Private Island Privileges

Since you're already shelling out around $50,000 per night for your vacay on ultra-luxe Necker Island in the BVI, you might as well pony up another $25,000 to check out Branson's newest toy: the Necker Nymph, a three-man, fully submersible aero-submarine. The winged...um, thing...functions as both an aircraft and sub, cruising along the surface of the ocean until you – and the certified Necker Nymph pilot at the helm – decide to take a dive. The vessel is capable of staying underwater for up to two hours as you explore the reefs and wrecks of the surrounding isles and cays, and the price tag buys you a full week to use it. Hey, it's cheaper than going to space.

Private Island Privileges

Necker Island: The Good Life

The first of this year's Winemakers Dinners kicked off last night at Necker Island, the private BVI estate of billionaire Virgin magnate Sir Richard Branson. While Branson takes residence on Necker throughout the year, the private island also functions as an ultra-exclusive resort and can be experienced for around $51,000 per night - a price tag that includes accommodations for up to 28 people as well as private chefs, personal butlers and whatever food, wine and activities you can dream up for the day. But even splitting that cost with my closest friends, I stand pretty much zero chance of ever staying on Necker Island on my own dime, so I was thrilled to have the chance to check it out before the dinner yesterday!

I'm no professional photographer, but here are a few snapshots from our day at Necker Island yesterday, in case you don't have the $51,000 saved up just yet either...

Necker Island: The Good Life