Richard Branson: A Knight With A Kite

November 23, 2009

It’s fascinating to be part of Sir Richard Branson’s world. The uber-entrepreneur turns dust into gold, and rarely comes across a challenge he can’t solve. When Richard Branson puts his mind to something, creativity knows no boundaries (don’t believe me? see: Virgin Galactic). So what does this man do when he’s just being Branson? You might be surprised…

I’ve had the privilege to talk to Branson on a few occasions. The topics usually involve the airline industry, his newest adventure or invention, or a quick chat about upcoming trips, and they usually take place as we’re running through an airport. But our latest conversation was a little more intimate. I had the unique opportunity to join Branson at the dinner table on Necker Island (Branson’s own private island in the British Virgin Islands). There was dining, drinking, dancing (yes, all on the dinner table), and conversation on one of the most private islands in the world. Simply put, my one night on Necker Island was a travel writer’s dream come true…

It all started with a little invitation to attend the kick off to the first annual Kite Jam in the British Virgin Islands, a kite surfing extravaganza set to launch in March 2010.

I hopped a flight to San Juan and weighed in for the Cessna flight to Tortola, where the festivities were set to begin. The first night was at Maria’s By The Sea, a helpful little hotel located right in the center of town. The hotel is perfect for business travelers needing quick access to everything, but if you’re staying for a few nights be sure to request a room overlooking the water (otherwise you’ll have a great view of the parking lot). I met my fellow press trip reporters for dinner and tucked myself in for a good night’s sleep after a long day of travel.

The next day we set sail for Norman’s Island, courtesy of Sunsail fleets. The catamarans took us to the island said to harbor the treasure chest of Blackbeard. Sadly, I didn’t find the loot, but I did leave the island with a hat that reads, “Where’s your booty?” After a nice dinner at the hotel restaurant, I packed my bags and set up a wake-up call for 6 a.m. the next morning. Destination: Virgin Gorda.

Sailing the BVIs

On our way to VG, we detoured at the undiscovered and beautifully unspoilt island of Anegada.

Inhabited by only 100 people (and few flock of flamingos) we hunkered down on Cow’s Wreck Beach and ordered up the best barbecue lobster you’ll ever eat in your life. It was here I got my first look at the super-sport kite surfing, courtesy of Scotty Wilson and Charlie Smith, the organizers of the event. Unfortunately, the winds weren’t in our favor so surfing was out of the question, but there’s plenty of water to appreciate in the British Virgin Islands (and some of the best snorkeling). The crystal blue waters beckoned and I took advantage of the opportunity to dive in.

The beautiful Anegada beach

The next day we packed up and made our way to the Bitter End Yacht Club. The beauty of this resort isn’t lost on any who dock here. I made my way to room 23N – one of the beachside villas on the north side of the island. The rooms are decorated in silk blue and orange spreads and each villa has a balcony overlooking the water, complete with lounge chairs and a hammock. Kudos the BEYC for also providing snacks and a bottle of rum, free of charge, in every room for travelers. The resort prides itself on the concept of communication. There are no TVs and very limited Internet access. After the initial shock of having no contact to the outside world subsided, I embraced the intimacy and privacy of this resort. There’s something to be said for falling asleep to the ocean waves under a full moon and a sky full of stars.

View from room 23N, Bitter End Yacht Club

Monday, November 23, was THE day. We woke up excited and ready to board our boat to Necker Island. The boat was filled with journalists as wide-eyed as kids at Christmas waiting for Santa Claus to arrive. When the boat arrived Necker Island, we were greeted with hot towels and champagne cocktails and shown the way to the dining area. The open-air dining room was surrounded by an infinity pool and gardens, which I can only assume was designed to inspire a little adventure. (I say this because I wanted to rush through lunch and start along the one of the various paths that lead to wherever… I didn’t care where, I just wanted to see it!)

Branson joined us immediately for a kick-off of Kite Jam. The next few hours were spent talking to Branson, Smith and Wilson, learning more about the event and living on the island.

Charlie and I found a comfy spot on one of the islands covered lounges, where I learned that this kite surfing magician is originally from Cyprus and was kite boarding with Branson in South Africa when the idea for BVI Kite Jam was conceived. Seems kites are the way of the water-sports future and Charlie was ready to take the sport by storm.

Watching a professional kite surfer is a surreal experience. Understanding the wind speed, predicting the waves and adjusting your body weight to take flight all play a part in this majestic experience. The only way I can think to explain the beauty of kite surfing is to liken it to a ballet in the sky.

Next up: LUNCH! We sat down to tuna tartar appetizers, grilled chicken breast and mango salsa entrees, and homemade donuts for dessert. Halfway through lunch an impromptu dance party took place – on the dinner table. My mother would be mortified at sandy feet on the table but then again, she might have been proud.

Infinity pool, Necker Island

Branson wasn’t able to kite surf due to an injured shoulder, but he was able to lead a tour to the guest house and rally the troops for a swim in yet another infinity pool. The guest house is something out of Fantasy Island (if Fantasy Island were aired today). Decorated in hues of green and browns and accented with white pillows, lounges and window treatment, the guest house (where you can stay for $51,000) is quite simply one of the most beautiful, and inviting, homes I’ve ever had the privilege of being invited into.

I found myself an unclaimed hammock overlooking the ocean and kicked back for a bit before it was time to go. I chatted with Branson about his love of kite surfing, his upcoming plans for keeping the islands environmentally friendly (more to come on that) and a little about my upcoming trip to Australia (I’ll be flying on Virgin) before I was told to hand over $51,000 or get on the boat back to the Bitter End Yacht Club.

Sadly, this travel writer’s savings account couldn’t cover the cost, but I hope someday soon I’ll be invited back to kite with the Knight who has truly transformed the way people travel.

Hanging pool side with Sir Richard Branson