By: Rhonda Bannister
Some places have a way of pulling people together. When the idea of a private island in Noosa came up – somewhere not just for escape, but for genuine connection – eight of us didn’t need much convincing.
We met at Noosa Marina on a bright Queensland morning, the kind that already hints at something special ahead. Waiting for us was the sleek launch Shotgun, named after the island’s spirited former owner, Hannah Shotgun Makepeace. There was an easy anticipation among us as we stepped aboard – part curiosity, part excitement – and perhaps a touch of disbelief that our destination for the next 48 hours was Sir Richard Branson’s private Noosa retreat.
Ten minutes later, we stepped onto the island and into a different rhythm entirely.
Champagne appeared almost instantly, offered with genuine warmth rather than ceremony. Just like that, the outside world began to dissolve. Frangipani scented the air, the river shimmered in the morning light, and the welcome felt less like an arrival and more like being gently folded into something altogether more magical.
Manager Kate greeted us at the jetty and guided us along winding timber walkways as the island slowly revealed itself. Lush gardens, serene Buddha statues, and a collection of Balinese-style pavilions gave the impression of a far-flung retreat, yet this was unmistakably coastal Queensland. As it turns out, the structures were indeed built in Bali, then shipped and assembled here by local and Balinese craftsmen. For anyone who feels an affinity with Bali’s aesthetic and spirit, the effect is immediate.
Purchased in 2003 by Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Australia co-founder Brett Godfrey, Makepeace Island was always intended to be something more personal than a traditional resort. That intention is palpable. It is not quite a hotel, nor a private home, but a thoughtfully designed space that invites people to gather, whether for celebration, reconnection, or simply uninterrupted time together. With only one group on the island at any time, the sense of exclusivity is immediate and quite intoxicating.
At its heart is the main house, a striking two-storey Balinese wantilan. Open-sided and beautifully proportioned, it features soaring lines, intricate timber detailing, and an effortless flow that suits the climate perfectly. Comfortable lounges invite long conversations, while an antique daybed discovered in a Balinese village adds a layer of history and intrigue. A generous dining table anchors the space, setting the scene for the evenings ahead.
Across the 500,000-litre lagoon-style pool lies what quickly became our favourite gathering place: the Long Room. Designed for both relaxation and celebration, it features an expansive bar, plush seating, a pool table, and a large drop-down screen for outdoor movie nights. Timber doors open wide to welcome the breeze, blurring the line between indoors and out. It’s elegant but not formal – a space that encourages you to kick off your shoes and stay awhile.
Throughout the island, that same thoughtful design continues. Daybeds rest beneath swaying palms, quiet courtyards offer moments of solitude, and a full-sized tennis court and pavilion invite more active pursuits. Giant chess sets and sculptural details add a playful touch. It’s the kind of place where you don’t check in so much as instinctively settle in.
Accommodation is scattered across the island, creating both privacy and a sense of discovery. The Bali House offers four ensuite rooms with private balconies, while the Artists Cottage sits right on the river—its deck the perfect spot for quiet reflection. Three luxury villas, positioned either along the riverbank or nestled within the gardens, provide two-bedroom sanctuaries complete with generous living spaces, outdoor decks, and striking volcanic-stone bathtubs. Whether travelling as couples, family, or a group of friends, there’s a configuration of villas and suites that feels just right.
A Sunset Ritual on the Noosa River
As afternoon drifts into evening, one experience becomes essential: the sunset cruise.
We boarded a beautifully appointed barge, drinks in hand, and eased onto the Noosa River. The landscape softened into shades of gold and green as we approached the edge of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve, a protected environment where the water lies glassy and the surrounding wilderness feels untouched.
Conversation gave way to a shared, easy silence as the sun sank slowly behind the distant hills, casting a shimmering path across the river. It was a moment that distilled the essence of the stay. This is not a place for ticking off itineraries or chasing highlights. It is about presence and about being exactly where you are, with the people around you.
Days as Active or Idle as You Please
There is a gentle rhythm to life on the island. Mornings might begin with yoga, a game of tennis, or a short boat ride into town followed by a walk through Noosa National Park. Others might head straight for the river for fishing, kayaking, or stand-up paddle boarding.
For those seeking a little more structure, excursions can be arranged. Two in our group headed off early morning for a round at Noosa Springs Golf Course, returning in time for a leisurely lunch. Others embraced the slower pace—reading beneath palm trees, dipping in and out of the pool, or indulging in a massage arranged on the deck.
One unexpected highlight was a hands-on cooking class with the resident chef. Under his guidance, we tried our hand at making gyoza, chopping, folding, and perfecting the delicate art of dumpling-making. There was something very satisfying about creating our own lunch, and even more so in sharing it.
If there is one defining element of a stay at Makepeace Island, it is the food.
At the helm is chef Zeb Gilbert, whose experience includes seven consecutive years in two-hatted kitchens. His approach goes beyond flavour, focusing on storytelling, seasonality, and a genuine sense of occasion.
Meals are not rigidly scheduled—they unfold naturally, shaped around the rhythm of the group. Breakfast might feature tropical fruits, house-made fritters, and eggs cooked to order on the sunlit deck. Lunch could stretch into the afternoon, with fresh seafood, vibrant salads, and dishes cooked over fire.
Each menu is entirely bespoke, built around guest preferences and local, seasonal produce. Yet what elevates the experience is the intimacy. On several occasions, Chef Zeb stepped out of the kitchen to introduce a dish, adding a personal layer that transformed each meal into something shared rather than simply served.
Looking back, the meals blur into one delicious memory but certain moments linger. The collective sigh of satisfaction after our first dinner. The inevitable laughter as we debated the standout dish (duck with cherry sauce, for me). The easy drift from dining table to the Long Room, where a spirited if wildly unskilled game of pool carried on late into the evening.
The following night brought a cocktail-making class with Trevor, the quietly attentive barman who had kept our glasses perfectly topped throughout our stay. Dinner by the pool followed, beneath a sky scattered with stars, the air filled with laughter and the soft hum of conversation.
The service throughout is seamless. Attentive without ever feeling intrusive, the staff seem to anticipate needs before they are spoken. Drinks appear, spaces transform, and the entire island seems to move in harmony with the rhythm of the group.
A Place That Feels Entirely Your Own
What makes Makepeace Island so compelling is not any single element, but the way everything comes together. The setting, where river and wilderness meet. The thoughtful design that balances beauty with comfort. The food, created with care and intention. And the staff, whose warmth and intuition elevate the entire experience.
But above all, it is the feeling of ownership, not in the literal sense, but in something rarer: the sense that, for a few days, this place exists entirely for you. That in a world that rarely slows down, is the greatest luxury of all.
Know Before You Go
- The island accommodates up to 22 guests and is booked exclusively, ensuring complete privacy for your group.
- Rates begin at $19,950 per night for up to eight guests, with additional guests charged per person.
- Stays include all meals, non-alcoholic beverages, river transfers, twice-daily housekeeping, and a curated range of on-island activities.
- As the island is unlicensed, guests are invited to pre-order their preferred wines and spirits, which are chilled and ready on arrival.
- Pre-arrival planning is handled in detail, with menus, activities, and preferences tailored to each group.
Manager Kate Gilbert has put together three new itineraries for guests wishing to explore this beautiful area further. These itineraries are a starting point and can be moulded to each group’s preferences.
Beyond Makepeace
Makepeace Reset
Makepeace Masters
To enquire about these, or for any other queries, email Kate at kate.gilbert@makepeaceisland.com
Rhonda Bannister
Rhonda co-founded Holidays for Couples more than 30 years ago, establishing it as Australia’s leading voice in romance travel. Now retired from day-to-day operations, she continues as our editor-at-large, travelling widely and reporting with a special focus on experiences that resonate with couples over 60.
