If you've always dreamt of diving down to 20,000 leagues under the sea, then news of Virgin's new "underwater plane" will be music to your ears, though perhaps not to your wallet.

The Necker Nymph, Virgin Limited Edition's DeepFlight three-person aero-submarine (what a mouthful...), is an open cockpit winged sub that will take tourists down to the ocean floor on an underwater flight to explore shipwrecks, swim side-by-side with dolphins, or cruise along with whales. Needless to say, it is the first of its kind on the market.

Capable of diving down to depths of 36,000 feet Necker Nymph has the flexibility to glide peacefully over reefs or up the excitement ante with 360 degree turns. The open cockpits afford near ideal 360 degree viewing for passengers, creating a uniquely open experience. Dives can last up to two hours.

Like all DeepFlight subs, Necker Nymph has near-zero environmental impact: it won't land on precious reefs and has low light and noise emissions to keep ocean ecosystems from being disturbed.

Necker Nymph is available either when chartering Necker Belle, Virgin's luxury 105 foot catamaran (weekly charter costs U.S. $88,000), or when staying on Richard Branson's Necker Island. When taking Necker Belle for 7-nights' exclusive hire, the sub is available at an additional weekly rate of US$ 25,000.

Images via Virgin Limited Edition.

By Jay Martin

Island getaways are a dime a dozen, but to truly get away, you have to make everyone else go away. This can be accomplished by purchasing a private island, or if you don't feel like dealing with all that paperwork, you can simply rent one. While some tiny islands like Croatia's Porer Island rent for as little as 124 EUR per week, the truly wealthy can pay more than 300,000 USD for seven days at a private Caribbean retreat.

One high-profile rental, Necker Island, lies in the British Virgin Islands and is owned by Sir Richard Branson, the billionaire head of the Virgin empire. Branson purchased the undeveloped island more than 25 years ago for 180,000 GBP, and now charges well over that for a one-week stay – 322,000 USD. On the island's official website, daily life is not described in words. Rather, Branson uses photos of lavish tables set for twenty, picnic lunches on the beach, white linens and pillows, and bedroom curtains that billow open to reveal the painfully blue sea. Prospective guests can see exactly what it is like to escape the real world for a week and live in paradise.

Not all island rentals are in the Caribbean, however. Off the coast of Ibiza, Spain lies Isla de sa Ferradura. A safe-haven for pirates during the 17th century, the island boasts a network of caves and tunnels adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. Highlights of the resort include a health and wellness centre – built into a cave - complete with a vitamin bar, Turkish bath, solarium, hairdresser and bar. Guests can swim through a waterfall from the cave into a subtropical lagoon. There are six suites to choose from, and each has a different theme to make for a unique stay on the island. More affordable than Necker Island at 147,000 EUR (plus VAT) per week, Isla de sa Ferradura offers an alternative to those looking to branch out past the private Caribbean getaway.

Most lavish private islands come with a full staff that includes captains and pilots for the various boats and planes that might be included in the price. The all-inclusive nature of the stay can accommodate a large family reunion, wedding, or a simple honeymoon for two. While many would be surprised at how affordable some island rentals are, most would be floored to see the bill for a week at one of the world's most exclusive and secluded private islands.

For the wealthy, renting an island isn't about the amenities. One can easily find great views, crisp linens, and attentive staff at almost any luxury resort in the world. Renting an island is about status and showing your friends and family that you have attained a special place in the social strata, and that place is meant to be shared. That's why most expensive private islands can accommodate upwards of 40 of your closest friends and family. Because who rents an island to spend a week alone?

WHO TO CONTACT:

Necker Island Reservations Office – 0800 716 919 (toll-free, UK); 877 577 8777 (toll-free, USA); Website: www.neckerisland.com; Email: enquiries@virginlimitededition.com.

Isla de sa Ferradura – +34 971 410 015 / 6; Website: www.islaferradura.com; Email: info@islaferradura.com.

Private Islands Online - Website: www.privateislandsonline.com.

Photo Credits:

1) Musha Cay by alancf via Flickr (Creative Commons).

2) Necker Island by russelldavies via Flickr (Creative Commons).

3) Summer and Champagne by Damiel via Flickr (Creative Commons).