I was recently contacted to give comments on Necker Island; Richard Branson's private Caribbean retreat which was damaged by fire on Monday. "Do you have anything to say about Necker?" I was asked. "Um, er anything to say? Well, um it's 74 acres of beauty with an infiniti pool, sugar cane beaches, veuve cliquot yellow label on tap oooh and hammocks; lots of hammocks and Balinese day beds for crashing in…yes, that bit, put that bit in, and the Buddha, that Buddha it was a present from Robert de Niro" I had lost the knack, it's been a long time since journalists fired questions at me about Necker.
"Oh, any scandal? Who went? What did they get up to? Any Necker secrets?"
"Oh yes" I replied "Many, but they are secrets, so thank you and goodbye". Ah ha, no I thought the knack is back.
And that was that. I did not divulge, I never will. For as quoted in today's Telegraph, what happens on Necker stays on Necker. I haven't worked for Sir Dicky for years, but I am as loyal as the day is long. Those secrets shall remain so….
Throughout my time as Managing Director of Necker Island; I have visited more times than I have had hot dinners. I have helicoptered in with a helicopter pilot who's skills are put to the test for all movie stunts and promotional filming, sailed in style on a catamaran, luxury yacht with delicious French crew, motor cruiser and the famous "cigar" speed boat. This makes the hair a mess and the eyes water, so thank god, Robert de Niro wasn't waiting for me! Whatever mode of transport, arrival at Necker takes the breath away.
The island is a 74 acre haven full of rugged coastline, sandy beaches, nature trails, captivating breezes and of course, accommodation simple yet stunning, all pulled together with a Balinese feel. The Great House (my lovely Great House) that I often went from room to room, bouncing from bed to bed, testing this and that, running taps, checking soaps, outside showers, flowers, mossy nets and views, is no longer. Gone. Just like that. Well not quite, Kate Winslet saved the day plus fireman lifted 90 year old Eve; Richard's mother to safety. There was no way she was going down with this ship. No, no, no, been there and done that.
Luckily, I have some amazing photos of my many trips to paradise, but most importantly, I have memories, wonderful memories that I share with my children often and hope one day they shall be interested! The birthday party I arranged for George Michael for example. The room plans, the cake, the travel arrangements, the music….."George who?" the children ask. "George Michael of WHAM" I reply. "Mummy was in love with him and still is a bit". "Has he sung a duet with FLO-RIDA?" asked the son "Or Chipmunk? I think I've heard of him".
After George's birthday, which he enjoyed very much, the biggest bouquet of flowers arrived at my desk. "Thank you Geraldine for a wonderful time, All my love George". The fact that George wasn't the slightest bit interested in me made no difference, I was smitten. I even met him afterwards for tea at his home, but couldn't say a word. Not even pass the milk please George. My Earl Grey tasted terrible without milk, but I sipped politely making eyes at George and polite conversation.
Next came the cream of Hollywood. The boat arrived and we stood on the dock eager to meet and greet. Harrison Ford first (big pudgy, slight let down), Annette Benning next (so elegant), Demi Moore (ooh at least a size 0 minus 3) and Bruce Willis (sooooo sexy, I was speechless with him too!). Oprah's birthday followed by Eddie Murphy and entourage. Then there were the "normal" folk, the ones like us. Well a bit like us, just richer. Those who had done good and no longer wanted Marbella. The banker, the movie maker and the rag trader. There was one who arrived in his own helicopter and bought the island next door. Another who paid in cash won on slot machines on cruise ships. We then decided to operate it as a hotel for a week, getting ten couples together who didn't know one another, put them under one huge Great House roof and to hell with the consequences. "It will be a great idea" said Richard. It was, and it still is.
My fondest and most cherished memory was of my engagement. After many trips of going to the island with Richard, his lovely wife Joan and family, journalists, travel agents, clients and staff, I asked Richard if I could take a bloke I actually quite liked! Richard being a bit of a hippy and into Big Love thought it would be a great idea and allowed me to take my then boyfriend on a trip to meet the interior designers down on the island. How could the bloke refuse? Let's be honest, I could have asked George Clooney. After an amazing dinner, two bottles of fizz later and after everyone had gone off to bed; we retired to Richard's favourite place; the hammock. We both climbed in with sea breeze cocktails in hand….
By this time I was rather squiffy and singing along to Annie Lennox "No more I love you's" (Rather inappropriate in hindsight), when he popped the question – "Yes, yes" I replied and cried and he dropped the ring. He found it and put it on my finger. I was seeing double and could make out a large silver and black piece on my fourth finger. "I love it" I cried "I love it!"
"You do" he beamed "Well, you are so picky, I simply didn't know what you wanted so I picked this up for a fiver from H Samuel, and thought you could choose something when we got home".
The following morning I sobered up, took a look at the ring and cried once more, then we all received the news that a hurricane was heading our way and we couldn't move. For four whole days and nights we sat in the managers' safe house drinking tea and eating pringles watching hours of footage of their trip to the Galapagos Islands. I knew then that marriage would be a piece of cake.
Richard, when you rebuild something just as beautiful, do remember to take me along for the ride……..
