Words by Zue Wei Leong
In this edition of our Wellness Wednesday series, we head to the beautiful English countryside
What do Londoners do when the city gets too much? They go for a small trip out of the capital for a jaunt in the idyllic English countryside. And it’s well worth the visit. Below, BAZAAR details its visit to Monkey Island Estate, our first choice for a short and sweet city break.
Our experience at the Monkey Island Estate:
Only a 45-minute drive from the city, the luxury hotel resides on a picturesque island on the River Thames in the historic city of Bray, Berkshire. Crossing the bridge over the river, the sight is one to behold: two beautiful white pavilions sitting on a perfectly manicured lawn with the delicate magnolia and cherry blossom trees in full bloom with dashes of bright yellow dandelions sprinkled across the seven-acre estate.
Stepping into the past
The Georgian pavilions, originally commissioned as a fishing retreat in 1723 by the third Duke of Marlborough, were restored and renovated by YTL Hotels, the Malaysian hospitality group behind the most recognisable luxury hotels in Asia. We checked into the Grade-I listed Wedgewood Suite, designed by the award-winning New York-based Champalimaud Design—greeted by the ornate details on the coffered ceilings and rich mahogany furniture. Waiting for us on the side table is a freshly-made icy cold cocktail, made from gin and honey, both produced on the estate. The delightful welcome drink sets the tone for the level of service we are to expect for the rest of the stay, from thoughtful attention to detail to a permeating spirit of community.
New and old wellness techniques come together
We make our way across the sprawling lawn, past the sunbathing ducks on the river banks to The Floating Spa, a boat moored on the Thames. It is a unique location for a spa with only three treatment cabins on the vessel. The signature Floating Massage begins with a friendly chat with the therapist; her priorities lie in ensuring every visitor achieves their desired mood or feeling, whether it’s restfulness, relief, or relaxation. Entering the cozy cabin, there is a porthole out of which we can glimpse of the scenic landscape; it is left open for the sounds of chirping birds and gentle tides to surround the room. Two specially designed, heated aqua-cushions cradle the body, creating the illusion of floating as we lay on our back.
A deep inhalation of the earthy blend of ISUN Sacred Oil and the therapist starts the massage, lathering the arms and legs with Moss of the Isles body oil, made from horse chestnut and juniper berry. The body feels weightless against her rhythmic kneading, allowing for thorough relaxation. At the halfway point, the therapist does not guide us to turn over, as is expected in conventional massages. Instead, she reaches between the body and the aqua cushions, working with gravity to massage the back with surprising ease and grace. The Floating Massage ends with a gentle scalp massage, after which we gently awake from our restful state, reconnecting with our consciousness feeling tranquil and calm. A truly unique treatment, it must be experienced firsthand.
A trove of unique experiences
With the sun shining down, we take the opportunity to enjoy a traditional English Afternoon Tea with flutes of champagne before taking a ride in a self-driven boat down the Thames as the sun sets—fully immersing ourselves in the modern British philosophy of wellness: healing through nature.
