India, Nov. 3 -- Richard Branson's acquisition of a small Caribbean island began as an unconventional idea and later turned into an extended conservation venture. The uninhabited stretch of land in the British Virgin Islands became a private resort called Necker Island, famous for its high-end accommodation, exotic surroundings, and conservation initiatives to protect the island's wildlife.

According to Richard Branson's personal account, he purchased the 74-acre Necker Island in 1978 for approximately $180,000 after learning that the property was on the market and that the island was undeveloped at the time. One reason he bought the island was to impress a woman named Joan Templeman, who later became his wife.

Branson said he first wan...