Review: Discover Caribbean playground Moskito Island

Location: Although a 15-minute speedboat ride from the British Virgin Islands’ capital Tortola and only a stone’s throw from Virgin Gorda – the country’s second-most-populous isle – Moskito is a paradisiacal world unto itself.

First impressions: We’re met at the airport by Nicole, one of the island’s guest services managers, who ushers us on to a speedboat and pours glasses of chilled Taittinger. After a short ride, I spot the Moskito team waving from the island’s jetty, eagerly waiting to welcome us and thrust fresh coconuts into our hands. Suitably rehydrated, we climb on to golf carts (not before hitting the metal gong on the pier – a tradition for new arrivals) and are whisked to our lodgings, where the second round of our extra-special welcome awaits: glasses of champagne and a sumptuous spread of canapés.

The facts: Located next door to the more famous Necker Island, Moskito was bought in 2007 by Sir Richard Branson, who has since sold several plots to friends. Alongside a few private homes and the Virgin Group founder’s own lavish residence, Moskito is now home to four expansive villas, which are known as estates, that can be rented separately or together. The Point, The Village, The Oasis and Cape Stout each sleep between 16 and 26, with a combined capacity of 76. The island’s communal amenities include tennis courts, a watersports centre and the Beach House, which has a pool, bar and dining spaces. All food and drink is included, and each estate has a dedicated team that caters to every whim, from creating personalised itineraries to driving guests around in golf carts or, my personal favourite, a pastel-blue Moke.