Moskito Island, renowned for being Sir Richard Branson’s private getaway within the Caribbean, is world-renowned for the ultra-exclusive luxury it offers. Situated in the North Sound just west of Virgin Gorda, Moskito is one of the most famous private islands in the world. This secluded paradise offers world-class luxury and untouched tropical beauty, blending idyll, indulgence, and adventure. Be it an adrenaline-seeking explorer or a sybarite looking for privacy and pampering, Moskito Island’s allure promises a wonderful escape to every traveler.
An aerial view of Moskito Island reveals a sight due to the stunning combination of nature and artificial structures, including private estates, turquoise waters, beaches, and green hills, all covered with white sand.
Luxury Resorts on Moskito Island: Alluring Branson Beach Estate
Guests at Moskito Island can book private estates instead of routine hotels. To ensure customization of guest experience, these estates were built and designed individually, which means they each boast unique style, lavish features, and full-time staff (like personal chefs and butlers) to attend to your every desire. The experience can be best described as living in a boutique resort. What follows are the headline estates of the island and why each is distinctively special: Branson Beach Estate- Comprising three Balinese-style villas interconnected by wooden walkways, Branson Beach Estate is perched at the northeastern tip of the island. While connecting, the 11 bedrooms are an open rooftop that offers guests unparalleled sea views and direct access to a private beach. The compound is situated in a tranquil setting. Twenty-two guests can enjoy the estate’s comfort and spaciousness, which is fully adorned with vibrant decor and exquisite furnishings. The estate can host large family gatherings, accommodating virtually any luxurious vacation. A barefoot beach experience coupled with the breathtaking views of soaring mountains ensures unforgettable family vacations.
The Oasis Estate: Sited at the highest elevation of Moskito, this contemporary estate’s design is reminiscent of a superyacht perched on land. It features sleek, four-story architecture with thirteen lavish suites that enable 360° views of the Caribbean and can accommodate up to thirty-eight guests. A waterfall flows majestically into an enormous infinity pool, which extends beyond a swim-up bar and hot tub. This creates a unique pool landscape for those who enjoy lounging in luxury. There is no shortage of wellness amenities, including a meditation garden, a gym with a peloton bike, and a cold plunge pool with sea views.
The Point Estate: This estate is located on the island’s southern side and is family-friendly, featuring eight bedrooms. The Point has a prime location, directly on Manchioneel Beach, and stunning claw-shaped reef views. The estate’s center has a lovely open-air Great Room with a sunken bar and entertainment area, perfect for hosting larger gatherings. The estate also comes with a private 32-foot, twin-engine Scorpion powerboat, sure to delight visitors who want to venture to nearby islands for day trips. In the evenings, guests will love the beach BBQ, bonfires under the stars, and picturesque sunsets from the estate’s crow’s nest lookout.
Cape Stout Estate: A stunning retreat perched atop
a cliff that resembles a hillside village. Cape Stout has an infinity pool and several plunge pools near Honeymoon Beach, making it an ideal getaway. The estate contains eight luxury suites and a bunk room, accommodating up to 16 adults. There is a half basketball court, a private yoga deck, and a Peloton gym with a lap pool for active groups. Peloton is a water oasis with three hot tubs, two koi ponds, and a charming canal pool. From the estate, a private powerboat is available for use. In contrast, the estate’s ‘canal bar’ has an exciting atmosphere at night with karaoke, signature cocktails, and a mixologist waiting to serve you.
The Village Estate: Beautiful sunsets can be experienced from the western cliff where The Village Estate is located. It is designed for party groups and celebrators alike. The estate offers nine suites alongside lavish amenities to satisfy even the most seasoned luxury travelers. Enjoy the two-level infinity pool located on the property during the day. It features waterslides and a hidden grotto pool with submerged seating. At night, this estate turns into your nightclub. Outdoor pop-up DJ booths, premium LED lighting, a 100-speaker sound system, and an open-air cinema let you host incredible movie nights or amazing dance parties under the stars. In addition, plush lounge seating around the fire pits creates the ultimate atmosphere. These features make The Village the most entertaining estate for fun with friends and special events.
Guests on Moskito Island can enjoy the many luxury amenities, such as this dramatic cliffside pool at The Point Estate, which has an infinity-edge pool overlooking turquoise bays.
An ultra-personalized stay is guaranteed because each estate on Moskito Island has its dedicated manager, private chef, and hospitality staff. There are three beautiful beaches on the island which guests can enjoy in addition to a plethora of resort-style facilities such as a Beach House complex with a bar and oceanfront swimming pool, two floodlit tennis courts, a watersports center, hiking trails through lush hills, and a fully equipped gym. Without the crowds, you can enjoy all the perks of a five-star resort, from endless recreation to bespoke dining. This level of exclusivity and indulgence is unmatched by few places on earth.
Activities and Fun on Moskito Island
Water enthusiasts are greeted by the crystal clear strip of water along Moskito Island, which provides ample opportunities for all sorts of water exercises such as snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, jet skiing, kiteboarding, and paddle boarding, for those who are not as experienced in water sports, snorkeling gear, stand-up paddleboards, sailboats, and even Fliteboards and Seabob are provided. Any dreams during a Caribbean vacation are a reality waiting to be fulfilled.
Moskito Island can be considered a vacation destination offering diverse activities, and adventure cams are a perfect way for tourists to document and capture the amazing views. On this island, Fischer adventurers can also try deep-sea fishing for larger-than-life fish. For experienced scuba divers, excursions can also be arranged to hidden shipwrecks under the crystal clear waters of the BVI Islands.
The Relaxation Approach: Moskito Pools and beaches are wonderful if leisure is your primary aim. The island has Manchioneel Beach, Lime Tree Bay, and Honeymoon Beach, three splendid beaches, each a picture-perfect stretch of flour-white sand washed by turquoise waters. Since Moskito hosts only a handful of guests at a time, these beaches are nearly always deserted, so feel free to go swimming, sunbathing, or having a casual beach picnic. Many suites have private bits of paradise – some open directly onto the sand, while others are close to secluded coves. Numerous estates have relaxation features such as infinity pools, hot tubs, and even swim-up bars to pamper the guests. This enables you to relax to your heart’s content. In addition, you can bask in a hammock under palm fronds, partake in a floating breakfast within your pool, or receive an al fresco massage from your estate attendants. Wellness treatments, such as guided yoga sessions at sunrise or meditation in serene garden spots, are also available. Watching the stunning golden tropical sunset blanketing the surrounding islands while sipping a cocktail from your villa’s bar is unrivaled.
Island Exploration: Moskito Island, home to pristine beaches, attracts tourists due to its inland natural wonder. Pack your hiking boots and prepare for a trek on the trails running through the island’s hills and tropical vegetation. With each step, numerous breathtaking viewpoints of the Caribbean Sea are waiting to be uncovered. The rich wildlife is an added perk; the unspoiled nature is home to flora and fauna, allowing you to glimpse birds, geckos, or even the island’s wild tortoises. Two tennis courts are complete with spectator stands for those who enjoy sports, guaranteed to liven up your day with a friendly match. Want even more fun? Host a round-robin tournament or showcase your shooting skills in a basketball shoot-around on the half-court at Coast Stout. Moreover, each estate is free to offer tailor-made experiences. Go mountain biking to uncover the island’s hidden gems, or join a guided walk to learn about Moskito’s ecology and history while soaking up some nature. The rich pirate history does not disappoint, combined with an archaeological find of an Amerindian fishing camp on the island. If you are ready to travel outside Moskito, you’ll be happy to realize that the island’s strategic location in the North Sound allows for day trips around the BVI’s.
Board your estate’s private boat or a crewed yacht charter to explore nearby jewel islands. Experience snorkeling with sea turtles at Eustatia Island or bar-hopping at the famous Saba Rock and Bitter End Yacht Club. Or take a quick trip to Virgin Gorda to admire The Baths, the British Virgin Islands’ renowned colossal granite boulders, and caves. Adventure always lies close by, Whether on or just past Moskito.
Getting There and Travel Tips
Visiting places such as Moskito Island may appear difficult, but it can be done easily with relevant information and some planning. Some tips for smoother travel have been highlighted below:
How to Get There: Moskito Island is only accessible by a private yacht or a chartered flight. Most travelers usually sail from the USVI to Moskito or fly into St. Thomas airport or EIS airport first and take a boat from the airport to Moskito. The beauty of traveling through Tortola’s airport is the 15-30 minute boat ride you get to enjoy, which takes you directly to the Kuanto dock. Powerboats can be hired to take you directly to the island in minutes if you are visiting Virgin Gorda. Private boat charters can be requested as part of your booking. A Moskito Island penthouse rental also includes the charters at no additional cost. The island also benefits from having a helipad allowing passengers to board helicopters from St. Thomas and Tortola and affording stunning aerial views of the BVI while in transit.
Entry Requirements: Bordering the British Virgin Islands, the island conforms to standard entry requirements. Ensure you have a valid passport and requisite visas for the British Virgin Islands. If traveling through the US Virgin Islands, you will go through customs after arriving by boat. Moskito Island concierge will generally take care of customs processes for you, which makes it hassle-free. It is helpful to discuss the arrival particulars of your trip well in advance with the island staff. They commonly greet you at the airport or ferry terminal and take care of your bags, transfers (many packages include transfers to and from the island at no additional cost), and other arrangements.
Best Time to Visit: BVI Islands have warm weather all year round, but the best time to visit Moskito Island is between December and May when it is drier. Expect lots of sunshine, steady breezes, and rain this winter and early spring with low humidity – an ideal time for outdoor activities and island hopping. The temperatures are a soothing 75-85°F (24-29°C) during this time. June through November is considered the off-season, the hottest, and the Atlantic hurricane season. You may get better rates during this time, but expect high chances of rain and tropical storms in late summer and fall. Many travelers prefer the holiday season and spring in the BVI regions, so try to book accommodation well in advance if you’re hoping to get to Moskito for Christmas, New Year’s, or Spring Break. Don’t forget to pack reef-safe sunscreen, swimwear, light resort clothes, and a warm light jacket for breezy evenings on the water.
Costs and Booking: Staying on Moskito Island is luxurious and expensive. Renting an estate starts at approximately $12,000 per night for part of the estate and roughly $25,000 to over $35,000 for the largest estates in peak season. In winter, Branson’s 11-bedroom estate goes for approximately $33,000 per night if bought in totality. These prices usually include gourmet food, drinks, staff, and other island services, which take care of your group’s needs when on the island. However, Moskito does not intend to target budget travelers – the island is meant for private ultra-high getaway customers. For larger traveling groups, the estates accommodate between 16 and 38 guests, or people can combine estates for bigger events. The island has a maximum capacity of around 75 people at a time. The island needs to be booked ahead of time to avoid unavailability; it is in high demand, and peak times are sold out. Use Branson’s hospitality group to help book and plan your trip. Given the high investment required, getting travel insurance is highly recommended.
(Tip: For those who are unable to afford to stay on Moskito Island, consider alternative methods such as a day charter, which will be described below, or splitting the duration of stay with a few nights on the nearby Virgin Gorda so that the beauty of the area can be experienced.)
Day Tour Charters: Travel to Moskito Island by sea.
For anyone who has noticed Moskito Island but hasn’t considered staying overnight, it’s no problem. For adventurous vacationers or yacht rental fans, there is still the option to enjoy Moskito by taking a day trip around the island. Many guests rent a boat to travel around the North Sound, and Moskito Island is often included as an attraction on these tours. For those interested in learning more about day charters, here’s what you need to know for a day visit to the area:
Moskito Island is breathtaking even from afar, so imagine how beautiful it is when sailing closer. Upon arrival by yacht or powerboat, you can view the stunning estates perched on the shores, all adorned with emerald-green hills. Unfortunately, Moskito is a private island, so visitors can admire that beautiful estate from the water but cannot step on shore as there are no restaurants, public bars, or facilities open for day trippers to enjoy.
Charter captains usually traverse the shallow reefs and moor slightly away from Moskito’s coast so guests can snorkel and swim with the island as a picturesque backdrop.
Snorkeling and Anchorages: Drake’s Anchorage lies behind a coral reef that does well to the waters on the western side of Moskito. Here, within the island’s Lee, the waters are clear, and the underwater life is rich. It is a perfect place for snorkeling and having lunch on your boat. Peaceful and panoramic views of Moskito and the surrounding isles can be enjoyed. The winds can be a bit strong at times due to the trade winds flowing across the reef, and your captain will have to find the best protective safeguard for the conditions. While snorkeling, you can see Moskito’s three beaches or a kite surfer shredding the bay. You are so close that you can appreciate the isolation – most of the time, your boat will be the only one in the region because Moskito does not have the same volume of traffic as tourism-popular places such as Jost Van Dyke and Norman Island.
Blend with Other Destinations: Day charters usually complement Moskito Island with other travel sites because you can’t step on the island without booking an entire stay. This is fortunate, as the North Sound area is rich with options. Not far from Moskito is the Saba Rock resort, which is always bustling, or the relaxed Bitter End Yacht Club, where you can grab lunch and tropical drinks. You can also visit Prickly Pear Island’s shallow sandbar for a quick dip. If you come from Tortola or Virgin Gorda, you can also stop by The Baths or do some snorkeling at Eustatia Sound’s coral gardens. The charter trips are available with unlimited time. Talk with your captain about the most interesting things, such as beach bar hopping, relaxing cruises, or snorkeling. Moskito Island is sure to impress by the midpoint of the tour while catching an eye on the luxurious life before heading to more entertaining and exciting places. Without landing on the island, resting on the coast of one of the most exotic islands in the world is a sight that won’t easily be forgotten for those wanting an adrenaline rush.
Charter Logistics: In the British Virgin Islands (BVI), private full-day charters typically run from seven to eight hours, which is enough time to circumnavigate Moskito Island. Depending on the size of the boat and the port of departure, charter prices range dramatically. For instance, a 32-foot powerboat based at Tortola or St. Thomas might cost $1,300-$1,600 for a full day (8 hours), in addition to fuel expenses and possible customs fees. This charge usually includes the payment of your captain, snorkel equipment, and an icemaker filled with drinks; however, extra costs are needed regarding fuel, gratuity, and shoreline food. If you are located in the US Virgin Islands, do not forget that traveling to the BVI (and Moskito) requires passport clearance and payment of customs fees, which are approximately $75-$90 for each person. The charter firm will take care of the necessary documentation for you. It is prudent to book an experienced BVI charter operator who knows the waters of the North Sound well, for the reef surrounding Moskito can be difficult to navigate without local knowledge. Furthermore, be sure to let the captain know that you wish to view Moskito Island because not all routes contain these stops, and many standard charter tours do not include them.
By acquiring the appropriate charter, you can relax and relish an exhilarating day of snorkel stops interspersed with island-hopping and a fleeting glimpse of Moskito’s mystique—the romance of the BVI islands for those who wish to indulge in lavish turmoil without the weeklong indulgence.
A Paradisal Romance of Islands for Lavish Spenders and Montane Lovers
Moskito Island is a fantasy for many, where the remarkable untouched landscape meets lavish, astounding Ultimate care. When you land, you are welcomed with a sense of intimacy; however, the spirit is still easily Caribbean dreamy. Enjoy kayaking on the calm mornings above coral reefs or with a cool sea breeze on your face while savoring a game of tennis on a court. In the afternoons, sip some champagne while basking at a cliffside infinity pool. Relish on prepared gourmet treats under twinkling stars and then retreat to a castle-like villa. Indulged in breathtaking comfort, this is reportedly the best spot for resting and tranquility: while you indulge in hypnotic waves, kiteboarding across Necker Island’s channel sounds exciting.
With its unique opportunity to experience billionaire castaway living, Moskito Island is a sought-after private luxury vacation spot for travelers looking to indulge and one that certainly does not disappoint. Many still dream of spending weekdays at the estates, but having a taste of its beauty during the day can make you appreciate why the BVI is truly a remarkable piece of the world.
