Sir Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Group, established the business in 1970 originally as a mail-order record retailer. Today, Virgin encompasses over 40 companies across more than 35 nations, including airlines, cruise lines, hotels, gyms, telecommunications, and charities. Branson received a knighthood in 1999 and resides in the British Virgin Islands with his wife Joan. They are approaching their 50th anniversary together and have two children, Holly and Sam.

In a heartfelt recollection, Branson shared the story of saying goodbye to Joan at Mahon Airport in Menorca when they were first dating. Filled with young love, he unable to part from her as the plane was taxiing to the runway. In a bold move, he stood up and declared to the cabin crew, “I’m in love, I’ve got to see my lady. I’ve made a big mistake getting on this plane.” The other passengers rallied behind him, chanting, “Let him out, let him out!” Eventually, the crew stopped the plane, allowing him to disembark, earning a round of applause from those on board. He remarked that such a scene would be impossible today.

Branson’s girlfriend from those early days remains his partner nearly five decades later. He expressed gratitude for their enduring relationship, noting that she has grown accustomed to his spontaneous and sometimes outrageous antics.

Recalling childhood vacations in Devon, Branson fondly remembered fishing trips with his father around Bantham Bay, where his grandparents lived. He humorously detailed a mishap where a seagull snatched his fishing bait instead of a fish. Recently, his daughter acquired a cottage in Bantham, coincidentally introducing her family to the area that Branson cherished during his youth.

As Branson grew older, his family traveled to Mallorca, where he developed a love for the serene landscapes, particularly hiking in the Tramuntana mountains. He now owns a mountain hotel named Son Bunyola, which features three miles of private coastline and draws inspiration from his childhood.

Reflecting on travel blunders, Branson recounted an incident from 40 years ago when he forgot his passport on the inaugural Virgin flight to New York. Despite this oversight, officials allowed him entry, citing the unique occasion of the first flight.

Earlier this year, Branson stayed at GoldenEye, famed author Ian Fleming’s former residence in Jamaica, which has a collection of luxurious villas. He has been a visitor to this destination before, owing to his friendship with the hotel’s owner, Chris Blackwell, who is known for his historic connections to Bob Marley and Island Records. Additionally, Branson has made cameo appearances in various media, including the film “Casino Royale” in 2006.

One of Branson’s favorite dining spots is Icebergs on Bondi Beach in Australia, where he enjoys the exquisite food, ocean views, and atmosphere, often recommending it based on years of patronage.

Recently, Branson traveled to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, to honor the anniversary of the atomic bombings. Accompanied by members of The Elders, an organization founded by Nelson Mandela to tackle global issues, he emphasized the importance of addressing nuclear proliferation. Branson has a longstanding relationship with Japan, recounting how his tastes have evolved; once hesitant about raw fish, he now enjoys Japanese cuisine.