BW11BIZWEEK, SATURDAY 11 AUGUST 2007 COVER FEATURE

In Branson’s private paradiseBy ANITA GABRIELanita@thestar.com.my

THE West Indies' trade winds caressme as I loll about in a rich burntorange-coloured day bed by the

soft white sand beach. The soothingsounds of seagulls, splashing water, anda woman trainer saying “one-two-threeand again ...” and intermittent chucklesare my lullaby as I drift in and out of mysiesta.

It feels like a dream. But reality, thistime, doesn't bite. I'm chilling at SirRichard Branson's private paradiseNecker in the blue Caribbean sea of theBritish Virgin Islands – his home, play-ground and workplace all wrapped up inone resplendent, magnificent Balinesestructure spanning 74 acres.

A masculine laughter gently nudgesme from my slumber; Branson is takinga stab at aqua aerobics with a fewwomen staff in his beach pool. Theweather that sunny afternoon, likeeverything else in Necker, is deliciouslywarm.

A little later, he pulls himself out ofthe pool and says: “A little bit more ofthis (he lifts his arms over his head and

mimics a fish-swimming motion) and noone's going to take me seriously ...”. Welaugh, concluding that aqua aerobicsmay be too feminine a sport for him. Hetrots off bare feet to play a game of ten-nis with Pete and I'm off to freshen upafter an immensely rewarding two-hourmassage at his Bali Leha Spa, perchedatop a cliff and carved out of a hillsideoverlooking the spectacular Caribbeanvistas. We promise to meet later for din-ner at his beach pool's dining pavilionwith a small group of his staff – his“extended family”.

Rollin' the dice with Branson

It's a cool night and true to the VirginGroup's business ethos, I'm having somuch fun. We have just finished a light salmon din-ner, followed by the traditional Englishstrawberries and cream. Branson sug-gests we play a game of Perudo or Liar'sDice Game - a traditional Peruvian gamewhere each player has a cup and five dice,which we shake and mix then flip overthe table using the cups as shield. Simply put, players take turns in eachround to guess how many dice shows acertain number and if they bid correct,

they gain a dice and vice versa. The objectis to be the last player with one or moredice.“Anita, go for two ones,” suggestsBranson. He is out of the game, havinglost all his dice after several rounds and isnow guiding me as it's my first shot atthis game. A gentle breeze and the rhythmic soundof lapping waves accompany us on thislovely night. I follow my gut instinctsinstead - “three ones” I holler, when it'smy turn to bid. My wild stab in the dark is correct and itearns me a look of praise from Branson.“Good one. That was a good move,” hesmiles as he nods appreciatively. As the game comes to a close, Peteemerges winner but my elation isstronger than ever. I've managed to out-guess Branson, a sweet touch indeed tomy perfect Caribbean sojourn.

The day before

“I feel guilty that you've come all theway just to interview me for an hour orso,” he remarks, a day earlier after abouta two-hour long interview.

Branson is waiting for me, seated atone corner of his great home when Iarrive. His home and the private island

retreat for celebrities (reported to cost awhopping US$46,000 a night) appear tobe undergoing some renovation. He callsthis his “melting pot where we all takestock of what is happening and get awayfrom everything apart from the faxmachine.”

Two or three of his staff are at a nookin the centre of the grand home clad insun dresses or shorts, hair clammed orscrunched up working away or sortingthrough some papers.

I notice Branson has scribbled somenotes on his left hand – a reminder ofsorts. He ushers me to the main part ofthe house, then leads me to a terracewhere a hammock is strung up againstone of the most picturesque views of theturquoise sea.

He gestures towards a large woodenday bed with a breathtaking view andasks: “Is this spot okay with you?” as hethrows himself over and slides up thebed. I choke in disbelief and wilfullyresist the urge to gawk. Instead, I pre-tend as if it were perfectly normal toconduct interviews in that manner.“Sure, no problem at all, Richard” and Islide next to him, separated only by afunctional wooden tray with chilled bev-erage, to begin the interview, against theever-soothing rush of the waves.

In everythingyou do, it’s

important to putyour whole heartinto it

– Branson

“”