By the Caribbean Journal staff

Necker Island, Sir Richard Branson’s ultra-luxe private island paradise in the heart of the British Virgin Islands, is making its own comeback in the wake of Hurricane Irma.

Branson announced this week that the private island, which is available for whole-island rentals, will reopen in October 2018.

“We’re delighted to share the news that Necker Island will be welcoming guests back for both Exclusive Use bookings and Celebration Weeks from October 2018,” Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition brand announced in a statement.

Exclusive Use bookings mean taking over the whole island; celebration weeks are scattered weeks across the year during which guests can rent individual rooms on Necker for seven days.

Work is already underway to rebuild the island, according to Virgin.

The relaunched Necker will include 11 bedrooms in the Great House, including the famous Master Suite, along with a bunkroom that can accommodate up to six children.

The two Celebration weeks will take place in October.

Virgin also said Necker would be adding more rooms throughout 2019.

“We very much look forward to seeing you on island soon,” the company said.

Necker’s return is a big boost for the British Virgin Islands, which has been making a rapid comeback from last year’s storms.

Branson, has been an outspoken advocate in the BVI’s recovery.

For more information, visit Necker Island.