BVI’s Mosquito Island to Join Virgin Resorts Group

Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group of companies which includes airline Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Galactic, bought his second Caribbean island in the British Virgin Islands for $13.2 million and plans to turn it into a luxury eco-friendly, environmentally-savvy resort.

The 124-acre Mosquito Island, named after an Indian tribe and not the annoying insect, will join the Virgin Limited Edition portfolio of select properties owned or partially owned by Branson.

The island sits in North Sound and is about a mile from the 74-acre Necker Island, which Branson bought in 1976 for $171,000. Both islands are east of Puerto Rico on the eastern end of the BVI chain.

Mosquito Island, which can be reached by boat from Virgin Gorda, was the site of the well-known Drake’s Anchorage Resort, which opened in the 1960s under Bert Kilbride who spent more than 40 years searching for underwater treasure near the island.

Although Branson has not released specifics for Mosquito Island, the resort is expected to be powered by wind, wave or solar power, according to a Virgin spokesman. Balinese-style guest buildings will be built from sustainable materials; electric buggies will supply the transportation needs.

Mosquito Island has several hiking paths, trails and beaches; the surrounding Colquhoun Reef offers prime spots for snorkeling and scuba.