When it comes to honeymoons and weddings, our resident travel and Honeymoons expert Lisa Perkovic has a knack for uncovering the most magical destinations. This time, she’s found a gem that combines the best of both worlds. A romantic English countryside wedding venue that also gifts couples with a luxury honeymoon abroad. From historic charm on the River Thames to dreamy escapes in Malaysia and Borneo, Lisa takes us inside the enchanting Monkey Island Estate.

If I say destination wedding, do you say palm trees and pina coladas? Think again. Destination weddings come in all shapes and sizes, in all sorts of locations around the world. Some even come with free honeymoons. That’s right. This is not a drill.

The Free Honeymoon Deal

First and foremost, if you get married at England’s Monkey Island Estate, your stay (and spend) gets you a complementary seven night honeymoon in Malaysia or Borneo.

So, what’s the catch? Like most wedding venues, there’s a minimum spend but at least here it’s counting towards the big day and the honeymoon. When you’re spending over £55, 000, you’re automatically given a 7 night full board honeymoon, at either Pangkor Laut Resort or Tanjong Jara Resort or Gaya Island Resort. Definitely take a look at the hotel websites for all the relevant terms and conditions.

A Hidden Gem on the River Thames

But let’s get back to the big day. We’re in the UK, on a tiny island in the middle of the River Thames. Heathrow is just 20 minutes down the road, and London about a 90 minute drive away. The grounds are studded with rose bushes and wild flowers, there are swans and their cygnets, geese and their goslings happily snacking in the grass. It’s the English idyllic countryside at it’s best. Perfect for couples who live overseas looking for a central spot to bring their family and friends together. Or just a couple after a day that’s got that extra layer of history and heart.

History Meets Modern Luxury

Guests cross over the small footbridge towards two historic white buildings. The Pavilion and The Temple buildings date back to the 1700s, but they’ve been lovingly updated to be that perfect blend of past and present. The Pavilion’s Monkey Bar and Brasserie are full of velvet armchairs, dramatic wallpaper and beautiful parquetry. The Temple’s 40 guest rooms and signature Wedgewood Suite play the part perfectly. The Wedgewood Suite’s dark wood panelling and duck egg blue plaster ceiling are what wedding night dreams are made of.

Stately Stays for Wedding Parties

Back on the mainland, there are three private residences – Sundial Cottage, Long White Cloud and Brook House. We were lucky enough to have stayed in the Wedgewood Suite previously; it’s a princess-worthy way to spend the night. The freestanding bath overlooking the grounds has to be enjoyed before you leave. This time, we’re staying in the Sundial Cottage.

With three suites, a full-size kitchen, lounge room, dining nook and garden, it’s more of a stately home than a cottage. With soft herringbone carpets, delicate floral prints, cashmere throws, and comfy couches and winged arm chairs, it’s a sweet retreat that helps us decompress from the long haul flight.

When it comes to weddings, it’s the most common spot for bridal parties to spend the night before. A few glasses of bubbles in the garden or a bottle of wine curled up in the lounge room feel appropriate.

Pre-Wedding Pampering at the Floating Spa

What also feels entirely appropriate wedding prep is a visit to the famed Floating Spa. Housed in a custom-built river boat floating on the Thames, the spa has just three treatment rooms and with light filtering through the port hole, feels like you’ve stepped into another world. The Floating Hands massage is the most famous, where you lie on water-filled pillows, but anything you experience here will be bliss.

The pre-treatment form sets the scene for your visit, alongside the usual medical questions, you’re asked your favourite colour among other abstract questions. It’s a mini meditation to help tune you into relaxation.

Your Wedding Day at Monkey Island Estate

On the big day, weddings often book out the entire property. With 40 rooms, the Wedgewood Suite and the residences, it’s an intimate affair that gives you access to seven acres and plenty of entertaining spaces.

Staff are quick to tell me they love when there’s post-wedding Pimms or G&Ts served out of the quaint mint green shepherds huts positioned around the grounds.

Staff are also waiting for the day a bride will ask to arrive by boat on their little launch. Today, you can book in for afternoon tea and bubbles as you putter up the river towards Windsor. The Whisky Snug tucked inside The Pavilion’s upper levels looks like a great spot for pre-wedding drinks for one half of the bridal party.

Dining and Drinks to Delight

As guests, we’re dining at The Monkey Island Brasserie downstairs, which would make for seriously top-notch wedding fare.

The focus is on local produce, which wins out on delicate beetroot and goats cheese salad with house made apple gel, and braised leek with earthy mushroom broth. Also local are the sparkling wines, with the area quickly becoming known for sharing the same climate as the Champagne region in France.

Whether you’re looking for a spot to say I do, or start off your honeymoon in style, Monkey Island Estate’s romantic stays are worth putting on your radar.

About Lisa Perkovic: Lisa has spent the past decade travelling the world writing for Australia’s leading newspapers, magazines, and blogs about all things travel. Her own honeymoon was her pièce de résistance – an epic journey to the Maldives and South Africa. Now she loves nothing more than sharing destinations and tips to help other newlyweds work out how to have the honeymoon of their dreams.