A Summer of Fun at Monkey Island Estate, Bray-on-Thames
Explore YTL Hotels’ Monkey Island Estate and its quintessentially English surroundings this summer
August 2019…// Monkey Island Estate sets the scene for a perfect summer weekend break away from the hustle and bustle of nearby London. YTL Hotels newest UK property is ideally situated to explore the quintessentially English village of Bray and its surrounding Berkshire countryside. Set across seven acres, the restored Monkey Island Estate boasts a large range of activities this summer, from a relaxing afternoon at The Floating Spa, a sunset cruise down the Thames on the chartered boat, The Dragonfly, to a cosy evening star-gazing in the islands very own Shepherd’s Hut. Visitors can enjoy the warmer weather and will be transported to their own private countryside escape steeped in stylish yet laidback luxury.
The Floating Spa
Moored on the banks of the River Thames, guests and local alike looking for relaxation and pampering are welcomed on board The Floating Spa this summer. Offering its guests a unique wellness journey inspired by its riverine surroundings and the past figures who once inhabited the island, YTL Hotels Spa Village have created exclusive signature treatments such as: The Monks’ Elixir and Floating Massage. These treatments have been created to transport guests through sensory rituals creating an inner warmth whilst relieving stress and stiffness throughout the body. Herb based products used in select spa treatments and The Remedy Bar at The Floating Spa are grown in the Experimental Teahouse, within the Monkey Island Estate grounds. Alongside these signature treatments at The Floating Spa, Moss of the Isles and ISUN provide additional facial and body treatments such as exfoliating masks and crystal facials for all to enjoy.
Spa treatments on-board The Floating spa cost £100 for 60 minutes and £125 for a 90-minute experience.
Wander the grounds
Visitors to the island can explore the beautifully landscaped grounds of Monkey Island Estate and meet the island’s resident hens. Named after iconic female figures that have once visited the island, guests can collect the freshly laid eggs each morning and enjoy them alongside the homemade honey, collected from the two beehives on site, for a memorable breakfast at The Monkey Brasserie. The herb garden, Experimental Teahouse and the Spa Garden walkway will also catch the eye of the green fingered guests visiting the island. For those wishing to explore the surrounding countryside by foot, the Monkey Island Estate team are always on hand to advise and recommend local walking routes suitable for all abilities.
Dragonfly Sunset Cruise
Step aboard Monkey Island Estate’s very own chartered vessel, The Dragonfly, for a romantic sunset cruise. Guests will be greeted with a glass of crisp champagne and light bites as they start their 45-minute voyage along the Thames while taking in the picturesque sights of the Bray countryside and the beauty of the island at sunset. Guests can explore the nearby surroundings of Monkey Island Estate by water with The Dragonfly docking at Cliveden, Maidenhead, Eton Dorney and Windsor.
Star-Gazing at Shepherd’s Delight
Stumbling across the handcrafted bespoke Shepherd’s Huts whilst wandering the grounds of Monkey Island Estate is a magical experience for groups and couples alike. Take a seat by the fire pits and stay cosy in the evening with a boozy hot chocolate whilst toasting marshmallows and star gazing upon a clear summers evening.
Bray and Beyond
Monkey Island Estate is the proud owner of three Mini Countrymen cars, encouraging its guests to self-explore the historical and quintessentially British town surroundings of Bray-on-Thames. From the famed foodie destination of Bray with two of the four 3-Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK to Windsor with its strong Royal connections and streets lined with charming English pubs, restaurants and cafes, there is much to experience locally. Monkey Island Estate also acts as the perfect base to attend nearby popular summer events such as Henley Festival and Ascot Races, with the assurance of a comfortable night’s sleep and a place to unwind at the end of a busy day.
The island, with its intriguing history, creates a tranquil location to enjoy the English summer with friends and family. The beautiful country gardens with stunning views over the Thames provide the perfect backdrop for a long weekend away or UK break this summer.
Nightly rates at Monkey Island Estate start from £275, per room, per night in a Temple Room. www.monkeyislandestate.co.uk