Copy linkEmailFacebookWhatsAppXLinkedInBlueskyThreadsImpact Link
SaveSaved
This story is available exclusively to Business Insider
subscribers. Become an Insider
and start reading now.Have an account? .
Barack Obama famously promised his wife Michelle a special vacation post White House.
2017-01-25
Well, he certainly made good on his promise, considering they're currently on Necker Island — Richard Branson's private island, and one of the most exclusive Caribbean resorts in the world.
While they undoubtedly deserve a break, we can't help but feel a twinge of jealousy.
Keep scrolling for a peek at the decadent digs.
After eight years of being the leaders of the free world, Michelle and Barack Obama have jetted off for some well-deserved R&R.
The tropical paradise was named after 17th-century Dutch squadron commander Johannes de Neckere. It was uninhabited until the late 20th century, and purchased by Branson (who was 28 at the time) for a modest $180,000 in 1978.
AP/Todd Vansickle
Branson spent three years turning the island into a private retreat, and spent $10 million building the lodgings, which include a 10-bedroom Balinese-style villa.
Many celebrities have vacationed here, from Princess Di to Mariah Carey, and even Nelson Mandela. Kate Moss had her 40th birthday party on Necker, and Google co-founder Larry Page had his wedding there.
There are two "private" beaches (though it's a private island, all beaches up to the high-water mark are open to the public, under British Virgin Islands law), two infinity pools, a swim-up bar, a hot tub that fits 30, a personal chef, and around 100 employees.
Sophie is a trilingual journalist who grew up in Germany. When she isn't writing about travel, she's traveling.Previously, she was an editor at Business Insider. She has a master's degree in journalism from New York University and a bachelor's degree from Boston University.Sophie has slept in everything from a stylish potato in Idaho to a hotel made of ice in Canada, and has traveled in vehicles ranging from RVs to the world's largest cruise ship for Insider. She also spearheaded Insider's Next Stop series.Check back here or follow her on Instagram.
