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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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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.
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©Cybertrek 2026
Uniting the world of spa & wellness
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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
HCM News: Taking GLP-1s is linked to a decline in physical activity
People taking GLP-1 weight loss medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound may be losing weight, but they’re also becoming less physically active, according to new research presented at the ENDO 2026 annual meeting of the Endocrine Society
Mubadala makes €1 billion bid for Pierre and Vacances
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed €1 billion offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the continental European Center Parcs business.
Synergy The Retreat Show launches resource for retreat business leaders to showcase specialisms
Global retreat trade show, Synergy The Retreat Show, has launched a resource called The Source, which hosts an open-access online Transformation Series programme.
The SATCC announces first five-day Living with Cancer and Beyond retreat
The Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care (SATCC) charity has announced its first five- day Living with Cancer and Beyond retreat, which will be held at Carden Park Hotel and Spa in Cheshire, UK, between 1 and 5 September.
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COMPANY PROFILES
marocMaroc

Since its creation in 2007, MarocMaroc has invited the world to explore Moroccan beauty through a u [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

03-05 Jul 2026

World Championship in Massage

Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
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