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| Monkey Island Resort (Photo Courtesy of YTL Hotels) |
Monkey Island, situated on a private island in the River Thames, is a laid back but luxurious escape, offering excellent cuisine including the very famous English-style afternoon tea, a floating spa with three treatment rooms and picture-perfect views of the River Thames.
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| The super luxury Monkey Island Island has many offerings. (Photo: Naveen Sachdev) |
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| Monkey Island, situated on a private island in the River Thames. (Photo: Naveen Sachdev) |
YTL Hotels, the hospitality arm of YTL Corp Bhd officially opened Monkey Island in April 2019 after taking over the property, with its intriguing history dating back 800 years. The property has been the haunt of monarchs, aristocrats and artists, along with writers, famous performers, and Berkshire locals.
Set across seven acres, the restored Monkey Island boasts both a striking white bricked Pavilion and Temple building surrounded by beautiful English country gardens.
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| Monkey Island boasts both a striking white bricked Pavilion and Temple building surrounded by beautiful English country gardens. (Photo: Naveen Sachdev) |
Monkey Island history (extract from monkeyislandestate.co.uk/
Monkey Island enjoys a remarkable and intriguing history. Its exotic moniker is a source of debate, which some historians link to the Church's early ownership. In 1197, monks attached to Merton Priory settled nearby, building fishponds close to the island christened Monks Eyot (island) – the possible root of the modern name. It took 300 years for the clergy to finally release its ageing grip, selling it onto the Englefield family. The change was in the air, hastened by the 1666 Great Fire of London when barges dumped rubble from the capital's reconstruction onto the island, raising it above flood level and creating a suitable site for building.
Cue the 3rd Duke of Marlborough. He bought the land in 1723 to create an angling retreat like no other. He commissioned two buildings from Palladian architect Robert Morris: a two-storey Fishing Temple and octagonal Fishing Pavilion for sleeping and entertaining.
The ceiling of the Pavilion's ground-floor Monkey Room, completed by 1738, was slathered in singerie: depictions of monkeys punting, fishing and hunting by French specialist, Andie de Clermont. 100 yards away The Temple's interior was decorated with shells, mermaids, dolphins, and Neptune in high relief plasterwork; the work of Thomas Roberts of Oxford.
The Duke escaped to his fishing idyll for two decades before dying in 1758, leaving a more obvious reason for the island's unique name. Rumours, completely unsubstantiated, added to the myth, claiming insane George 111 was banished here with a pet monkey. Instead, it was the common man who was increasingly enjoying the local river. By 1840 the Pavilion had become a riverside inn, where, 30 years later, Mrs Plummer the landlady served drinks through the bar window next to the Monkey Room.
It was the start of a golden era. Visitors included monarchs – a 1905 photograph shows Edward V11 enjoying afternoon tea under the walnut trees – and showbiz royalty such as famous singers Clara Butt and Dame Nellie Melba. Sir Edward Elgar worked on his First Symphony Violin Concerto in The Hut, a house on the adjacent bank. Famous literary visitors included WW1 poet Siegfried Sassoon, and H.G Wells and lover Rebecca West, whose 1918 novel The Return of the Soldier centred on a past affair on Monkey Island.
The Duke's old idyll was finally linked to the shore by a 1956 footbridge – the precursor to a joyous era when a banqueting room was cantilevered over the river, accommodation extended and live music, dinner dances and parties attracted a cosmopolitan crowd. Its social peak was the 1964 Oxfam Ball, reported extensively in glossy social bible Tatler, where 1,400 guests descended for dancing, fundraising, and cabaret with leading stars.
After earning multiple dining awards in the 1980s the island was sold, and the Grade 1 listed properties spiralled into decline. Thankfully that is now in the past. Following YTL Hotels' expert renovation the new luxury hotel has reopened its doors. Were he alive today the Georgian Duke would surely be delighted.
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| YTL Corporation Bhd chairman Tan Sri Dr Yeoh Tiong Lay came across Monkey Island in 2015 and fell in love with the property immediately. (Courtesy Photo from YTL Hotels) |
The beginning of a beautiful story
In 2015 the chairman for YTL Corporation Bhd Tan Sri Dr Yeoh Tiong Lay came upon Monkey Island with its verdant gardens, silky lawn, and Georgian retreat and he immediately fell in love with it.
Even though the Grade 1-listed property was in a lamentable condition, and it required the attention of specialist architectural restorers and huge investment, Yeoh had a feeling of amazement and admiration for the estate and wanted it to be part of the YTL family.
Flaking paint and ingrained dirt were the least of the problems. Yeoh may have felt Monkey Island could be another wonder in the world with some renovation and restoration to the original works.
The Temple’s blue and white ceiling was a plain pale colour in the 1940s. The singerie paintings had an incongruous exotic bird added at a later date and the detailed 1870 Arts and Crafts style borders had been painted pale blue.
The two Grade I-listed heritage pavilions which form the property and were originally commissioned as a fishing retreat in 1723 by the third Duke of Marlborough have been completely restored and renovated, with beautiful English garden setting. The landscape is a beautiful combination of mature trees, shrubs and a huge variety of British plants to create a magical journey and sense of place, where guests can enjoy an oasis away from city living.
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| The landscape is a beautiful combination of mature trees, shrubs and a huge variety of British plants. (Photo: Naveen Sachdev) |
As part of the renovation, the historic home of Frank Schuster, and later racing driver Sterling Moss, has also been transformed as an integral part of the project.
The restored buildings with their exquisite details are the heart of a beautiful 40-room (plus one deluxe suite) boutique hotel. Various choices of rooms are available, including The Barn Room, The Temple Room, The Temple Terrace and the most luxurious, The Wedgewood Suite.
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| The rooms overlook the beautiful landscaped garden. (Photo: Naveen Sachdev) |
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| The lovely and cosy cottage rooms at Monkey Island. (Photo: Naveen Sachdev) |
There's a number of elegant and relaxing spaces for guests, which include The Monkey Room, The Monkey Bar, The Whisky Snug, picturesque terrace, and thoughtfully designed grounds.
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| Award-winning New York-based Champalimaud Design is responsible for the charming design of the 41 exquisite guest rooms and suites. (Photo: Naveen Sachdev) |
Award-winning New York-based Champalimaud Design is responsible for the charming design of the 41 exquisite guest rooms and suites. Champalimaud Design also orchestrated the distinctive interiors of YTL Hotels’ first British property, The Gainsborough Bath Spa, and also the charming refurbishment of The Academy, Bloomsbury in London.
In short, the Duke of Marlborough’s old island is now in excellent condition, safe and stunningly gorgeous. The furnishings juxtapose timeless glamour and traditional features with a modern, countryside style, creating a unique blend of past and present.
Sadly, Yeoh passed away in 2017 before the three-year renovation of Monkey Island was fully realised. In his loving memory, there is a larger-than-life bronze statue of him in a chair under a huge walnut tree and looking out across the River in his memory.
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| Beautiful English Cottages in Monkey Island. (Photo: Naveen Sachdev) |
Bray
A quintessentially English village on the River Thames, Bray has become a must-visit destination for all foodies and is best known for boasting two of the four 3-Michelin-starred restaurants in the United Kingdom - Heston Blumenthal's world-renowned Fat Duck and the Roux brother's Waterside Inn.
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| Windsor Castle. (Photo: Naveen Sachdev) |
Set in the gorgeous Berkshire countryside, Bray is just five miles from Windsor, home of the famous Windsor Castle - one of the official residences of the British Royal Family. There are many restaurants and cafes on every street, charming English pubs and elegant wine bars that keep bringing back visitors.
Maidenhead
Just two miles from Bray, Maidenhead has more than a few hidden gems to explore. The accent is on art, music, drama and dance festivals, besides shopping and dining areas.
Eton
The village of Eton is perhaps one of the most beautiful villages in England and satisfying places to visit.
Henley-On-Thames
A beautiful market town set in the stunning Oxfordshire Chiltern Hills and home of the Henley Regatta and Henley Festival.
Ascot
Ascot is just over nine miles from Bray. Home to the most famous racecourse in the country, Ascot has a bustling high street with many independent shops, restaurants and cafes. During June, thousands flock to Royal Ascot, not only for the world-renowned race, but also for the accompanying display of fashion.
Marlow
Marlow is without a doubt one of the most picturesque locations on the River Thames, set amongst the rich meadows of the river valley and alongside the woodlands of the Chiltern Hills. The vibrant Georgian market town is made up of historic streets and an abundance of boutique shops, restaurants, cafes and bistros, all adding to the town's unique charm.
Wokingham
Just over 10 miles from Bray, the thriving market town of Wokingham has retained much of its original character over the years. The town centre offers a range of high street retailers, independent shops, restaurants and easy access to a wide range of leisure and sports facilities. From long country walks at Dinton Pastures Country Park to buying fresh fruits and vegetables from the weekly town market, Wokingham has something for everyone.
Dorney
The village of Dorney - two miles from Bray - is home to the Eton College Rowing Lake, the venue for rowing events at the 2012 Olympic Games. Dorney also includes the Dorney Court, well known from TV and film. Both the exterior and interior of the beautiful Tudor manor house are used for a variety of productions requiring an atmospheric location, such as Midsomer Murders.
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