Makeover for Sir Richard Branson owned luxury resort on Makepeace Island, Noosa

Sir Richard Branson’s luxe Noosa Makepeace Island resort, which costs A-list guests upwards of $19,000 per night, has reopened after a multimillion-dollar revamp. See the exclusive photos.

The Sir Richard Branson-owned luxury resort on Makepeace Island, Noosa has undergone a major multi-million dollar makeover. Picture: Blink Productions

Sir Richard Branson’s Australian home on an exclusive Noosa island that costs upwards of $19,000 per night has reopened after a major refresh.

Makepeace Island in the Noosa River underwent a multimillion-dollar upgrade last year.

The luxury resort on the heart-shaped island can host up to 22 guests, with three two-bedroom villas and four private room with ensuites in the Bali House.

An aerial of the luxury resort on Makepeace Island. Picture: Blink Productions

The accommodation is rounded off with another king room in the Boat House, complete with a balcony overhanging the Noosa River.

The recent renovations carried out on the island largely focused on improving the roofing across all buildings, with other works including refreshes and upgrades to bathrooms and furniture across the island, a brand new tennis court and a full commercial kitchen upgrade.

The main bar area at Makepeace Island.

In addition to the renovations, a new barge was added to the Makepeace Island fleet, while further upgrades to the fleet are underway.

Makepeace Island general manager Kate Gilbert said that having had a year-long refurbishment, the island had taken on a new life.

Despite undergoing a major renovation, the aesthetic of Makepeace Island was preserved. Picture: Chevaune Hindley

“The luxury of Makepeace is now evident at every turn,” Ms Gilbert said.

“We are in the business of making lifelong memories, whether it be a multi-generational family gathering, a milestone birthday, anniversary or a corporate retreat — the renovations have made this easier for us.

The tropical delights served up at Makepeace Island. Picture: Chevaune Hindley

“The island’s aesthetic, while in essence remaining the same, now presents as a better version of itself.”

The heart-shaped Makepeace Island in the Noosa River. Picture: Blink Productions

Makepeace Island part-owner and Sydney-based investment professional James McBeath praised the renovations completed on to the island.

“As the owner group contemplated some maintenance work to be conducted on parts of the island, the decision was made to upgrade significant parts of the building and supporting infrastructure,” Mr McBeath said.

Sir Richard Branson plans to open Makepeace Island to more guests. Photo: Contributed.

“Overall, the island feels like an even better, shinier version of what we were already fortunate enough to be enjoying.

“The island and team remain focused on actively participating and supporting the local Noosa and Sunshine Coast communities.

Richard Branson relaxes with some water-sports (kite-surfing and paddle boarding) during his visit to his Australian home, Makepeace Island. Picture: James Morgan

“Makepeace is a great opportunity for promoting local providers and service providers across all aspects of the island experience, and we will continue seeking to play our part within the beautiful community that is Noosa.”

Chris Hemsworth and Liam Hemsworth at Sir Richard Branson's Noosa resort Makepeace Island.

Makepeace Island has a storied history as the Australian home of Sir Branson.

The British billionaire, entrepreneur, and business magnate bought the island for $3 million in 2003, sharing co-owning duties with Virgin Australia co-founder Brett Godfrey.

Makepeace Island owners Brett Godfrey and Sir Richard Branson.

He developed the island for use by his staff in 2009, before opening it to the public in 2011.

Over the years, the island resort has played host to some of the world’s biggest names including pop star Justin Bieber, US rapper will.i.am, as well as Sir Branson himself, who remains a regular visitor.

Australian Hollywood stars Chris Hemsworth and Liam Hemsworth were spotted enjoying some time together on the island in 2019.

Singers Guy Sebastian and Natalie Bassingthwaighte can also be counted as guests on the island, while tennis star Ash Barty tied the knot with her longtime partner Garry Kissick on the tropical oasis in 2022.

The ownership group has also expanded with Queensland-based business entrepreneurs and philanthropists Cathie Reid and Stuart Giles joining in 2019, with the latest owners Mr McBeath and Rikki Bannan joining in 2022.

Originally published as Makeover for Sir Richard Branson owned luxury resort on Makepeace Island, Noosa