000, only to be met with disappointment. However, in a stroke of luck, Branson discovered the following year that the island remained unsold. Seizing the moment, he submitted a revised offer of $180,000, which the seller accepted, provided he developed a resort within four years.
Fast forward to 2007, Branson was now in a much healthier financial position, allowing him to expand his real estate ventures further. He purchased Moskito Island, located just a couple of miles from Necker, and this acquisition would mark another chapter in his life. Spanning 125 acres, Moskito Island allowed for substantial development.
In the years that followed, Branson began to divide the island into residential lots, thus creating an exclusive enclave for select buyers. This initiative saw the introduction of numerous private families owning substantial estates on the island, which now features shared amenities such as beaches and tennis courts. Notable owners include Paul Salem, chairman of MGM Resorts, and tech entrepreneurs Michael and Xochi Birch.
A more recognisable figure associated with the island is Erika Hammond, a cast member from the reality show Real Housewives of New York. Her family, along with others, faces the challenges of co-ownership while enjoying the idyllic surroundings and luxurious facilities that Moskito Island offers.
Adding to the island’s allure, Branson announced in 2021 that three villas are now available for annual rental. This development has opened the door to those who may wish to experience the serene paradise that Branson and his fellow investors call home, albeit briefly. Each villa features amenities that promise a lavish escape from everyday life.
Moskito Island continues to be a place where luxury meets natural beauty, funded and maintained through a collaboration of its private owners. While Sir Richard Branson started this journey as a young man smitten with love, it has blossomed into a vibrant community of families sharing a slice of paradise in the Caribbean. Whether admired for its scenic landscapes or its intriguing ownership structure, Moskito Island undeniably holds a special place in the annals of Branson’s legacy.