Elite Traveler January-February 2015

INSPIRE ISLAND RESORTS

elite traveler JAN/FEB 2015 ISSUE 1 85

Makepeace AUSTRALIA 6

Necker may be the most famous of Richard Branson’s private holiday homes, but that means the other destinations in his portfolio retain an exclusivity and refreshing lack of paparazzi attention. Makepeace (bookable only as a sole-use destination) is a small, heart-shaped island just off the coast of Noosa, Queensland, with no cars, no clocks and a fun, carefree, barefoot vibe. Standout service The poolside moonlight cinema experience – where guests float around munching on popcorn while watching the film of their choice has all the Branson fun-but-fancy hallmarks. Special amenities A private launch for ferrying guests where guests can suck oysters on the deck before being taken to a beach BBQ or sunset cocktail; a massive lagoon pool with “landing lights” for after-dark swimming, Hobie Cats for on-water fun and a music room filled with piano, bongos and didgeridoo for impromptu jam sessions. Number of rooms Three villas, sleeping 20 in total, all with private decks, boulder bathtubs and a Balinese aesthetic. Room to book Sir Richard’s villa – it has a private bay where kangaroos swim up from the national park opposite the island, plus its own waterfall and fishpond entry foyer, two bedrooms, lounge and outside deck. Who’s slept there Many of Branson’s friends and acquaintances including the Black Eyed Peas. Contact Kirsty Aitken (kirsty@makepeaceisland.com, +61 428153612); www.makepeaceisland.com. Price From $3,189 per day, all inclusive (minimum stay 3 nights).

Petit St Vincent ST VINCENT & THE GRENADINES 7

This two-mile circle of sand and forest is a 20-minute private boat ride from Union Island (itself a 45-minute flight from Barbados), or 45 minutes from Canouan, which accommodates private jets. Opened in 1968 and newly upgraded, it is refreshingly simple and beautifully private. Standout service There are no TVs, phones or wifi: instead, guests raise a flag on a driftwood pole to summon meals or spa treatments, which often arrive by Mini Moke. When a guest bought one of the quirky beach buggies, the resort had it shipped to England, where it is still driven around her home village, to the amusement of neighbors. Special amenities A new barefoot beach bar and restaurant, which also caters to passing yachties; a Balinese hillside spa; two open-air yoga pavilions, a 49ft sloop for sailing to Tobago Cays. Number of rooms 22 upgraded one-bedroom cottages and two- bedrooms villas, in bluebitch stone and purpleheart hardwood, set along the bluffs or on the beach. Room to book The two-bedroom villas (1,500 sq ft each). Who’s slept there The resort has a loyal following among A-listers who like to switch off, literally. Contact Julie Ritter (+1 954 963 7401), petitstvincent.com. Price From $1,100 per night, full board.