Richard Branson's Necker Island reopens after fire

IT WAS ravaged by fire a few years ago but Richard Branson's private island is taking bookings again. Peek inside one of the world's most lavish getaways.

The Necker Island beach house, pictured, is a shack compared to the main event - the Great House.

WE KNOW what you were frantically thinking: Will Necker Island re-open in time for my next holiday?

Well pack your bags, because the $65,000-a-night private island is taking bookings again. What a relief, eh?

Necker Island is the private home of Virgin boss Richard Branson and its Great House is a turnstile of celebrity guests.

It has been dazzlingly rebuilt after a devastating fire in 2011 (the one that was apparently started by lightning and made Kate Winslet even more of an international treasure after she saved Branson's mum from the flames).

You can make bookings at the Necker Island website or - if you're anything like the 99.9 per cent of us who will never, ever be making a booking there - just enjoy the resort porn we've collated.

The Necker Island beach house, pictured, is a shack compared to the main event - the Great House.

After a two-year absence, the Great House is open to guests again. It has been remodelled on the Balinese-inspired original, with some "innovative design twists", according to a statement on the island's website.

The private terrace off the main bedroom.

Necker Island is nestled in the Caribbean Sea - one of the British Virgin Islands.

Sir Richard became aware the island was on the market in 1978. He offered 100,000 British pounds for the 3-million-pound island and was swiftly evicted.

But shortly after, the owner Lord Cobham, settled for 180,000 British pounds. Apparently in need of short-term capital.

The master bedroom.

"Necker Island has been my home for more than 30 years and for me it is the most beautiful place in the world," Branson said in a written statement.

"The brand new Great House is the heart of the island and I'm thrilled with the results. This signals a new dawn for Necker, which I'm very excited about."

The whole island operates as a resort and comes with staff.

Each of the eight guest rooms has a balcony, and all come with kingsize beds and ensuite bathrooms.

On the upper level you'll find the master suite, which is a whopping 139sqm and has been designed for panoramic views from virtually every angle. It includes a two-person jacuzzi, a stand-alone outdoor bath and a kitchenette area with a fully-stocked fridge.

Room with a view.

There's a fully-stocked bar for favourite cocktails and up on the roof, the crow's nest has stunning views ... and another hot tub.

Each of the nine bedrooms has a balcony.

What do you think - worth the $65,000 a night? Continue the conversation on Twitter @danielstrudwick | @newscomauHQ