Altitude ONE40 Mission Beach review: Weekend away

"I want to fly like an eagle," sings Steve Miller in his band's classic song. "Let my spirit carry me." As the words loop through my head while overlooking the Family Group of Islands as far north and south as the eye can see, Altitude ONE40 owner Shane Hunter pulls chicken wings from the freezer. Raw chicken wings, which she puts on the pool scoop. The wings are then elevated onto a wooden platform, about 3m high from the ground yet at eye level from the pool. Then there's a sound of wind – whoosh, whoosh, whoosh – and from behind a white-breasted sea eagle swoops to grab the chicken with its huge talons. It is as mesmerising as it is spectacular, as is the ocean backdrop below and beyond.

THE SPACE

When the Hunters, Shane and Craig, bought the property on which Altitude ONE40 now sits, they had to cut their way through thick scrub to get to the platform they'd later call home, 140m above sea level, at the top of a very steep driveway, and in a glass-fronted house that would win architectural awards. Far North Queensland gets hot, damn hot. But when you're perched on the side of a mountain with Pacific breezes blowing over an infinity pool towards a tiled deck, an iced cocktail and the mother of all barbecues, things become much easier to bear. If this was a resort pool, it would be considered one of the finest around – anywhere. But it's not a resort. For the time you're here, it's all yours.

THE ROOM

Over the years, the Hunters have lived in the Altitude ONE40 house for periods of time. And if pride in one's home transcends to the property's evolution as a guesthouse, it certainly shows. From the big-screen television which you'll never need to the Sheridan linen and complete bathroom, there are all the comforts of home and more. The garden is manicured, lawn mowed, and pool spotless. The kitchen is another facility most people won't use, but there's a coffee machine and a walk-in pantry full of appliances. It's almost as big as the kitchen itself. Throw in a washing machine and dryer, spare bedrooms and a smattering of artefacts bought from around the world, and it's as exotic as it is spacious.

THE FOOD

If there is a small drawback with staying in a self-contained property, it's that there's no butler to pull the drinks out of the fridge. Chances are, if you've used the on-site helipad (yes, there really is one), you might have brought your own service anyway. For the rest of us, Mission Beach is only a five-minute drive. There's a supermarket to stock the fridge and pantry, and a few eateries which cater to the local tourism trade. Castaways resort is a popular spot for lunch and has some good meals.

STEPPING OUT

Mission Beach Water Taxis take private tours to the nearby reef. Fozzy and Nancy know all the good spots and all the locals know them, so just ask around and they'll point you in the right direction. That's how things work here. Millionaires drink together in thongs and boardshorts, in bars resembling little more than a shed. They pay for the laid-back lifestyle of north Queensland. There are scenic flights, boutique shops, massages and beaches. Be sure to pack the sunscreen.

THE VERDICT

This place is a spectacular hidden gem. The house is built with cyclone-proof glass frontage that makes the most of views unmatched anywhere in the world. There are other similar properties in other parts of Queensland and Australia with equal absolute privacy which go for around $2000 a night, yet with lesser scenery and cooler climes. This place is a quarter of the price and is a tough act for anyone to follow. A week here will charge the batteries – guaranteed.

ESSENTIALS

Altitude ONE40, Mission Beach, North Queensland. Prices start at $500 a night for a minimum four-night stay. Phone 0417 258 140, see www.altitude140.com.au.

• The writer was a guest of Altitude ONE40 and Tourism and Events Queensland.