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NEWS
YTL opens Monkey Island Estate's hotel and floating spa
POSTED 01 May 2019 . BY Tom Walker
The spa is located on a bespoke crafted barge, moored on the banks of the island

It was through this project and others like it, that we learned that sustainable design can take many forms and doesn’t have to be explored through conventional definitions
– Ed Bakos, MD, Champalimaud Designs
Malaysian hotel group YTL Hotels has opened the Monkey Island Estate resort in Bray-on-Thames, UK.

Set across seven acres, the resort will include a 41-bedroom luxury hotel – designed by New York-based Champalimaud Design – and a floating spa.

The spa is located on a bespoke crafted barge moored on the banks of the island and houses three treatment rooms, a themed wheelhouse reception and an Elixir Bar.

Inspired by the monks who once inhabited the island, the treatments and spa experiences have been choreographed to fit the setting and concept.



Each spa treatment will begin with a sensory ritual and ‘Elixir Tasting’ of one of the monk-brewed ancient herbal tonics.

The spa is also peppered with touch points that celebrate the power of water, taking guests on holistic voyages through the history of the island and the River Thames.

The spa team has partnered with British spa brand Moss of the Isles to create the bespoke treatments.

"The spa will bring to life the spirit of adventure on this great river," said Melissa Mettler, responsible for spa planning and development at YTL Hotels.

"Poems, stories and the power of the river will feed our offering...and it all happens on a bespoke wide-beam river boat."

Monkey Island Estate is the latest addition to YTL Hotels’ growing UK portfolio, a collection of hotels which already includes The Gainsborough Bath Spa, Threadneedles, The Glasshouse, and The Academy.
Champalimaud carried out a full restoration of the hotel
17th Century, Grade 1 listed frescoes have been restored
The bedrooms have a country house feel and look out over the River Thames
The Monkey Bar has a garden terrace overlooking the river
All interiors are by Champalimaud Designs
The island is near the village of Bray, a foodie haven, with restaurants boasting seven Michelin stars between them
The spa's Elixir bar, which serves monk-brewed ancient herbal tonics
Treatments rooms have portholes giving views of the river
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©Cybertrek 2026
Uniting the world of spa & wellness
Get Spa Business and Spa Business insider digital magazines FREE
Sign up here ▸
News   Products   Magazine   Subscribe
NEWS
YTL opens Monkey Island Estate's hotel and floating spa
POSTED 01 May 2019 . BY Tom Walker
The spa is located on a bespoke crafted barge, moored on the banks of the island
It was through this project and others like it, that we learned that sustainable design can take many forms and doesn’t have to be explored through conventional definitions
– Ed Bakos, MD, Champalimaud Designs
Malaysian hotel group YTL Hotels has opened the Monkey Island Estate resort in Bray-on-Thames, UK.

Set across seven acres, the resort will include a 41-bedroom luxury hotel – designed by New York-based Champalimaud Design – and a floating spa.

The spa is located on a bespoke crafted barge moored on the banks of the island and houses three treatment rooms, a themed wheelhouse reception and an Elixir Bar.

Inspired by the monks who once inhabited the island, the treatments and spa experiences have been choreographed to fit the setting and concept.



Each spa treatment will begin with a sensory ritual and ‘Elixir Tasting’ of one of the monk-brewed ancient herbal tonics.

The spa is also peppered with touch points that celebrate the power of water, taking guests on holistic voyages through the history of the island and the River Thames.

The spa team has partnered with British spa brand Moss of the Isles to create the bespoke treatments.

"The spa will bring to life the spirit of adventure on this great river," said Melissa Mettler, responsible for spa planning and development at YTL Hotels.

"Poems, stories and the power of the river will feed our offering...and it all happens on a bespoke wide-beam river boat."

Monkey Island Estate is the latest addition to YTL Hotels’ growing UK portfolio, a collection of hotels which already includes The Gainsborough Bath Spa, Threadneedles, The Glasshouse, and The Academy.
Champalimaud carried out a full restoration of the hotel
17th Century, Grade 1 listed frescoes have been restored
The bedrooms have a country house feel and look out over the River Thames
The Monkey Bar has a garden terrace overlooking the river
All interiors are by Champalimaud Designs
The island is near the village of Bray, a foodie haven, with restaurants boasting seven Michelin stars between them
The spa's Elixir bar, which serves monk-brewed ancient herbal tonics
Treatments rooms have portholes giving views of the river
RELATED STORIES
Beverly Hills Hotel unveils newly renovated spa with design details by Champalimaud Design


The iconic Beverly Hills Hotel Spa in Los Angeles has reopened its doors after seven months of extensive refurbishment and redesign.
FEATURE: Top Team: YTL Hotels


Katie Barnes talks to the three key people behind the Spa Village brand
YTL expands Asian spa resort portfolio with Ritz-Carlton on Koh Samui


Malaysian conglomerate YTL Hotels has expanded its presence in the Asian wellness resort market with the opening of a luxury property on the island of Koh Samui in Thailand.
MORE NEWS
Barons Eden rebrands to Hiddenwell ahead of spa hotel portfolio expansion
Barons Eden, the UK parent company that operates luxury destination properties in England, has rebranded to become Hiddenwell.
Belgin Aksoy marks 15 years of Global Wellness Day
Global Wellness Day (GWD) marked its 15th anniversary on Saturday 13 June 2026, with the theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities that spark joy.
HUM2N launches longevity clinic at Six Senses London
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider, HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
Mayrlife opens first hotel day clinic in partnership with Rosewood Vienna
As part of its first hotel partnership, Mayrlife – the medical health resort company known for its site in Altaussee, Austria – has launched a day clinic at the Rosewood Vienna.
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Why future-ready in-house laundry is the new luxury spa essential
In today’s premium spa environment, every detail shapes the guest experience – right down to the softness of towels and the freshness of linens. [more...]

Longevity in spas: a strategic choice, not a default setting
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+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
Kemitron GmbH

Our portfolio is divided into four product areas; Technology, Fragrances, Disinfectant and Cleaners [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

21-23 Jun 2026

Spa Life International (UK)

Midlands (Venue TBA), Liphook, United Kingdom
22-22 Jun 2026

World Bathing Day

Worldwide,
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
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