When you refer to something that’s a ‘limited edition’, it normally implies a kind of extraordinary, rare quality, usually offering something better, exclusive or more desirable…well, that’s exactly what they do. This special collection of retreats embodies all these values, providing unsurpassed friendly service, a high quality product, value for money and, of course, fun.
And when they say retreats, they’re not just talking hotels – they have a private island, game reserve, kasbah, mountain chalet, catamaran, submarine, restaurant and a private members club.
A unique approach
The retreats are an eclectic mix but have a shared thread. The aim is to create amazing experiences for guests, whether it’s for a holiday, on business, a celebration or just a great night out.
Working with local communities has always been at the top of the agenda too. In partnership with Virgin Unite, Virgin Limited Edition is developing new approaches to social and environmental issues to help improve the lives of those living in the communities surrounding the properties.
What do they support?
Every year, Sir Richard Branson invites entrepreneurs supported by Virgin Unite to visit Ulusaba, in South Africa, and Necker Island, in the British Virgin Islands. They offer participants the opportunity to network with business leaders, inspiring business as a force for good.
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Pride ‘n Purpose |
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In the heart of the Sabi Sand reserve on the border of the Kruger National Park in South Arica, Ulusaba is a private game reserve. Pride ‘n Purpose is its charitable arm and is committed to helping disadvantaged communities living adjacent to the reserve. Pride 'n Purpose was runner-up in the 2011 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards in the 'Community Benefit Category' in May 2011. They were selected from over 180 submissions from more than 50 countries. |
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Kasbah Tamadot communities |
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Kasbah Tamadot is set at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains one hour's drive from Marrakech, Morocco. Kasbah Tamadot and Virgin Unite work hand-in-hand to improve living standards in the communities around the property. This effort is spearheaded by Eve Branson, Richard's mother.
The Eve Branson Foundation helps local people set up sustainable enterprises, which so far, have included a carpet workshop and a craft house. If you’re lucky enough to visit, you can purchase a selection of these handmade items in the Virgin Unite gift shop there.
Kasbah Tamadot has always had strong connections with the local Berber people. The hotel’s staff come from the surrounding villages, 95% are Berber. An English school for local people is based there which also teaches hospitality skills. |
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Trekstock |
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The Roof Gardens and Babylon Restaurant are above Kensington High Street in central London and offer everything from public access gardens to a private members’ club.
Both are currently supporting Trekstock which raises awareness of cancer in young people to ensure those affected receive the information and the support they need. In just one night, The Roof Garden’s 30th Birthday party raised over £120k for the charity. Since June 2011, for every Roof Gardens’ champagne cocktail, called Red Edition, that is sold at Babylon restaurant and in the Private Members club, 50p is donated to Trekstock. For every a bottle of house wine sold, 50p is also donated to the charity.
Babylon also helps to raise money for a chosen charity project every few months where a selected signature dish every month has £1 donated to that particular charity – currently this is Trekstock. |
Work with Virgin Unite
Virgin Limited Edition harnesses the potential to improve the communities in which their portfolio of businesses operates by working in partnership with Virgin Unite on a number of initiatives throughout the year. Virgin Limited Edition has also helped Virgin Unite generate hundreds of thousands of pounds through auctioning stays at their properties.
What staff say:
Jon Brown, Managing Director, Virgin Limited Edition, said:
“Virgin Unite has given us great strategic advice and incredible hands on support over the years in shaping our community footprint and we look forward to many more years working together.”
To learn more about Virgin Limited Edition’s partners and initiatives, please visit:
For more info on Virgin Limited Edition, please email:
Nicola.Goodall@limitededition.virgin.co.uk