Richard Branson’s private island resort offers guests the opportunity to hone their tennis, padel and pickleball skills in paradise. Jenny Southan reports

Necker Island, in the British Virgin Islands, is one of the world’s most exclusive island retreats and is leading the way in the rise of sports travel (no doubt because Branson himself is obsessed with tennis, kitesurfing and cycling).

Tapping into the "Racketeering" trend (a term coined by Globetrender and explored in our Luxury Travel Trend Watch 2025 report), the island has installed pickleball and paddle courts within its comprehensive array of private sporting facilities available to guests.

When I was on the island, Branson challenges our group to a big game of champagne-fuelled "tipsy tennis" at sunset, and the local lemurs stood on the sidelines watching. Alongside the pickleball and paddle courts that complement the island’s existing championship tennis facilities – home to the famous annual Pro-Am Necker Cup – Necker Island’s location also provides the ideal conditions for sailing and kiteboarding, the high-octane water sport included for the first time in the 2024 Olympic Games.

With the demand for incorporating sporting activities with luxury travel on the up, the island paradise, which is available for exclusive use and select Individual Stay weeks, can offer dedicated daily programming, one-on-one coaching, and a diverse range of activities on land and sea led by expert instructors.

Guests who visit during one of the select Individual Stay weeks can equally embark on their own sports adventure, with intimate access to Necker Island’s highly trained, certified coaches and world-class amenities, alongside an optional series of daily activities and light-hearted hosted competitions.Free programming rotates daily around the 74-acre private island, with activities on the turquoise waters including kiteboarding, Hobie Cat sailing, kayaking, water skiing, wake surfing, stand-up-paddle boarding, eFoiling, sea bobbing and "marathon" swimming between Necker and its neighbouring islands. (Branson loves to set a challenge.)

On land, daily racket sport tournaments take place with Necker Island’s resident tennis coaches, with beach volleyball, pool, darts, table tennis and guided hiking also available. Those looking for an even greater challenge can opt to cycle to the peak of neighbouring Virgin Gorda, offering breathtaking views over Necker Island from the summit. (Branson does this a couple of times a week.)

Individual Stay Weeks start from US$5,650 per room per night, based on two people sharing and include all meals and drinks, return boat transfers from either Virgin Gorda or Beef Island airports and water sports equipment.

Exclusive buyouts start from US$140,000 per night based on up to 48 guests in 24 rooms and the same inclusions apply. Minimum lengths of stay may also apply.