Monkey Island Estate

from $349
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“A magical Grade I Palladian mansion, five miles from Windsor and next to Bray. Elegantly restored throughout, blending modern and traditional styles. Choose from slick rooms, suites and cottages ideal for groups. With fine dining and a floating spa, this is ideal for a luxury rural break.”

Hotel review

Next to the village of Bray, a magnet for gourmets is this small, fish-tail shaped, private island. Here the 3rd Duke of Marlborough commissioned two Palladian buildings: a two-storey temple and an octagonal pavilion. It enjoyed an Edwardian golden era with monarchs, novelists, poets and composers. Cross over the Thames on a footbridge onto an island lined with chestnut, lime and walnut trees. It’s tastefully and elegantly landscaped with lawns and flowerbeds, punctuated with celadon shepherds’ huts and beehives. All that is audible is the flow of the river, the birds, the cackling geese and chickens.

In the white Temple building are the cosy, intimate bedrooms with Savoir beds and plenty of daylight. Try the Wedgewood Suite which is especially theatrical and magical with its original plasterwork. There are also six cottages, ideal for groups. The Pavilion houses the restaurant, bars, events and ballroom. The Monkey Island Brasserie has views over the river and gardens, with a confidently brief menu, generous helpings and reasonable prices for the situation. Afternoon Tea is also a favourite on the lovely terrace overlooking the river.

Not child-friendly, but ideal for weddings and exclusive use parties. The vibe is chilled, the service telepathic and the clientele respectful.

Adam Jacot de Boinod
Adam Jacot de Boinod Review published: 04/11/2018

Recommended for

  • Foodies

    • The head chef, William Hemming, previously headed The Savoy amongst others and brings his skills to create modern British dishes

  • Romantic Break

    • With elegant interiors, a standout location, and fine dining — this is the perfect setting for a romantic getaway

  • Groups

    • Self-catering cottages of various sizes are a great option for groups

  • Great walks

    • Explore the 4800 acres of sweeping parkland, award-winning gardens, ancient woodland and forest trails of Windsor Great Park

  • Spa

    • The Floating Spa, is housed in a specially built riverboat moored along the bank

  • Hotel boats for hire

    • Take a cruise in the vintage-style launch, Kingfisher, with wine and canapes

  • Golf

    • The county is a favourite for golfers with its choice of 44 courses

  • Sights nearby

    • Windsor Castle and Highclere Castle are nearby

  • Other Activities

    • Spend a day at Ascot Races, just down the road

  • Child friendly

    • Babysitting available

  • Outstanding location

  • Country Escape

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Restrictions on children

  • Country House

  • Quiet

  • Gourmet

  • Luxury

  • Romantic

  • Traditional

  • Disabled access

  • On an island

  • Active Holiday

  • Gym

  • Chic

  • Historic

  • Riverside

  • Restaurant

Facilities

  • Rooms

    41 rooms in this hotel

  • Spa

    The Floating Spa, is housed in a specially built riverboat moored along the bank

  • Child friendly

    Babysitting available

  • Concierge

  • Parking

  • Bar

  • Airport transfer

  • Meeting Room

  • Restrictions on children

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Wifi

  • Air conditioning

  • Disabled access

  • Gym

  • Garden

  • Restaurant

Activities

  • Great walks

    • Explore the 4800 acres of sweeping parkland, award-winning gardens, ancient woodland and forest trails of Windsor Great Park

  • Hotel boats for hire

    • Take a cruise in the vintage-style launch, Kingfisher, with wine and canapes

  • Golf

    • The county is a favourite for golfers with its choice of 44 courses

  • Other Activities

    • Spend a day at Ascot Races, just down the road

  • Sights nearby

    • Windsor Castle and Highclere Castle are nearby

  • Theatre

    • Book an evening at the Theatre Royal Windsor

Map & Location

Other reviews

Monkey Island Estate

Monkey Island was bought by the 3rd Duke of Marlborough as a fishing retreat in the Thames in 1723. Since then, it has been a popular place for visitors to dine and stay since the 19th century. Now expensively revamped, it has become the latest hotel in the Malaysian-owned YTL group...

Originally published by The Telegraph

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