Noosa, AustraliaNoosa North Shore
Makepeace Island
Balinese river island
Noosa North Shore Noosa, Australia
Renovated
2018
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Resort DesignOutside the door
Balinese river island
The island books out exclusively for one group at a time, staffed with a private chef and serviced by river launches.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
A dedicated private chef tailoring daily menus to order, with round-the-clock island staff.
Remarkable
A 500,000-litre lagoon pool and private river cruises, with wallabies roaming the grounds.
Notable
Open-sided Balinese wantilan pavilions with Indonesian teak beams and carved volcanic stone baths.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
This sanctuary within the flow of the Noosa River is the work of Virgin founders Sir Richard Branson and Brett Godfrey, whose ventures over the years have ranged from the highly accessible to the ultra-luxe.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
On a heart-shaped private island in the Noosa River, seven minutes by boat from Noosa Marina.
1 of 4
The rooms
Volcanic stone baths sit beside Indonesian teak beams in the riverside villas, each opening onto quiet timber decks.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The lagoon pool curves under an arched footbridge, ringed by sun loungers and a 15-person heated spa.
Massage
Private massages are arranged on demand, with treatment tables set up directly inside the timber-lined pavilions.
At the table
Dinners unfold under hanging lanterns in the central pavilion, or at candlelit tables set right beside the river.
How it began
Housekeeper Hannah Makepeace lived on the island for nearly fifty years before Sir Richard Branson bought it for family and friends.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.