Along with Necker Island in the Caribbean, British billionaire Richard Branson has a second private island retreat. This one is located in a different continent, and a little further south, in Noosa River on Australia’s Sunshine Coast. Named Makepeace Island, the exclusive heart-shaped retreat reopened late last year, looking fresh after a multi-million dollar refurbishment.
Poolside at Makepeace Island. Image by Makepeace Island
Makepeace Island was purchased by Branson as a home from home in 2009 and the under-the-radar island has been mostly used as a private sanctuary for family and friends. In 2011 it opened to the public and hosted the likes of Justin Bieber and will.i.am but after emerging from a multi-million dollar refurbishment last year, the new-look island resort is set to welcome a wider range of high-paying guests.
The Balinese-style retreat is pretty indulgent, a place where guests will feel like they’re the only people on the planet but where organic beef carpaccio and Tasmanian salmon are served for dinner and a cocktail is just a wave of the hand away. Guests have their own team of island staff, a personal chef who prepares meals to their liking, a helicopter landing area and Wi-Fi that can be switched on or off, depending on the mood.
The mastersuite. Image by Makepeace Island
The island can accommodate up to 22 people across the four-bedroom Island House, three villa sanctuaries and the Boathouse, which has been transformed into a one-bedroom suite. With the makeover, softer furnishings were introduced, villas were reconfigured and the pool area was extended with a large bar area that has become the new spot for socialising.
The Long Bar. Image by Makepeace Island
Not that guests are stuck for choice when it comes to finding a place to relax or chat. The resort boasts plenty of spaces from the media room, tennis court, pools, outdoor cinema, a 15-person spa and the two-storey open-air Balinese wantilan “for relaxing and gatherings.” There’s also a riverboat to transfer guests to the mainland and the resort can arrange activities such as food foraging, surf lessons, beer and wine tastings and cooking masterclasses for its guests.
Daybed in the garden. Image by Makepeace Island
Naturally, this experience doesn’t come cheap. The entry-level rate in low season is AUS$10,000 (£5505 / US$7194) per night for a two-night minimum from 29 April 29 – 13 October for up to eight people (additional guests cost extra). It includes all food and activities, a meet-and-greet from Sunshine Coast Airport with 20-minute limousine transfers and ten-minute boat transfers to and from the island.
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