Along with Guernsey the only remaining vestige of the Duchy of Normandy, Jersey remains an unspoilt and charming escape only three hours from London. The island’s outstanding beauty has attracted a significant amount of investment over the years, and the island is full of fantastic hotels and restaurants to explore and enjoy. With fifty miles of coastline, there are plenty of walks and water sports, and inland the quaint Norman farmhouses and sleepy country lanes lend a very French feel to this English-speaking enclave.
Jersey’s hotel market has evolved somewhat over the last few years, and what has thrived is high-end luxury with a contemporary twist. The most renowned hotel is probably Longueville Manor, one of only two five star residences on the island. Set in an historic and elegant 14th century manor house, it is a perfect country escape to relax and indulge in. Indeed, the Longueville Manor restaurant is among the best in Jersey and combines high-level culinary expertise with the use of local produce (much of it grown in its own gardens) to provide first-class Anglo-French cuisine to excite even the most experienced of diners. The wine list that accompanies contains some exceptional wines, with some interesting and surprising selections by the talented sommelier.
For those who prefer to stay closer to town, The Club is enviably situated within the centre of the capital St Helier. With its slick modern feel and stylish boutique opulence it provides an altogether different luxury experience. The Club Spa provides a comprehensive selection of treatments to cater to every guest’s relaxation tastes. But it’s the food that’s the piece de resistance here. The Club’s restaurant, Bohemia, is truly exceptional. One of only two Michelin starred restaurants on the island, it is one of the finest in the British isles. The extraordinary and innovative cooking offers such delights as roast venison with chocolate tortellini and three hour cooked duck egg with new season morels and asparagus, and again offers an opportunity to sample local Jersey produce. All this is complimented by a superb selection of wines and faultless understated service.
Also in St Helier, the recently expanded Royal Yacht Hotel boasts a large selection of modern luxury rooms and spa, and its town centre location and number of bars means that it is great night spot for those who wish to carry their nights on a little later. It also offers a particularly splendid afternoon tea. Visit www.luxuryjerseyhotels.com for more information.
If you venture a little outside of the capital, this is where Jersey really reveals its rustic beauty and charm. The parish of St Brelade with its delightful village set into the bay is home to the Oyster Box, a terrific seafood restaurant which is very popular with locals and tourists alike; the oysters, unsurprisingly, are a highlight. Also in St Brelade is The Atlantic Hotel, which boasts superb sea views and a charming mixture of old and new as well as the Atlantic, the island’s other Michelin starred restaurant. It’s very popular with golf fans as one of the best courses on the island, La Moye, backs on to the hotel.
With some of Jersey’s real gems lying outside St Helier, it is difficult to get a true feel for it without having travelled around the various parts of the island. One easy way to do this is to take a tour of the island. In the summer you may try a cyling or walking tour with the ever-knowledgeable Arthur the blue badge guide or, and if you are feeling a little more adventurous, why not take a tour with the increasingly popular ‘Limobikes’, riding round the island in style leather-clad on the back of a Harley Davidson?
With its tranquil bucolic beauty, impressive hotels and fine dining, there is a great deal more to Jersey than meets the eye. As they say in Jersey, it is a small island with a big personality, and at such a short distance from both Britain and France, it is a relaxing weekend destination that it is very easy to keep returning to.
We’ve also got an exclusive offer for Quintessentially Members. For stays between Jan 1 and March 31st 2011 Members are offered four nights for the price of three at luxury Jersey hotels mentioned, subject to availability. Bookings would need to be made with the hotels direct quoting ‘Quintessentially 4 for 3 offer’ and a membership card would need to be shown at the hotel. The offer applies to all hotels in Luxury Jersey Hotels.
Quintessentially flew from London Gatwick to Jersey Airport with British Airways: book via www.britishairways.com or call + 44 (0)844 493 0787 for reservations and general enquiries.
