What you get for $25k a night on Sir Richard Branson’s Makepeace Island

With a one-night stay at Sir Richard Branson’s exotic Queensland retreat costing up to $25,000 a night, you will need an eye for luxury, a desire to indulge in a world of exclusivity … and VERY deep pockets.

YOU will need some treasure to stay at this island. Sir Richard Branson’s exotic Queensland retreat costs between $10,000 and $25,000 a night depending on guest numbers and the season.

But exactly what do visitors get for their money? Seclusion, luxury, exclusivity and, of course, anonymity are all major drawcards.

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The experience begins with a stylish arrival. There’s a personal meet and greet at Sunshine Coast Airport, 20-minute limousine transfer to Noosa Marina and 10-minute private boat transfer. For the rock star entrance, Elite Helicopters can transport you from Sunshine Coast Airport in just six minutes, but this is an optional extra.

A “welcome and gastronomic experience’’ awaits on arrival, including French champagne and a sumptuous platter. During your stay, you can expect mouth-watering breakfasts, lunches and dinners, as well as morning and afternoon teas and canapés at sunset. All meals and activities on the island are included.

Makepeace Island executive chef Lisa Mahar by the pool holding her sticky rice Vietnamese yellow curry with crispy skin roasted chicken, fresh coconut and an asian herb salad. Picture: Lachie Millard

The menu changes daily but examples of its offerings include Mooloolaba Prawn and truffle ravioli with raw tomato sauce from Noosa Reds tomatoes, hiramasa kingfish ceviche with mandarin ponzu, and bush dukkha and blood orange seared duck with endive salad.

If that’s not to your liking, you can feast on organic chicken Maryland with roasted pumpkin and seared kale, or slow cooked pork belly, sourced from Gympie, with puffed skin, heirloom carrots and apple puree, drizzled with truffle oil and a nut and seed salad.

For dessert, there’s deconstructed apple crumble with apple puree, ginger crumb and crème fraiche ginger ice cream, chocolate souffle with vanilla ice cream and honeycomb and lemon meringue tart with toasted Italian meringue and burned fig and pistachio brittle.

The executive chef is Lisa Mahar, formerly from internationally-renowned Barnbougle & Lost Farm Golf Courses at Bridport, Tasmania. Ms Mahar relocated to Noosa to work at fine-dining favourite Sails on Hastings Street, before joining Makepeace.

HOLD SEE COURIER MAIL PIC DESK!Maria Bravo and Brad Grieve share a champagne platter under a riverfront gazebo, at a rejuvenated Makepeace Island. Photo Lachie Millard

The most important aspect of the food on the island is that it comes fresh from producers in the surrounding region.

The open kitchen is a hive of activity throughout the day, located between the lounge and long bar, and guests are invited to join the chef for a master class or menu tasting. You can learn about an array of cuisines, from South-East Asian to Japanese, Mexican, or Italian and how to make everything from fresh pasta to delectable French pastries. There are also wine tastings and appreciation evenings.

Dining options include The Lounge, Long Bar, poolside, natural bush locales, in-villa or gourmet picnics on Noosa’s North Shore.

You will then almost certainly require some activity, but there is no shortage of options on your exclusive 10ha island.

Take a tour of Makepeace makeover

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You can go for a row in the river, play tennis, hit the private gymnasium, explore walking trails, paddle a kayak, play billiards, or fish for bream, flathead or whiting. There’s also outdoor chess, sunset cruises, a 500,000-litre lagoon pool to slip into and 15-person spa.

For kids, there are craft activities, cooking, fish feeding, story time, movie nights under the stars with popcorn and cozy lounges.

You are surrounded by nature and the area is home to kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas and kookaburras with native flora and fauna across the island.

If you require additional unwinding, there is a yoga and meditation lawn and private yoga classes for individuals or groups can be arranged.

Among the attractions on the island is the lagoon pool. Picture: Lachie Millard

Accommodation comprises three large luxury villas, a stunning four-bedroom Island House and The Boathouse.

The master villas all have expansive outdoor decks with breathtaking garden or water views.

They have spectacular entry foyers with gurgling water features and fish ponds. Each villa offers a master bedroom with king bed, separate lounge that can be converted to a second bedroom and large private dressing room, together with a spacious bathroom with stunning carved volcanic boulder bath beneath a glass ceiling so you can bathe under the stars.

The Island House has four amazing bedrooms near the hub of Makepeace Island. It features hand-carved furnishings and a private deck over the gardens.

Designer June Robinson Scott from Los Angeles, who was appointed by Sir Richard Branson to rejuvenate Makepeace Island. Picture: Lachie Millard

If you win the scissors, paper, rock contest for arguably the best bed in the resort, you could be sleeping on the top level of the newly-renovated boathouse in a unique suite that showcases uninterrupted views of the Noosa River and North Shore.

According to the island’s managers, the priceless qualities of Makepeace are its unique location, intimacy, and idyllic environment.

The mind-blowing property is guaranteed to stimulate the mind, recharge the batteries, and bring families, friends or work colleagues together for a holiday they will cherish forever.

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