What better place for a tennis tournament than Richard Branson’s private Necker island? Destination Luxury had a chance to interview Trevor Short, the co-founder of the tournament. He reveals what goes into putting the event on, as well as the people and the parties that go on during the 6 day, all-inclusive Pro-Am event.
Destination Luxury: What are some of the adventures that Necker Island has to offer?
Trevor Short: Necker offers just about anything you can imagine in a tropical paradise, including zip lining from the Great House down to Turtle Beach, kiteboarding, diving, snorkeling the crystal blue waters, feeding the Lemurs or watching the local wildlife.
Destination Luxury: How would you describe the accommodations onsite?
Trevor Short: The accommodations are amazing. There are 8 Bali houses around the island and 8 rooms in the Richard’s recently rebuilt Great House featuring an incredible master Suite. Every room – as you can imagine – has amazing views of the island and the ocean.
Destination Luxury: Who are some of the spectators that attend?
Trevor Short: We don’t share names of our guests, however, we have some of the most successful people in the world, including CEO’s, entrepreneurs, and more.
Destination Luxury: What are some of the experiences that happen during the tournament?
Trevor Short: Well I would say every aspect of the event is luxury from the moment you step on the island to the time you depart. All the meals are first class including a Sushi Boat lunch in the beach side pool. Sushi is served on kayaks.
Destination Luxury: Who is the charity beneficiary for this particular event?
Trevor Short: The event has raised over $2.5 million dollars the past 3 years,and each year we support many different charities including Richard’s Virgin Unite, the National Tennis Foundation, Novak Djokovic Foundation, Rafael Nadal Foundation, the Bryan Brothers Foundation as well as local charities such as the BVI LTA. The 2016 event will support the National Tennis Foundation, Virgin Unite, the BVI LTA and the Martin Junior Hennessey Foundation.
Destination Luxury: Who are some of the special guest performers?
Trevor Short: Jewel will do a private performance for our Necker guests on the evening of December 1. This will be a very intimate private event held on Bali Hi beach. Then, on the evening of December 2, we will have Sean Paul perform during our Annual End of the World Party!
Destination Luxury: Who started the Necker Cup?
Trevor Short: My partners, Remington Reynolds, Mike Richards and I started the event in 2012. We went to Richard with the idea and he loved it.
Destination Luxury: Who are some of your main sponsors?
Trevor Short: Our key sponsors this year are Rolls-Royce, Dom Perignon & Buckitdream, which is a great new company that offers guests the opportunity to fulfill once in a lifetime experiences.
Destination Luxury: What goes on in your Tennis Camp?
Trevor Short: The Tennis Camp is held at Rosewood Little Dix Bay and is a 4 night/ 5 day all inclusive vacation including all your meals, drinks and 3 hours of tennis clinics with former Grand Slam Champion, Murphy Jensen as well as world famous coach and father of the Bryan Brothers, Wayne Bryan.
In addition, two time Australian Open Champion, Johan Kriek as well as three current ATP professionals will help coach this years Camp. The best part of the Camp is that all participants are invited to the final evenings Exhibition, Dinner and End of the World Party on Necker Island.
Destination Luxury: Give us the ten second pitch on why one should participate.
Trevor Short: Simply there is no other tennis event like it in the world. I’m not sure there is even any event like it in the world. If you enjoy having fun, then you will enjoy the Necker Cup! In addition, it offers some of the best networking opportunities in the world.
Destination Luxury: How do people purchase tickets?
Trevor Short: By emailing info@premiertennis.com or by calling Premier Tennis at 1-800-376-0975
by David Christopher Lee