Global entrepreneur Richard Branson has turned the piggy bank upside down once again, splashing out to buy the neighbouring island to 74 acre Necker Island [pictured], which he bought in 1976 for $US171,000.
His new purchase, the 124-acre Mosquito Island, which is named after the Indian tribe the Miskitos and not the buzzing pest, has cost Branson rather more, having to shell out $US13.2m for the island which sits in North Sound about a mile from 74-acre Necker Island, both in the British Virgin Islands.
Moskito [Pictured] was once owned by the charismatic Bert Kilbride who also built the Drake’s Anchorage Resort, spending the best part of 50 years searching for underwater treasure in the BVI, describing himself as the “Last Pirate of the Caribbean”.
The resort on Moskito has been closed since 1997 with a brief re-opening in 2000/2001 and financial troubles plaguing the owners.
Branson plans to turn Mosquito into a luxury eco-friendly, environmentally friendly savvy resort, with Moskito, to use its correct name joining Necker as a member of Virgin Limited Edition, a portfolio of select properties, all owned or partially owned by Branson.
Ah well…………..!
Report by The Mole
