Monkey Island Estate: A Luxury Private-Island Retreat on the River Thames

Set on a private island in the River Thames, Monkey Island Estate blends 800 years of history with modern luxury, offering a secluded riverside sanctuary just moments from the charming village of Bray.

Tucked away on a tranquil island in the River Thames, Monkey Island Estate is one of Britain’s most enchanting luxury hotels. Set in the historic village of Bray, Berkshire, this extraordinary retreat combines 800 years of history with contemporary elegance, offering guests a rare chance to stay on a private island less than an hour from London.

A Historic Island in the Heart of Bray

Monkey Island has captivated visitors for centuries. Once a medieval monastic site—its name is thought to have evolved from Monks Eyot—the island later became an 18th-century fishing retreat for the 3rd Duke of Marlborough. He commissioned architect Robert Morris to create two exquisite pavilions: the Fishing Temple and the Fishing Pavilion, both now beautifully restored Grade I listed buildings.

Inside, guests can still admire the remarkable singerie ceiling of the Monkey Room, painted in 1738 with whimsical scenes of monkeys punting, fishing and hunting. Over the years, the island has welcomed monarchs, aristocrats, artists, and writers—from Edward VII to H.G. Wells—earning its reputation as one of the Thames’ most storied hideaways.

Today, after a sensitive renovation by YTL Hotels, Monkey Island Estate once again offers the charm, luxury and peaceful seclusion that made it famous.

Luxury Accommodation with Timeless Character

Set across seven acres of landscaped grounds, Monkey Island Estate features 40 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, each designed by the acclaimed Champalimaud Design studio. Interiors blend English country-house style with contemporary comfort, and many rooms offer sweeping views of the River Thames or the hotel’s manicured gardens.

Guests also have access to elegant social spaces including the Monkey Bar, the atmospheric Whisky Snug, and the historic Monkey Room, making the hotel as much a destination for relaxation as it is for exploration.

For those desiring extra privacy, the estate’s exclusive private residences offer all the warmth of a period home combined with modern luxury—perfect for extended stays or group retreats.

Dining: Modern British Cuisine in an Iconic Setting

Food lovers will find themselves at home in Bray, a village world-famous for its Michelin-starred restaurants. Monkey Island Estate complements this culinary heritage with its own outstanding dining options.

The Monkey Island Brasserie serves refined modern British cuisine using the freshest local produce. With vaulted ceilings, an open kitchen, and French doors leading to a riverside terrace, it’s an idyllic space for long lunches, romantic dinners or quintessentially English Afternoon Tea. The Monkey Bar offers relaxed all-day dining, sophisticated cocktails and fine wines enjoyed beside the fire or on the garden terrace.

The Floating Spa: A First of Its Kind in Britain

One of the estate’s most unique features is its Floating Spa, moored beside the island. Inspired by the surrounding river landscape and the island’s rich heritage, the spa offers indulgent water-themed treatments unlike anything else near London. It’s a peaceful sanctuary where guests drift into deep relaxation while the Thames flows gently around them.

A Dream Wedding Venue in Berkshire

For couples seeking an unforgettable wedding venue near London, Monkey Island Estate offers romance, exclusivity and natural beauty. Accessed by a charming footbridge and surrounded by riverside gardens, the island feels delightfully secluded yet remains conveniently close to Windsor and Heathrow Airport.

The estate features several elegant event spaces, including the Marlborough Ballroom, River Room, and Spencer Suite, accommodating up to 130 guests indoors or 300 in a marquee on the lawns. Couples booking their wedding also enjoy the exceptional perk of a complimentary honeymoon at one of YTL Hotels’ luxury resorts in Malaysia or Thailand—a truly remarkable finishing touch.

Perfect for Weekend Breaks Near London

Monkey Island Estate is ideally located for a relaxing countryside escape. The village of Bray itself is a culinary destination, home to The Fat Duck and The Waterside Inn, two of only four 3-Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK.

Beyond Bray, guests can explore:

• Windsor – home to Windsor Castle and the beautiful Windsor Great Park

• Maidenhead – a lively town with shopping, arts and riverfront walks

• Eton – famed for its architecture and world-renowned college

• Henley-on-Thames – celebrated for its regatta and riverside charm

• Ascot – home of Britain’s most famous racecourse

• Marlow – a stylish Georgian market town with boutiques and cafés

From private boat hire along the Thames to visits to Highclere Castle, Cliveden, Dorney Court or the Savill Garden, the area offers endless opportunities for adventure.

Experience an Extraordinary Part of Britain

Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a gourmet weekend, a riverside wedding or a restorative break close to London, Monkey Island Estate delivers something truly special. Its combination of history, luxury and natural beauty makes it one of Britain’s most captivating destinations—a place where centuries of heritage meet modern indulgence on a peaceful island in the Thames.

Discover more: monkeyislandestate.co.uk

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