Have you ever walked into your hotel room or cruise cabin after a long day, only to be greeted by a fluffy swan, a cheeky bunny, or even a crocodile made entirely out of towels? If so, you’re not alone in feeling a little spark of joy (and maybe a giggle) at the sight.
Towel art—sometimes called towel origami or towel twisting—has become a delightful tradition in hotels, cruise ships, and B&Bs around the world, adding a touch of whimsy to your stay and making you feel just that little bit more special.
But have you ever wondered who’s behind these adorable creations, or how on earth they manage to twist, fold, and roll those towels into such lifelike animals? Well, wonder no more!
Monique Sheena Platon, a cabin steward aboard the Marella Discovery cruise ship, is pulling back the curtain on the secret art of towel twisting!
Meet Monique: The Towel Twisting Maestro
Originally from the Philippines, Monique has been working her magic on the high seas since 2019. In just seven years, she’s built up an impressive portfolio of towel animals, from classic honeymoon swans to playful frogs, dogs, crabs, and even the occasional crocodile. Her mission? To make guests smile every time they return to their room.
‘Every time they come back and see a new towel shape, they become even happier,’ Monique says. And it’s not just about the classics—she loves surprising guests with shapes they’ve never seen before. ‘The best shapes are the ones you don’t see often,’ she adds.
The Art (and Science) of Towel Twisting
So, what goes into creating these fluffy masterpieces? According to Monique, it’s all about practice, creativity, and a bit of visual learning. She started out in housekeeping, but quickly discovered a knack for towel art. Rather than attending fancy art classes, Monique honed her skills by watching YouTube tutorials and experimenting with new designs.
Her repertoire includes everything from speedy 15-second bunnies and spiders to the show-stopping crocodile, which can take up to five minutes and requires multiple towels (and sometimes an extra pair of hands!).
The crocodile, she says, is reserved for special occasions like birthdays, while the smaller animals are perfect for everyday surprises.
A Day in the Life of a Towel Artist
You might think that creating these towel animals is a time-consuming process, but Monique has it down to a fine art. The more complex designs, like the crocodile, take just three to five minutes, while the simpler ones can be whipped up in seconds. And while most guests are delighted by her creations, there’s always room for a bit of fun and mischief.
‘Sometimes guests guess the designs wrong—they think a dog is a penguin, for example,’ Monique laughs. ‘And sometimes they play tricks on us, like putting shoes under the bed and draping a towel to make it look like someone’s hiding!’
How to Make Your Own Towel Animals at Home
Inspired to try your hand at towel art? Monique recommends starting small, with simple designs using flannels or hand towels. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can work your way up to more elaborate creations.
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to making Monique’s signature frog:
1. For the body, take a large towel, fold it in half, and roll both ends tightly towards the centre.
2. Fold the rolled towel in half, then pull out the corners to form the frog’s legs.
3. For the head, use a hand towel, folding it into triangles and shaping it to resemble a frog’s face.
4. Attach the head to the body, and if you’re feeling fancy, add some googly eyes for extra character!
And there you have it—a towel frog in under three minutes! Of course, the possibilities are endless: bears, dogs, crabs, spiders, and more! Social media is full of tutorials and inspiration, so don’t be afraid to get creative.
Why Towel Art Matters
It might seem like a small thing, but towel art is about more than just folded fabric. It’s a way for hotel and cruise staff to connect with guests, brighten their day, and add a personal touch to their stay. For many travellers, these little surprises become cherished memories—and sometimes even the highlight of the trip!
So next time you find a towel animal waiting for you, take a moment to appreciate the skill and care that went into it. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try making one yourself at home? It’s a fun activity for all ages, and a great way to bring a bit of holiday magic into your everyday routine.
Key Takeaways
- Towel art has become a popular way for hotels and cruise ships to surprise guests, with creative designs such as swans, bunnies, crocodiles and dogs.
- Monique Sheena Platon, a cabin steward from the Philippines working on Marella Cruises, has mastered a wide range of towel sculptures to bring a smile to passengers’ faces.
- Some designs, like the crocodile, are more complex and require multiple towels and even teamwork, but Monique can complete most shapes in just a few minutes.
- Beginners interested in towel art are encouraged to start with simple designs, using online tutorials and visual learning, before progressing to more advanced creations.
Have you ever been wowed by a towel animal on your travels? Or maybe you’ve tried your hand at towel twisting yourself? Share your stories, photos, and tips in the comments below—we’d love to see your creations and hear about your favourite towel art memories!
