( CNN ) -- Richard Branson has never been one to shy away from sharing his ostentatious exploits with the wider world . Over the years , the billionaire entrepreneur has invited us to follow his attempts to hot-air balloon around the globe , delve the deepest recesses of the oceans and cross the Atlantic on a speedboat . Now the founder of the Virgin Group has provided access to his very own private Caribbean resort , Necker Island , for a new book by Australian fashion and celebrity photographer Russell James . Featuring more than 150 deluxe images , `` A Virgin Island '' reveals Necker 's idyllic beaches and spectacular tropical wildlife as well as dipping inside Branson 's luxury residences . Branson purchased the British Virgin Island retreat in 1978 for a knockdown price of $ 180,000 , setting up a home in which he still stays for at least two months of every year . In 1984 , he opened a luxury resort on Necker that has since welcomed a long line of rich and famous guests . Those reported to have spent their vacation time there include the late Diana Princess of Wales , Hollywood stars Kate Winslet , Eddie Murphy , Geena Davis , Kate Moss and Robert De Niro as well as statesmen such as Jimmy Carter , Nelson Mandela and Tony Blair . Google co-founder Larry Page , meanwhile , married his girlfriend on the island in an elaborate 2007 ceremony . Today , a stay on Necker is possible for anyone with the means , although prices rise to a prohibitive $ 60,000 a night to rent out the entire island . If you 're short a buck or two , we suggest clicking through a selection of James ' best photos in the gallery above as a more fiscally prudent way of attaining the Necker experience .
Richard Branson has opened up his Caribbean Island home for a new book . Branson purchased Necker Island in 1979 for just $ 180,000 . He spent the next 30 years building it into one of the most luxurious homes on earth, with an indoor swimming pool, tennis court, and even its own private zoo.