River Thames’ private island and hotel for sale
Date: 16 April 2007 | 
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London, UK – The Al Habtoor Group, a Dubai-based international hotel company, has put its five acre island, complete with a Grade I listed hotel, in the middle of the River Thames on the market with a guide price of £7.5 million through Knight Frank’s Hotels division.
Situated near the village of Bray-on-Thames just one mile downstream from Maidenhead and accessed only by walkway, boat or helicopter is Monkey Island and the historic Monkey Island hotel which is an elegant property comprising 26 bedroom suites and a 90 cover restaurant, all with views of the island’s surrounding gardens.
Dating back two centuries, both the island and hotel have an interesting history starting with the island’s name which derived from the earlier title of Monks Eyot, indicating that monks once used the Island in association with their fisheries. In 1723 Charles Spencer, the 3rd Duke of Marlborough purchased the Island. The Duke erected two buildings on the island described as a fishing lodge and fishing temple. The lodge (now the Pavilion) still remains today in its original state. By 1840 the Pavilion had become a riverside Inn, which could be reached by ferry from the south bank. Visitors have been staying in various parts of the building ever since. The Al Habtoor Group acquired the island in 1999.
Henry Jackson, Knight Frank’s Hotels division said: “The Al Habtoor Group has indicated that it wishes to sell the island in order to pursue new corporate ventures. Monkey Island is a unique hotel with a stunning private Island setting. We are experiencing exceptional demand for country hotels and this opportunity will provide the incoming purchaser substantial potential to create a first class dining and hotel offering.”
The hotel features six conference rooms varying in size and with capabilities for video conferencing which, along with the bedrooms suites can be hired for the day as part of the hotel’s exclusive corporate package. Both the hotel and its island setting are ideal to facilitate conference meetings, meals and leisurely activities. Monkey Island may also be hired for weddings, again offering exclusive use of all 26 bedroom suites, all reception rooms and approximately five acres of beautiful riverside grounds.
Situated at the head of the Island is the Rosette Award winning Pavilion formal dining room, complemented by two bars. During the summer months the hotel excels itself with first class out door dining provided on the terrace, enhanced by the peaceful island setting.
For further information, please contact:
Henry Jackson, Hotels Department, Knight Frank LLP, 020 7861 1085
Bianca Capstick, Press Office, Knight Frank, 020 7861 1412
Notes to Editors:
The Al Habtoor Group owns and operates hotels throughout the Middle East through its subsidiary Habtoor Hotels. Established more than 25 years ago the group is recognised as the most experienced Dubai-based international hotel company and is determined to retain this position.
The hotel buildings reflect the modernity and importance of Dubai and Beirut as commercial and leisure hubs, but with its roots firmly based in the Middle East the company has used this heritage to ensure that the service levels at all its properties reflect the full hospitality traditions of the area.
The company has developed three brands and each reflects a different market position: Habtoor Grand Hotels & Resorts are five-star plus properties, which reflect 'A Touch of Arabia'. The Metropolitan Palaces are five-star and promise 'An Oasis of Opulence', whilst the Metropolitans are first-class international hotels that offer a 'Smile of Arabia'.
Recently the company opened Lebanon's first, fully fledged theme park - Habtoorland - a Phoenician realm of fantasy, adventure and excitement that travels back into history and legendary heroes. Altogether the park offers 27 thrill rides and attractions, four themed restaurants, a fast-food court, cafes, retail shops and a 1400-seat amphitheatre.
Finally looking to the future the Company is entering a period of rapid expansion: Habtoor Grand Hotel Convention Center and Spa opened in June 2005 and the Habtoor Grand Resort the Palm will open in 2008.
Further information can be found at http://www.habtoorhotels.com/