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Our story

The Virgin Limited Edition story

Limited Edition usually implies something extraordinary and rare which offers something better, more exclusive and more desirable... well, that's exactly what we do.

Virgin Limited Edition is Sir Richard Branson's collection of stunning retreats. We have two private islands, a mountain retreat, a game reserve and safari lodge, two tented camps, a vineyard, a ski lodge, luxury villas and a historic finca turned luxury hotel.

Eclectic, yes, but all are unique and operate with the sole aim of creating amazing experiences.

Our people

Our people are our greatest asset. That's why we believe in treating all employees with respect, looking after them and allowing them the freedom to be themselves and flourish.

In 1970 when Sir Richard Branson started in business, he put together a set of principles to define what Virgin should be all about.

We believe these brand values are intrinsic to our goals and do whatever we can to bring these to life and deliver on our promises: caring for our guests, providing the very best friendly service, going the extra mile when it comes to those all-important extra touches, listening to our guests and offering much more than just a place to rest your head. 

Our history

Virgin Limited Edition was launched in 2000, made up of Necker Island, Ulusaba and the exclusive Kensington members club, The Roof Gardens (subsequently sold).

Since that time, the collection has grown and thrived, adding a further six properties to the portfolio, each offering luxury, experiential stays.

It hasn’t always been plain sailing: we’ve survived fire, hurricanes and a global pandemic. Yet we’ve continued to surprise, delight and inspire through it all.

And the rest? It’s yet to be written.

2000

Limited Edition by Virgin is officially launched with Ulusaba, Necker Island and The Roof Gardens.

2003

January: The community initiative Pride n’ Purpose is set up at Ulusaba.

2005

March: Kasbah Tamadot opens in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains.

May: The Eve Branson Foundation is formed at Kasbah Tamadot.

June: Limited Edition by Virgin becomes Virgin Limited Edition.

2007

December: The Lodge opens in Verbier, Switzerland.

2011

August: A fire on Necker Island destroys the Great House.

2013

August: Mahali Mzuri, a luxury tented safari camp, opens in Kenya's Masaai Mara ecosystem.

October: The rebuilt Necker Island Great House reopens.

2014

September: Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard in Franschhoek, South Africa opens its doors.

2016

April: Son Bunyola in Mallorca opens three villas.

2017

September: Necker Island is hit by Hurricane Irma.

2018

October: Necker Island reopens after a full rebuild post Hurricane Irma.

2020

July: Kasbah Tamadot wins Number 1 Resort Hotel in North Africa and the Middle East in the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards for the third time.

2021

September: Moskito Island in the British Virgin Islands officially opens. 

October: Mahali Mzuri wins Number 1 Hotel in the World and Number 1 Safari Lodge in the World in the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards. 

October: Kasbah Tamadot wins Number 1 Resort Hotel in North Africa and the Middle East in the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards for the fourth time. 

2023

January: Virgin Limited Edition and Virgin Hotels join forces to form Virgin Hotels Collection. 

June: Son Bunyola in Mallorca opens its new hotel.

July: The Branson Estate splits from the Moskito Island Homeowners Association and is re-named The Branson Beach Estate, Moskito Island.

September: Kasbah Tamadot is struck by a devastating earthquake in the Atlas Mountains.

October: Mahali Mzuri celebrates ten years since its opening

2024

July: Finch Hattons in Kenya officially joins Virgin Limited Edition. New Riads open at Kasbah Tamadot.

October: Kasbah Tamadot fully re-opens its doors with new Riads after the 2023 earthquake.

December: Kasbah Tamadot is included in Conde Nast Traveller's 2025 Gold List: Best Hotels & Resorts in Africa and the Middle East.

Unlock points for travel adventures

Make your travel go further by earning and spending points with Virgin Red and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. 

Our commitment

Luxury doesn’t have to come at the expense of sustainability, and all our teams work hard to make sure one doesn’t compromise the other.

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