If there’s one thing 2020 has shown us, it’s that we should make the most of every moment, because you never know what’s around the corner.
So, if you have a long-held holiday goal you’ve been banking for later, why not make it happen in 2021?
While uncertainty around international travel sadly remains, we’ve rounded up some of the most indulgent holiday experiences Australia has to offer – think a week cruising the Whitsundays on your own private Superyacht, a private charter air tour to play golf on King Island and Barnbougle, an entire island paradise to yourself on the Great Barrier Reef, or an exclusive luxury lodge on a sustainable farm in regional Victoria.
When it’s safe to travel again, we’ll be making up for lost time. We hope this inspires you.
YOUR OWN PRIVATE ISLAND – Makepeace Island
In 2009, Makepeace Island was developed as a private retreat for family and friends of the owners, Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Australia co-founder Brett Godfrey. It’s now available for exclusive rentals, allowing groups of up to 20 guests to enjoy the tranquillity of this very special place.
A unique fusion of luxury and wilderness, Makepeace is an idyllic place to escape and unwind. The 25-acre private island hideaway is located just a 20 minutes’ drive from Sunshine Coast Airport and a few minutes upstream from Noosa Heads via private boat.
Guests enjoy full access to three luxury master villas and four spacious suites in the Island House, along with island facilities for an array of land and water activities, to make the most of the beautiful surroundings.
The heart-shaped island comes complete with Richard Branson’s island chefs who create all meals and even offer a guest cooking class.
It’s perfect for an exclusive group retreat or multigenerational family holiday.
THE WHITSUNDAYS BY SUPERYACHT – Sun Sea and Seclusion
Chartering a luxury yacht is a highly private and highly personalised experience where groups can guide their own journey and enjoy a wonderful range of holiday activities all from the exclusive comfort of their own private yacht. Wake up in a new destination every day without having to negotiate busy transfers and crowds. Pull into hidden coves to enjoy quiet walking trails, private beach lunches and amazing dive spots to explore colourful marine life.
Our private yacht charter partners offer an incredible range of yachts and itineraries in NSW, WA and Queensland. Our ultimate yacht charter experience would be to spend 10 days cruising around the 74 Whitsunday Islands aboard SPIRIT.
This 35m Luxury charter catamaran comfortably accommodates 12 guests and boasts all new technology features. She is an exceptionally stunning yacht, remarkable for her smooth-riding and lavish interior design. With spacious entertaining areas including alfresco dining on the main deck and a third deck offering a wet bar and two large sun pads for enjoying the 360-degree views. Perfect for water-skiing or fishing. SPIRIT also has available a number of jet-skis, Scuba diving equipment and towable toys.
Wiggle your toes into the white silica sand of Whitehaven Beach, swim in crystal clear waters, take a scenic flight over Heart Reef or enjoy one of the many walking and hiking trails and pristine beaches only accessible by yacht.
GOLF BY PRIVATE AIRCRAFT – Cape Wickham, King Island & Barnbougle, Tasmania
Escape Melbourne with a group of your golfing friends on a private aircraft charter for the fairways and greens of Cape Wickham golf course, on magnificent King Island and world-famous Barnbougle in north-eastern Tasmania. Avoiding the hassle of crowds and commercial airline timings, this is the ultimate private journey to two of Australia’s premiere courses.
Depart Moorabbin Airport travelling in exclusive style on a Beechcraft King Air private charter flight to King Island. After a morning playing at Cape Wickham, transfer back to the aircraft for your flight to Barnbougle. Take in a bird’s eye view of the course before landing beside the 2nd fairway on their private airstrip. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to Lost Farm Lodge which is your home for the evening.
After breakfast the following morning, it’s time to play The Dunes – world-renowned for its wide fairways, challenging bunkers and lively greens, all expertly positioned along a spectacular coastline. After your round, compare notes over a gourmet lunch at the Clubhouse which overlooks the course and pristine Barnbougle Beach, before reboarding your private aircraft for your hour-long flight to Melbourne.
YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES:
- Private return air charter from Moorabbin Airport to King Island, across to Barnbougle and return to Moorabbin on a Beechcraft King Air aircraft for up to 8 guests and clubs.
- Transfers from the airstrip to the course / lodge on King Island and at Barnbougle.
- 18 holes and all green fees at Cape Wickham with motorised buggy and all green fees. Club hire is available at additional cost.
- 18 holes and all green fees at The Dunes with a caddy per player. Club hire is available at additional cost.
- overnight accommodation including breakfast at Lost Farm Lodge in an Ocean View Room.
Note – A 1-day experience just playing Cape Wickham, King Island is also available
ORPHEUS ISLAND LODGE – Exclusive Use
Orpheus is one of only a few secluded islands on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia that can be booked in its entirety for private-use. Stretching across 11km of immaculate turquoise coastline, Orpheus Island Lodge is nestled among the Greater Palm archipelago, a group of 16 islands just off the Queensland coastline within the waters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The island enjoys a year-round tropical climate, with an average temperature of 29 degrees Celsius.
Comfortably sleeping 28 guests in 14 rooms, rooms, suites and villas, Orpheus Island Lodge can become your own exclusive oasis – an island paradise that makes an idyllic setting for a private getaway or milestone celebration.
All stays at Orpheus include three gourmet meals daily, use of water sports equipment, unlimited Australian beer and wine as well as soft beverages, and a daily Orpheus experience.
It will leave you and your family relaxed, connected and inspired by the natural beauty of the surrounding aquatic wonderland
A SUSTAINABLE LUXURY LODGE – Dairy Flat Farm
Lakehouse’s Dairy Flat Farm is a retreat experience you will remember for a lifetime. The luxury lodge is set on a 38-acre regenerative growing facility and is a picturesque and peaceful place to reconnect with family or friends.
Located just 10 minutes down the road from Lake House, Dairy Flat Farm is the epitome of sustainable luxury.
Spend your days strolling around the sprawling gardens of what feels like your own private farm. Watch the early morning harvest destined for the award-winning Lake House kitchens, share the taste of fresh honey from the farm hives at breakfast, smell the loaves baking at the Bake House. Be mesmerized by the meticulous activity of the viticulturalist in the vineyard, or take a tour or scheduled class with horticultural experts.
The concierge-serviced Lodge accommodates up to 12 guests and is available for exclusive bookings as well as for non-exclusive stays. Guests enjoy daily housekeeping service, an onsite concierge, use of the beautiful library, lounge, dining and terraces. Also included is access to almost 40 acres of beautiful productive farmland; dedicated vegetable, herb & cutting gardens, hedgerow ornamental gardens, established vineyard, olive grove, newly planted orchard, outdoor firepit and hot tub. There’s also use of electric bikes and picnic baskets.
A country style breakfast is served each morning and the onsite bake house produces a daily selection of delicious slow fermented sourdough and vienoisserie just for Lodge guests to graze upon throughout the day with non-alcoholic refreshments, selected local wine, beer & cider.
Slow living heaven.