The House at Lizard Island – Review

There aren’t many holiday rentals where exclusive use of three flawless white-sand beaches is included in your stay. But since opening in July 2022, The House at Lizard Island has proved to be a sanctuary where unparalleled luxury and privacy come as standard.

No two stays at the three-bedroom copper-and-concrete architectural marvel are the same, thanks to a team of experts, including a naturalist and private chef, who create personalised itineraries and menus for guests. There are, however, a few standard inclusions, such as a sunset cruise with drinks and canapes aboard the 56-foot motor yacht, Pisces.

Where is The House?

Built on a private headland on Lizard Island, The House is an hour’s flight north of Cairns on the Great Barrier Reef. Return charter flights from Cairns to Lizard Island and chauffeured transfers from the airstrip to The House are included.

What’s near The House?

You’re literally on the Great Barrier Reef, so pristine snorkel and dive sites await, including the world-famous Cod Hole, where 100-kilogram potato cod are accustomed to being hand-fed. Visit reefs and secluded beaches onboard Mojo, a twin-outboard boat that’s yours to use exclusively during your stay. Also available is priority use of the 56-foot motor yacht, plus access to the 40-room Lizard Island Resort a few minutes away.

Room types

A sanctuary within a sanctuary, each of The House’s three king bedrooms (one upstairs, two downstairs) is furnished with Indigenous artwork, Bemboka bedding, Patricia Urquiola armchairs and private outdoor baths. The generous bathrooms, which include indoor-outdoor showers and Australian-made Leif amenity kits, also double as walk-in wardrobes.

While The House sleeps up to six, there’s also a separate self-contained dwelling. The Cottage is an open-plan king suite with a living area, kitchenette and ensuite. Together, The House and The Cottage (cannot be booked separately) sleep up to eight.

Restaurants and bars

Catering to your culinary whims is private chef, Kyle Dixon. Prior to arrival, Dixon and a sommelier devise menus according to your tastes then bring them to life using exceptional Queensland produce. From a breakfast of Moreton Bay bug omelette on the terrace overlooking the Coral Sea, to a multi-course feast on a private beach, every meal is special.

If you fancy mingling with other guests on the island, pop down to the resort. Salt Water Restaurant serves up seafood with 180-degree ocean views, while Driftwood Bar and Wine Cellar offers vintages from world-leading vineyards.

Sustainability

The House runs off-grid and was designed with vertical louvres that provide shade and direct the breeze to keep the interior cool. A 1013-hectare National Park, Lizard Island comprises native grasslands, eucalypt and acacia woodlands, swamps and mangroves. To protect the environment during construction, materials were delivered by barge to a pontoon and flying fox.

Across the island, the Australian Museum owns and operates Lizard Island Research Station. Established in 1973, it’s dedicated to coral reef research and hosts about 100 projects each year, which visitors can learn more about on a tour of the station.

Travel for work

Work ought to be the last thing on your mind on Lizard Island but if you must, there’s wi-fi in The House and a desk in each of the bedrooms. The 40-room Lizard Island Resort caters to meetings and conferences.

Spa and pool

In addition to an infinity pool overlooking one of the private beaches, The House has a yoga deck (and instructor) and rooftop jacuzzi, plus access to the resort’s gym and tennis court. Each guest of The House receives a one-hour spa treatment, using organic Australian skincare by iKOU. Treatments can be enjoyed in-house or at the resort’s Essentia Day Spa.

What you need to know

The cellar is devilishly good. From Barons de Rothschild champagne and Tasmanian Lark Chinotto Cask II single malt whisky, to vintage wines including a 2007 Petrus Pomerol.

SEE ALSO: Lose Yourself on Lizard Island