Not too long ago, Necker Island was considered a drab location with no commercial appeal whatsoever. However, after one of Britain's most outlandish figures, the multi-billionaire Sir Richard Branson, purchased the property, the little praised getaway in the British Virgin Islands quickly became a mega-popular success.

The resort is operated as a private residence, and all guests have the freedom to explore the entire island and the surrounding scenery. And a staff of 31 works to provide up to 26 guests with around-the-clock service, be it a simple room cleaning or a gourmet meal.

Necker Island is 74-acres, and has a 10-bedroom Balinese villa, along with two 1-bedroom Balinese houses named Bali Hi and Bali Lo. These houses are beautifully designed and boast many wonderful features. Each house has a private swimming pool, open-air lounging areas, outdoor dining areas, and many other state-of-the-art amenities.

Bali Hi is literally built into a cliff, and has a bedroom that hangs over the cliff and offers priceless views of the Caribbean Sea. In the master bathroom of the main house, a large Jacuzzi provides the lucky guest(s) with a much-needed soak. And each of the other 9 bedrooms in the home has their own private bathrooms.

When Sir Richard Branson isn't entertaining guests like Mariah Carey and Sean “P Diddy” Combs at Necker Island, the private island resort is open to the general public. Guests can rent the island on a daily basis or for a special seven-night “Celebration Week” in September and October. The island attracts a wide range of celebrities and other well-to-do clientele. Featured on VH1, MTV, and HGTV, Necker Island's popularity is mind blowing.

Guests have the option of eating in the beautiful dining room, or taking their food to go and eating anywhere else on the island. The gourmet cuisine on the island is made with fresh, local ingredients, hand-selected by a 5-star chef and served to guests any time of the day or night.

Activities on the island are numerous, despite its relatively small size. There are boats present on the island for charter trips; guests can swim, snorkel, windsurf, and use the gym, play tennis, and other water sports, hike; and, of course, you can always sit on the cliff and admire the breathtaking scenery.

Prices for a stay on the island will set you back a pretty penny. The couple's rate on the island starts at $19,500 per couple - per week during Celebration Week. Any other private usage of the island at any other time starts at $22,500 per day. All activities and meals are included in this rate, and island transfers between Necker Island and/or Virgin Gorda and Beef Island are also included.