Monkey Island’s new Romantic Island Retreat
Monkey Island’s new offering is the perfect oasis for couples.
Monkey Island: its name has long been associated with glamour and literary cache. The haunt of rock stars and royals and famous artists and writers, from Edward VII to HG Wells, this historic estate in Bray, Berkshire was the place to be seen in the 1960s; an ultra-fashionable retreat for the beautiful ones who drove up by the score in their sleek E-Type Jags.
Dating back to 1197, this breath-taking hotspot, set amid seven acres, feels like the quintessential English country garden, with its white-brick Pavilion and Temple, landscaped surrounds, and lush views of the Thames, though it’s really only a very handy 40 minutes from London, just past Windsor. And now, in addition to its new boutique hotel, with unique Floating Spa, Monkey Island is introducing the perfect love nest. And appropriately, bookings are open from Valentine’s Day 2020.
Billed as “the ultimate romantic island retreat”, The Shepherd’s Hideaway, care of YTL Hotels, is a new concept for couples visiting the island. While plucky visitors could already take advantage of the estate’s handcrafted Shepherd’s Huts, YTL has transformed one of them into a stylish snug, perfect for anniversaries, birthdays – or honeymoons for newlyweds who’ve tie the knot at Monkey Island.
The day (or night) begins with a choice of cocktails and canapes, drinks and dinner at The Monkey Brasserie – or a treatment on the Floating Spa Barge. Then, as the sun dips, guests can relax by the Shepherd’s Hideaway’s fire pit with a special spiced hot chocolate (secret ingredient: booze), while toasting marshmallows and stargaze. Once inside the hut, cosy blankets and a wood burner keep things deliciously cosy, while candles and chilled Champagne all add to the fabulous atmosphere.
The Shepherd’s Hideaway isn’t just for couples – there’s room for up to six people in there. Options might include a British Champagne Afternoon Tea, or a summer barbeque with private chef. Gastronomes are well-catered for too – Bray is the only village on Earth boasting three Michelin-starred restaurants, including Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck.
The Shepherd’s Hideaway can be booked as part of an overnight stay at the Island, or in addition to a reservation at The Monkey Brasserie or Floating Spa Barge. Prices start from £250 and include a bottle of Champagne and exclusive use of the Shepherd’s Hideaway for three hours. Cocktails and canapes, hot chocolate, marshmallows and stargazing, afternoon tea and barbeques can be added to the Shepherd’s Hideaway experience for an additional cost.
Nightly rates at Monkey Island Estate start from £275, per room, per night in a Temple Room. To book, contact YTL UK Reservations Centre at reservations@ytlhotels.co.uk or call +44 (0) 207 657 8200