A new definition of luxury is now firmly on the map in the British Virgin Islands as the highly anticipated, brand-new Moskito Island makes its debut this week. After more than 14 years in the making, Moskito has quickly become the newest, and one of the most exclusive, private islands in the Caribbean – a secluded billionaire’s playground, home to privately owned villa estates, all brought together by first-class communal recreational amenities. Two brand-new estates: The Point Estate and The Oasis Estate are the latest additions joining the existing 11-bedroom Branson Estate on Moskito Island, under the Virgin Limited Edition portfolio. Each estate brings its own sense of style through striking architecture and one-off design, to create exceptionally unique island retreats.
Sprawled across 125 acres, sitting across from its famous sister island Necker, Moskito Island brings a one-of-a-kind hospitality experience to the Caribbean. It is where the best of coastal living is brought to life through unparalleled ocean views and unmatched barefoot luxury, complemented by the stunning architectural design of each individual estate. Come October 1, 2021, The Point Estate and The Oasis Estate will officially become available for exclusive buyouts through Virgin Limited Edition. Celebrated for hyper-personalised service in incomparable destinations around the world, Virgin Limited Edition is Sir Richard Branson’s global collection of eight unique retreats and luxury hotels.
“Moskito Island is the newest jewel of the Caribbean; a truly one-of-a-kind escape where visitors can enjoy the luxuries of the most stunning unspoiled surroundings, whilst having the convenience and luxury of a beautiful private home to serve as the centre of it,” says Jon Brown, CEO of Virgin Limited Edition. “Together with the island homeowners, we wanted to create something exceptionally unique and offer a rental programme unlike any other hospitality experience in the Caribbean, so we are incredibly excited to share this with the world.
“When Richard purchased the island in 2007, he was able to draw inspiration from his beloved Necker Island and instill some of the incredible designs and qualities that have made it the success it is today. But what makes Moskito Island so wonderfully different is its personality and charm – a result of not only Richard’s vision for the island, but a fusion of other like-minded homeowners, their ideas, and unique vision for the island too. Those visiting will now be able to enjoy the privacy and glamour of a private island with the choice of some of the very best rental estates in the world, each with their own individual style and offering.”
THE OASIS ESTATE
Perched on the highest point of Moskito Island, you’ll find the expansive nine-roomed Oasis Estate. Offering the very best of contemporary living, The Oasis Estate exudes a uniquely chic aesthetic, with sleek, modern design and broad sweeping gestures. The ultimate entertaining abode, the four-story main house is positioned on top of the hill, and seamlessly utilises the natural landforms, with stunning transparent split-level terraces that emerge from the central core of the estate. Featuring multiple bars – including a swim-up pool bar – an expansive billiards and movie room, and rooftop deck that boasts unobstructed 360-degree views of the surrounding territory, the estate provides the perfect balance of fun, privacy, and relaxation to cater for guests’ every need.
Floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors throughout the entire house provide an abundance of natural light, all opening fully to allow for harmonic indoor-outdoor living, while a flat grass-filled rooftop adds a unique urban design element.
A curved wraparound master pool brings a luxurious cooling element to the space and joins the main house with three individual guest pods, which sit at the edge of the estate, providing their own sense of privacy. Also minimalistic in nature, the poolside pods each come fitted with their own kitchenette and living areas, as do each of the guest rooms in the main house.
The crown jewel of the estate is the 812 sq. ft. master guestroom, featuring an open-plan bedroom and living area that seamlessly transitions onto an extensive 180 degree decking and entertaining area, offering some of the best views on the estate. Guests will wake up to sunrise views overlooking Sir Richard Branson’s iconic neighbouring Necker Island, before later soaking up sweeping sunset views from the freestanding outdoor bathtub. The ample wraparound terrace features sun loungers and a dining table to create the perfect entertainment space at this beautiful private retreat.
THE POINT ESTATE
The eight-bedroom Point Estate is nestled cliffside, overlooking the island’s stunning Manchioneel Beach and neighbouring Virgin Gorda. Drawing design inspiration from the homeowners’ travels across the world, The Point Estate is built up the cliff offering free-standing accommodation and one main entertaining hub house. The expansive communal area of the main house brings the estate together as a dining and entertainment space, with contemporary kitchen and bar and huge infinity edge pool offering 180-degree views of the surrounding turquoise waters. A unique open-air seaside dining pavilion is impressively built right at the cliff edge and offers arguably the best viewpoint of the dramatic BVI sunsets than any other spot on the island. Guests staying at The Point Estate have exclusive, direct stair access to Manchioneel Beach – Moskito Island’s primary beach – complete with a dining pavilion, stocked bar and guest facilities.
With eight bedrooms, including a playful eight-bunk children’s room in the main house, the estate comfortably sleeps up to 22 guests and is an ideal family destination. The estate has two master bedrooms; Hillside Master, that overlooks the entire estate, and Seaside Master, a quiet cove at the bottom of the estate, boasting sensational water views. A mix of freestanding, outdoor, deep-soaking baths and outdoor showers, complete with spacious decking and sun loungers, feature across the guest accommodation, and sitting atop the main house great room is an impressive crow’s nest – an idyllic location to watch the sun rise and set over the island and enjoy a quiet respite.
THE BRANSON ESTATE
The two new estates, The Oasis and The Point will join the enviable Branson Estate, designed and owned by the Branson Family, and opened in 2020. Set in an idyllic location – next door to the island’s communal recreational facilities – The Branson Estate was the very first estate to be built on Moskito Island with three beautiful villas connected by elevated wooden walkways, including the main residence, Headland House, which is home to the estate’s main master living, dining and entertaining areas, master suite and two guestrooms.
The four-bedroomed Beach Villa is a seaside oasis, with its own private infinity pool and living areas and adjacent, lies the four-bedroomed Mangrove Villa, nestled in the mangroves with striking views of the neighbouring islands. In true barefoot luxury style, The Branson Estate is home to beautiful seaside dining and play areas that seamlessly blend indoor-outdoor living for a relaxing, private vacation.
Each private estate on Moskito Island is brought together by a multitude of communal recreational amenities including the master Beach Pavilion, comprising a bar, gaming and movie areas, wrap-around pool, and a stunning communal beach. Two impressive floodlit artificial grass tennis courts – designed to match Necker Island’s courts which famously play host to the annual Necker Cup – can host group tournaments, lessons, or a casual knock about with friends. Guests can also enjoy a multitude of dining outlets on-island, private in-room or beachside spa treatments, watersports, and a myriad of activities that can be organised to cater for the full group – including game nights, guided hikes, beach Olympics and children’s pizza-making classes. Off-island, the British Virgin Islands offers some of the best crystal blue waters in the world to explore, whether snorkeling the unspoiled reefs and shipwrecks, or swimming with the turtles.
Rates for Moskito Island start from $17,500 per night during low-season, based on a four-night minimum stay at The Point Estate for up to 16 guests. Rates include a dedicated Estate Manager, private chef, and a dedicated team of staff. As well as all meals, drinks, watersports, and a personalised itinerary from start to finish.
