Necker
Island in the British Virgin Islands, owned by Virgin Group chairman Richard Branson, will begin welcoming guests next October, following repairs from
Hurricane Irma in September.
The
storm destroyed most of the buildings and vegetation as it hovered over the
74-acre private island for hours. Branson and his team took refuge in the wine cellar of the Great House during the storm.
Construction has begun. Plans call for the restored Great House to
reopen as early as October with additional accommodations in guest cottages to
reopen in 2019.
"Guests
can look forward to white sandy beaches, luxurious accommodations, water sports
and top-class food in one of the most beautiful regions of the world," Virgin
Group said in a statement.