Richard Branson's Necker Island is an island paradise. 

The 74-acre Caribbean retreat has plenty of opportunities for fun.

The recently remodeled Great House has a 1,500-square-foot master suite with panorama ocean views. A zip line brings visitors down from the house to the white sand beach, where they can kitesurf or hang out on Branson's yacht, Necker Belle. 

Branson bought the island for $180,000 in the late 1970s.

He explained how the purchase came about in a Virgin blog post Tuesday.  

I had been madly trying to come up with a way to impress a girl I had fallen for, so I rang up the realtor, and expressed my interest. We were still in the early days of Virgin Records, and I by no means had the cash to buy an island. Luckily, the realtor didn’t know this and offered me an all expenses paid trip to see the Islands that weekend. I agreed to go on one condition – if I could bring a guest.

To my delight, the object of my affection agreed to join me on the trip. I fell in love twice that weekend – once as our helicopter (supplied by the realtor of course!) swooped over the turquoise water and white sandy beaches of Necker Island, and again when I saw the smile on the face of the beautiful girl who sat beside me on the journey. Together we strolled around the Island and dreamed up plans for turning it into a haven for musicians. 

Those dreams were quickly spoiled when the realtor quoted the ‘discounted’ asking price of $6 million. Smitten with the unspoilt paradise, and keen to impress my new love, I offered the highest amount I could afford: $100,000. As you can imagine, the realtor was less than impressed, and left us high and dry to find our own way back home.

 About a year later, Branson writes, he was informed that no one else had made an offer on the island. He agreed to pay $180,000 for the island under the condition that he would build a resort there. 

In addition to Necker Island, Virgin's luxury property portfolio now includes a lodge in the Swiss Alps, a safari camp in Kenya, and a kasbah in Morocco's Atlas Mountains. 

Branson married his island guest — current wife Joan Templeman Branson — in a ceremony on Necker in 1989, 11 years after their first trip there. 

SEE ALSO: A group of extreme sports-loving entrepreneurs is hosting a startup contest, and the finals will be on Richard Branson's private island

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Here are some of the most expensive vacations you can take. Just a heads up, every single one of them costs at least five figures per night. 

Produced by Eames Yates

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Having your own private island is not just about the beautiful views, the privacy, and living the good life.

It's also about some of the more practical things, like figuring out the best way to get water and energy on the island.

Sir Richard Branson's Necker Island, which also functions as an exclusive resort, is part of the British Virgin Islands, but it is quite independent when it comes to producing the energy and fresh water that the island uses.

We spoke to Chief Engineer Adam Simmonds, who showed us how he and his team convert the salt water of the Caribbean Sea into as much as 65,000 gallons of usable water a day.

Originally published in October 2012. 

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Barack Obama famously promised his wife Michelle a special vacation post White House.

Well, he certainly made good on his promise, considering they're currently on Necker Island — Richard Branson's private island, and one of the most exclusive Caribbean resorts in the world. The Obama family reportedly arrived there after a short vacation in Palm Springs.

While they undoubtedly deserve a break, we can't help but feel a twinge of jealousy.

Keep scrolling for a peek at the decadent digs.

After eight years of being the leaders of the free world, Michelle and Barack Obama have jetted off for some well-deserved R&R.

Barack had promised Michelle a "special" trip post White House...

He certainly made good on that promise. It doesn't get much more special, or exclusive, than Necker Island.

The Obamas are making the most of their vacation time. Since leaving the White House in January, they have been hitting up some of the most exotic destinations imaginable.

After spending a few days on American soil in Palm Springs, Barack and Michelle Obama jetted off on a tropical tour that started at entrepreneur Richard Branson's private Necker Island. They then headed to French Polynesia to check in to The Brando, an exclusive island resort that can only be reached by boat or by two-engined Air Tetiaroa planes.

Their latest trip has been less tropical but just as glamorous. In May, the Obamas took a six-day vacation in Tuscany, Italy, where they stayed at a luxurious villa and sampled the food of one of the world's best chefs.

Take a look at the incredible places they have visited so far. 

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DON'T MISS: The 13 best adults-only, all-inclusive hotels in the Caribbean

After eight years in office, the Obamas headed off on a well-deserved break in January.

The first stop (after a very brief stint in Palm Springs) was Necker Island.

This 72-acre island — located in the British Virgin Islands — is owned by British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson.

Former President Obama has been globe-trotting for the past five months.

After leaving office in January, Obama traveled to Palm Springs with his wife, Michelle, before heading to entrepreneur Richard Branson's private Necker Island.

He made a quick pit stop in his home state of Hawaii, then flew to French Polynesia to check in to The Brando, an exclusive island resort that can only be reached by boat or by two-engined Air Tetiaroa planes. It was here that the Obamas were pictured aboard billionaire David Geffen's yacht, alongside Bruce Springsteen, Tom Hanks, and Oprah Winfrey. 

In May, Barack headed to Europe to deliver a speech at the Food Innovation Summit in Milan. Afterward, he was joined by Michelle for a six-day vacation in Tuscany. 

Obama has since traveled around Europe on business for the Obama Foundation. 

Check out the map below to see exactly where he has been:

SEE ALSO: The Obamas have been touring the world since leaving the White House — here's where they've been so fa

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NOW WATCH: The Obamas just shelled out $8.1 million for the DC mansion they've been renting since leaving the White House

The Obamas are making the most of their vacation time. Since leaving the White House in January, they have been hitting up some of the most exotic destinations imaginable.

After spending a few days on American soil in Palm Springs, Barack and Michelle Obama jetted off on a tropical tour that started at entrepreneur Richard Branson's private Necker Island.

They then headed to French Polynesia to check in to The Brando, an exclusive island resort that can be reached only by boat or by two-engined Air Tetiaroa planes.

In May, the Obamas took a six-day vacation in Tuscany, Italy, where they stayed at a luxurious villa and sampled the food of one of the world's best chefs. More recently, the entire family was spotted whitewater rafting and visiting a temple in Bali, Indonesia.

Take a look at the incredible places they have visited so far. 

SEE ALSO: The most exclusive resorts for 'people who care about the planet,' according to National Geographic

DON'T MISS: The 13 best adults-only, all-inclusive hotels in the Caribbean

After eight years in office, the Obamas headed off on a well-deserved break in January.

The first stop (after a very brief stint in Palm Springs) was Necker Island.

This 72-acre island — located in the British Virgin Islands — is owned by British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson.

Hurricane Irma has brought significant damage to much of the Caribbean as it's barreled towards South Florida. 

One of the islands in the path of the "potentially catastrophic" Category 5 hurricane was Necker Island, the British Virgin Island retreat belonging to billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson. 

Earlier this week, Branson announced that he and his team would be riding out the storm in the main house's wine cellar. 

Following the storm's hit on the island, a spokesperson for the Virgin Group told Business Insider: "Virgin Limited Edition can confirm that on the 6th September 2017 Necker Island sustained extensive damage as a result of Hurricane Irma. There were no guests on Island at the time and all staff staying on Island have been accounted for as safe and well."

This is not the first time that Branson has had to repair the structures on Necker Island. A major fire in 2011 brought major damage to the main house, which took two years to rebuild. 

Branson bought the 74-acre island in the British Virgin Islands for $180,000 after visiting in 1978. He has called it "the best financial move" he ever made. The island has been a getaway for celebrities, entrepreneurs, and even former President Barack Obama, who visited shortly after he left the White House in January. 

Individual rooms can be rented starting at $4,280 a night, for a week minimum, while the island can be rented as a whole for $78,000 a day.

Take a look around the island as it looked in less stormy times. 

Julie Zeveloff and Sophie-Claire Hoeller contributed reporting to earlier versions of this article.

SEE ALSO: Richard Branson refuses to leave his private island amid 'potentially catastrophic' Hurricane Irma

74-acre Necker Island is located in the British Virgin Islands, in the Caribbean Sea.

The island features two "private" beaches (though it's a private island, all beaches up to the high-water mark are open to the public, under British Virgin Islands law), two infinity pools, a swim-up bar, a hot tub that fits 30, a personal chef, and around 100 employees.

Many celebrities have vacationed here, from Princess Diana to Mariah Carey, and even Nelson Mandela. Kate Moss had her 40th birthday party on Necker, and Google co-founder Larry Page had his wedding there.

Sir Richard Branson posted a video along with pictures of the devastation to his luxury resort on Necker Island after Hurricane Irma hit.

The storm ripped apart the resort while Branson and his team hid in the wine cellar.

He said: "We felt the full force of the strongest hurricane ever in the Atlantic Ocean. But we are very fortunate to have a strong cellar built into Necker’s Great House and were very lucky all of our teams who stayed on Island during the storm are safe and well."

Produced by Joe Daunt

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• Richard Branson is hiring.
• Virgin is advertising an admin assistant role located on the founder's Necker Island in the Caribbean.
• Applicants are asked to submit their CV alongside a video explaining why they should be given the job.

A job advertisement for what could be the most glamorous admin role in the world on Virgin boss Richard Branson's Necker Island has gone viral.

The listing for a "personal assistant and admin assistant", posted on social networking site LinkedIn, has received widespread attention after it offered one lucky applicant the chance to relocate to the billionaire's private Caribbean island.

"Fancy working on Necker Island?" It begins, "Thought so!"

The advert says hopefuls can expect the job to be split between "two busy offices” and will be asked to deputise for Mr Branson's PA when they are on holiday.

"It's a busy role in two even busier offices so think carefully as it's not for everyone, despite the sunshine,” the job description states.

"We are of course looking for someone with fantastic admin and organisational skills as well as practical experience in a busy office. But your personality is just as important.

"As well as being a top notch administrator, we're also looking for someone who is self-motivated, outgoing and enthusiastic who can balance this with the essential need for discretion and confidentiality.”

Applicants are asked to submit their CV alongside a video no more than two minutes long, explaining why they should be given the job.

They were also asked to provide "an interesting fact” about themselves in their video pitch.

The closing date for applications is 10 March.

Virgin founder Mr Branson purchased 74-acre Necker Island in 1978 for just $180,000 and turned it into a private retreat.

Part of the British Virgin Islands, Necker can accommodate more than 30 guests at any one time, while a night's stay costs somewhere in the region of £40,000.

The island is known for its host of high-profile visitors, with the likes of Princess Diana, Kate Winslett and Barack and Michelle Obama all spending time there over the years.

SEE ALSO: An entrepreneur went on vacation to Necker Island and 'the only babysitter she could find' was Richard Branson

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When Sir Richard Branson first visited the 74-acre piece of land now known as Necker Island, it was completely uninhabited.

He negotiated a purchase price of $180,000, transformed it into an über-luxe resort, and now, 36 years later, charges $62,000 per night to rent the 15-room property.

The island, which is located in the British Virgin Islands, is strictly available for rent as a whole; Google co-founder Larry Page booked it for his wedding, Kate Moss celebrated her 40th birthday there, and Oprah, Mariah Carey and Jay-Z have all visited.

But occasionally, Necker Island hosts “Celebration Weeks,” where small groups or solo travelers can reserve individual rooms on the property. The first Celebration Week of the year started on February 24, so we decided to check in with Necker Island’s General Manager, Kenton Jones.

Below, he offers a sneak peek into the most in-demand (and pricey) room. 

Most requested room in the hotel?

"The Master Suite."

What makes it special?

"It’s 2,500 square feet of luxury with a strong Balinese theme running throughout. The room, located on the top floor, offers 300 degree views of the island and the surrounding ocean from each of its three terraces. There’s a hot tub, an outdoor bathtub and a flat screen TV built in to the bed."

On celebrity guests

"While we maintain client confidentiality for all Necker Island guests, some stays have been well documented and details are already in the public domain. These would include Kate Winslet, Mariah Carey, Oprah and Kate Moss who just celebrated her 40th birthday there."

"A preferred location for many A-listers, Necker Island equally appeals to many families or private individuals seeking privacy, luxury and exceptional service in a truly stunning and unique setting."

The rate

"During Celebration Weeks, when the island can be booked ‘hotel-style’ and couples can book individual rooms, the Master Suite rate for a seven-night stay is U.S. $45,000 during 2014."

Your personal favorite room?

"Bali Cliff."

Because...

"Bali Cliff is our most romantic room, situated on the western end of the island with a deck suspended over beautiful coral reef. It’s totally secluded and perched above the ocean with the most amazing views."

Fun facts

"When he first expressed an interest in purchasing the island, as Sir Richard Branson tells it: The realtor was really quite wonderful. He provided us flights, private helicopters, red carpet greetings, expensive champagne and the most extraordinary house to stay in."

"[He] said Necker Island could be all mine for the small price of around $6 million. I considered for a moment and then made the highest offer I could based on my available funds; $100,000."

"The music stopped instantly. We were taken back and unceremoniously dumped on the main land. The helicopter disappeared, the champagne evaporated and we were left to find our own way back to New York."

"A year later, I received a call from that same wonderful realtor. Apparently, there hadn’t been a single bid on Necker Island since my paltry offer."

"After a brief negotiation we agreed on a purchase price of $180,000 with the local government proviso that I had to have built a resort there within four years. And so I became the owner of Necker Island in the British Virgin Isles."

SEE ALSO: Two Years After It Burned Down, Richard Branson's Necker Island Mansion Is Back And Available For $60,000 A Night

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In addition to the beautiful views, the luxury accommodations and the tasty cocktails, guests of Sir Richard Branson's extremely upscale, private island can enjoy, there is perhaps one aspect of the experience that tops it all – the food.

On a visit to Necker Island, we were treated to many delicious meals by the Michelin-trained culinary staff, but there was one that was especially impressive – the Necker Island sushi lunch.

We spoke to Head Chef Gareth Zachary about how it all comes together.

Produced by Kamelia Angelova & Robert Libetti. Originally published in October 2012.

Music: "Quand je serai grand" by By Löhstana David

Disclosure: We were flown out to Necker Island, BVI by Virgin Limited Edition, which covered our travel and lodging expenses.

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Having your own private island is not just about the beautiful views, the privacy, and living the good life.

It's also about some of the more practical things, like figuring out the best way to get water and energy on the island.

Sir Richard Branson's Necker Island, which also functions as an exclusive resort, is part of the British Virgin Islands, but it is quite independent when it comes to producing the energy and fresh water that the island uses.

We spoke to Chief Engineer Adam Simmonds, who showed us how he and his team convert the salt water of the Caribbean Sea into as much as 65,000 gallons of usable water a day.

Produced by Robert Libetti. Originally published in October 2012. 

NOW WATCH: Sushi Lunch Is Served In The Pool On Richard Branson's Island

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Richard Branson is never one to throw a disappointing party. He and his mother have birthdays just a week apart, and to celebrate, they threw a big soiree on Necker Island, Branson's private retreat in the Caribbean.

The party included a cake created to look like Necker with a Virgin Galactic rocket flying above. Sparklers shot flames out of the top. Branson turned 64 on July 18, while his mother, Eve, turned 90 years old on July 12.

According to Branson, his mother's lifestyle has not slowed down with age.

"She even found time to catch up with the lemurs and, as per usual, put the youngsters to shame on the dancefloor," he wrote in his blog.

He shared this awesome photo of Eve busting a move.He also mentioned there was some dancing on tables, but he didn't specify who it was.

The night concluded with a fireworks show above the water. 

"Glittering above the Caribbean, the exploding light display was a wonderful way to cap off another birthday to remember for both mum and me," Branson wrote.Branson says there was one more surprise at the party, which he promises to reveal on his blog tomorrow. We can only imagine what that means.

SEE ALSO: Richard Branson Explains Why He Stopped Eating Beef

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Three startup founders just got a bump from Richard Branson and angel investor Bill Tai.

The startups got to travel to Necker Island, Branson's 74-acre Caribbean retreat, as finalists in the Extreme Tech Challenge, a startup competition led by MaiTai Global. 

MaiTai Global is "a group of extraordinary entrepreneurs, innovators, and athletes" founded by Tai and kiteboarder Susi Mai. 

Thousands of startups applied for the chance to pitch Branson and a panel of judges that also included Google Maps cofounder Lars Rasmussen and Samsung Electronics president Young Sohn.

A select group presented their businesses at CES in January. Of that group, three were chosen to head to Necker during the first week of February: smartphone breathalyzer company Breathometer, medical app Doctor on Demand, and bus travel search site Wanderu. 

The startups spent two days on Necker, networking with the panel members and enjoying the sun. 

"It was the most incredible experience I've ever had," Wanderu cofounder Polina Raygorodskaya said to Business Insider.  

Wanderu aggregates booking sites for train and bus networks, making it easy to make travel arrangements in one place. The startup originally started its desktop site in August 2013, but it just launched its iOS app this week. 

"To me, Branson is someone I've always looked up to, especially as someone in the transportation space," Raygorodskaya said. "He's disrupted so many industries in transportation, and he was really excited about what we're doing." 

Branson hasn't invested in Wanderu yet, but Raygorodskaya said the weekend gave them plenty of opportunities to network.

"We're not in the process of raising a round, but there was a lot of interest after the presentation," she said. "We definitely built some important connections." 

The startups certainly had some fun, too. The Wanderu team rented a catamaran for the week, and they got lots of time to enjoy the accommodations on Necker. 

The Great House, which people can rent for a whopping $60,000 a night, has eight bedrooms and a zip line that can bring you down to the beach below.

The house looks amazing.

 The crew also took some time to kiteboard, one of Tai and Branson's favorite hobbies. 

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From dancing in a parade a la Ferris Bueller to making fake announcements about moving company headquarters, Virgin Group chairman Richard Branson never misses out on an opportunity to make a joke. 

Branson especially likes to play pranks on guests at Necker Island, his 74-acre private retreat in the Caribbean. 

In a blog post Monday, he shared the prank he likes best.

"One of my favourite tricks is to get behind someone who is being massaged by a beautiful lady, and take over without them knowing," he wrote.

"It's a good laugh to see their faces when they realise I'm not who they thought I was."

Branson goes on to say that he tries to inject some element of fun into every day. 

"Don't take yourself too seriously. Instead, ask yourself: is what I'm about to do going to make people smile? If the answer is yes, then do it," Branson writes in the post. "But fun shouldn't just be reserved for special occasions and holidays, if you find time for it in your everyday life you will be rewarded."

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Richard Branson's 74-acre Necker Island is well-known for being a paradise where celebrities and entrepreneurs can escape to party and unwind far from the public eye.

But it's somewhat less known that the billionaire founder of the Virgin Group also owns a second Caribbean retreat, Moskito Island, about a mile away from Necker. 

Branson bought Moskito Island in 2007 for a reported purchase price of $10 million.

The island is currently home to a population of ring-tailed lemurs that Branson imported from zoos in Canada, South Africa, and Sweden. Branson has also moved a number of Necker's endangered iguanas over to Moskito. 

The Virgin Group is in the early stages of developing the island. The construction team has finished installing basic infrastructure — electricity, plumbing, etc. — and a three-villa compound for the Branson family, which a Virgin spokesperson referred to as the "Headland Estate." 

The island also has nine private lots, all of which will be developed into villas. All nine of the lots have been sold to unnamed buyers, and construction on the first villa will begin this year, the Virgin spokesperson said.

Facilities include a pool area and a clubhouse filled with teak decorations. According to Forbes, there will eventually be large tennis courts with a two-story viewing pavilion.

The pool area fronts the beach.

And there's plenty of lush greenery all around.

The island hasn't officially opened for business yet, but it looks like some lucky travelers have gotten a sneak peek.

SEE ALSO: How Richard Branson likes to prank guests on his private island

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NOW WATCH: Richard Branson Describes The Early Moment That Changed His Career Forever

When you’re an entrepreneur with a young family, finding a babysitter is just one of many on a long list of things you have to do.

While visiting Virgin founder Richard Branson’s Necker Island, Fluid Group founder and CEO Rowan Isaacs’ wife found herself without a babysitter for their 11-week-old child.

Judging by this photo Isaacs posted to Linkedin, Branson was happy to oblige.

“My wife is a pioneer for women in business and is on Necker Island with a group of Business Chicks for a life changing experience, as we have an 11 week old the only baby sitter they could find was this gentleman,” Isaacs wrote.

We reached out to Isaacs for a comment but we’re still waiting to hear back.

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NOW WATCH: Here's Richard Branson's Vision For The Future Of Virgin Galactic

Richard Branson's Necker Island is an island paradise. 

The 74-acre Caribbean retreat has plenty of opportunities for fun.

The recently remodeled Great House has a 1,500-square-foot master suite with panorama ocean views. A zip line brings visitors down from the house to the white sand beach, where they can kitesurf or hang out on Branson's yacht, Necker Belle. 

Branson bought the island for $180,000 in the late 1970s.

He explained how the purchase came about in a Virgin blog post Tuesday.  

I had been madly trying to come up with a way to impress a girl I had fallen for, so I rang up the realtor, and expressed my interest. We were still in the early days of Virgin Records, and I by no means had the cash to buy an island. Luckily, the realtor didn’t know this and offered me an all expenses paid trip to see the Islands that weekend. I agreed to go on one condition – if I could bring a guest.

To my delight, the object of my affection agreed to join me on the trip. I fell in love twice that weekend – once as our helicopter (supplied by the realtor of course!) swooped over the turquoise water and white sandy beaches of Necker Island, and again when I saw the smile on the face of the beautiful girl who sat beside me on the journey. Together we strolled around the Island and dreamed up plans for turning it into a haven for musicians. 

Those dreams were quickly spoiled when the realtor quoted the ‘discounted’ asking price of $6 million. Smitten with the unspoilt paradise, and keen to impress my new love, I offered the highest amount I could afford: $100,000. As you can imagine, the realtor was less than impressed, and left us high and dry to find our own way back home.

 About a year later, Branson writes, he was informed that no one else had made an offer on the island. He agreed to pay $180,000 for the island under the condition that he would build a resort there. 

In addition to Necker Island, Virgin's luxury property portfolio now includes a lodge in the Swiss Alps, a safari camp in Kenya, and a kasbah in Morocco's Atlas Mountains. 

Branson married his island guest — current wife Joan Templeman Branson — in a ceremony on Necker in 1989, 11 years after their first trip there. 

SEE ALSO: A group of extreme sports-loving entrepreneurs is hosting a startup contest, and the finals will be on Richard Branson's private island

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Richard Branson hates public speaking — here's how he gets over it