Friday, March 29, 2024

Island Resorts

Australia: Richard Branson opens new Makepeace Island luxury resort to the public

Sir Richard  Branson and his Virgin Blue Australian airline partner Brett Godfrey opened their exclusive Makepeace Island resort to the public on the weekend. The heart-shaped island, located in the Noosa River, is just a short trip from Noosa marina and Queensland’s spectacular Sunshine Coast.

Makepeace Island

Makepeace Island

But with gorgeous beaches and the Great Barrier Reef only a hop, skip and a jump away, what will attract visitors to a private island in the middle of a river?

Antoinette speaks with Drew Kluska, responsible for reservations at Makepeace, who just returned from the island’s opening festivities with the property’s two owners at the week-end and said of the peaceful haven, “there is a feeling of isolation on Makepeace, yet it is so close to Noosa”. Noosa and the Sunshine Coast are home to some of Australia’s most loved and tourist- filled beaches.

Sumptuous bath

Sumptuous bath

“What the resort offers is understated opulence”. Mr Kluska then goes on to describe the beautiful Balinese antiques and furniture that was carefully selected and imported to the island. “All the finest details have been taken care of. The baths alone are phenomenal, carved out of solid stone”.

The authentic Balinese-style property has a two-storey open-aired Balinese wantilan, where relaxation is top on the agenda, a lagoon pool and spacious indoor bar.

Long House Island Bar

Long House Island Bar

Surrounded by a calm river, Makepeace is very green with tropical and native Australian plants. Though it has been used for the last two years by Sir Richard Branson and Brett Godfrey and their family and friends, Mr Kluska explains that the resort will be open to bookings from the public when the owners are not using it. He believes it will be available for rent for about 45-46 weeks of the year, and attract the kind of people looking for a private and luxurious experience.

One to eight people can stay for the daily rate of AUD 7’900 or AUD 8’990 during high season, or for a maximum of 22 people at AUD 14’990 or AUD 16’890 respectively. Inculded in the cost, the lucky guests will enjoy an array of services and activities such as: exclusive use of the island, three daily meals, daily servicing of the island, airport transfers, as well as river transfers to Noosa marina and the beaches, non-alcoholic beverages, one cruise dinner, use of kayaks, water skiing and wakeboarding and the use of the island’s fishing boat.

View of wantilan

View of wantilan

There is plenty to see and do in the immediate area, for example, a visit to the huge wetland everglades, snorkelling, taking surfing lessons, playing a round of golf, going on a 4-wheel adventure drive, doing a helicopter tour, or simply ordering in a spa treatment and relaxing on the island.

For more information about Makepeace Island and the resort see: link

Photo credit: all photos are courtesy of Makepeace Island.

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