Just an hour’s drive from London, Monkey Island Estate is an oasis of calm away from the hustle and bustle of city living. Set on a tiny island on the River Thames in the pretty village of Bray, Berkshire, this sumptuous hotel is steeped in a rich history that dates back more than 800 years. On the site of what was once a settlement for monks, the Grade I-listed Temple and Pavilion that form the property were commissioned in 1723 as a fishing retreat for the third Duke of Marlborough. As well as its popularity with visiting monarchs and aristocrats, it’s seen Elgar write a symphony and HG Wells conduct an affair. Rumours abound that the retreat’s exotic name derived from insane king George III’s banishment here with his pet monkey…
After a golden era lasting right up to the 1980s, Monkey Island fell into disrepair, before being snapped up by its new owners, YTL Hotels, proprietors of uber-chic hotels across the globe. Today, the Georgian buildings have been carefully restored and the seven acres of grounds beautifully landscaped. Award-winning New York-based Champalimaud Design was called in to weave the magic that has already made it the go-to interior designers for the likes of the Dorchester in London and The Carlyle in New York. The 41 bedrooms and suites ooze contemporary English country house charm, but for something truly exceptional, the grade I-listed Wedgewood Suite is not to be missed, with its fantastical original plasterwork ceiling resplendent with dolphins and mermaids all-encompassing windows giving stunning panoramic views.