YTL Hotels’ Monkey Island Estate, Bray to open early 2018
https://hoteldesigns.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/YTL.jpg 850 350 Daniel Fountain Daniel Fountain https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/5f70bb2272bfa337a07d9ea45c77cd11100a40413fc9902943f3b27692e60b8d?s=96&d=mm&r=gIn Spring 2018, YTL Hotels UK’s newest property Monkey Island Estate will open in the historic village of Bray-on-Thames, Berkshire. The island, with an intriguing history dating back 800 years, has been the haunt of monarchs, aristocrats and artists, along with writers, famous performers and Berkshire locals.
Monkey Island has constantly reflected the mood of the time, from medieval religious power, serene Georgian privilege or restrained Edwardian leisure – even the joyous freewheeling 1960s. Alongside its unique early 18th century fishing retreats built by the Duke of Marlborough with their famous monkey artworks, it has been immortalised in one of the great works of early 20th century literature, published its own journal and, for the last 180 years, provided some of Britain’s most unique hospitality.
Following YTL’s superb renovation, visitors from London and beyond will yet again have their very own private countryside escape to enjoy. The striking white bricked Pavilion and Temple buildings will now make up the main hotel areas of YTL’s Monkey Island Estate, surrounded by picturesque views of the River Thames and beautifully manicured gardens.
Set across seven acres, the restored Monkey Island Estate will consist of 27 bedrooms and three deluxe suites, all designed by the award-winning New York-based Champalimaud Design, who orchestrated distinctive interior design projects for YTL’s first British property, The Gainsborough Bath Spa, as well as Green Leaf Niseko Village and the most recently launched Ritz Carlton, Koh Samui. The furnishings of Monkey Island will juxtapose timeless glamour and traditional features with a modern, relaxed countryside style, creating a unique blend of past and present.
Monkey Island will be the perfect retreat for those wanting to take a foodie pilgrimage to the culinary excellence of Bray. The only village in the world that lays claim to two three Michelin-starred restaurants, including Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck and the Roux brothers’ Waterside Inn, Bray has long been a destination for gastronomic-enthusiasts. Monkey Island will also be making its own mark on the area with their relaxed Monkey Island Brasserie serving up modern British cuisine.
Steeped in stylish yet laid back luxury, Monkey Island will be the perfect spot for weekend escapes from the city, weddings and romantic breaks. For those who want to enjoy Bray-on-Thames in comfort and style, the hotel will be the ideal retreat to experience the rejuvenation of this historic landmark to its full former glory.
The desire for experiences that foster genuine human connection is a key driver for today’s travelers. No activity is too unusual for the clients of Virtuoso travel advisors, as some of the more surprising requests show. Travelers are asking for everything from reaching the edge of space in a MiG-29 flight in Russia, to herding cattle in Australia, to hosting a celebration in a private capsule aboard the London Eye. They also seek rare accommodations such as an igloo in Norway, a private castle all to themselves, and sleeping under the stars in the desert – no tent required.
The hotel, which has been designed by local practice, ICA Architects, is expected to double the size of the racecourse’s business within three years of opening. Vivien Currie, Chief Executive at Hamilton Park Racecourse, said: “We are delighted to unveil this landmark project for Hamilton Park Racecourse and are certain it will deliver substantial benefits to our business and the wider economy.
Many often say that they choose hotels for the luxury service and the knowledge that they can come and go without worrying about waking up their hosts or collecting their keys at a certain time. However, it is possible to replicate this service within the homestay market. Management companies, such as Hostmaker, have been able to bridge this gap in the market and provide a Hilton level experience to a regular homestay, offering a 5-star experience for guests and alleviating the pressure from the host.
The ornate entrance transports visitors back in time as many of the building’s original features have been re-established, and in keeping with its heritage, imposing doorways and Baroque fireplaces are found throughout the property. The hotel’s interior design carefully balances the history of the building with contemporary luxury while creating a number of distinct and bespoke design features. Guestrooms and suites feature elegant roll-top baths in the centre of the bedrooms with expansive windows framing views of greenery and the open lake.
Feel comfortable and warm this winter, with these eccentric pieces that Covet House has selected and celebrates the design in the best way possible.
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