Richard Branson: Michelle Obama said 'we're free' after leaving White House

The new autobiography of British business mogul Sir Richard Branson shares how he built the impressive Virgin brand from student magazine to record store, to an airline and even space travel.

The book, entitled "Finding My Virginity" also gives some juicy tidbits about his famous friends, from Bill Gates and Nelson Mandela, to the 44th U.S. president and his wife, Barack and Michelle Obama.

In the book, Branson gives his recount of the former first couple’s visit to Moskito and Nekkar Islands, Branson’s private resorts, right after Obama wrapped his eight years in the White House. He said that Mrs. Obama exclaimed, "We’re Free!" during their greeting.

RELATED: Barack and Michelle Obama through the years

During that 10-day vacation, The former president and first lady dispensed with formal titles, and asked the staff to call them "Barack and Michelle." According to Branson’s book, Michelle Obama said "It’s so nice to have my name back after eight years." At the end of the trip, the Obamas treated the staff to a thank you party, and Branson says they were "dancing with us, getting the party going, making everybody feel at home and welcome."

That visit also marked the first time the former president could resume his love of watersports, as Branson says in his book and in a blog post. Barack Obama learned kitesurfing on Branson’s island and even beat Branson in a challenge of who could stay up the longest.

RELATED: A look at Barack Obama and Richard Branson kitesurfing