Having never been to Jersey before, I decided to check the place out for myself, dragging my Mum along for the ride. Now, the only thing I knew about Jersey is that they have cows there that make delicious cream, but the island has a lot more to offer than that.
Situated in the heart of St. Helier, Jersey lies The Club Hotel and Spa, a beautiful AA Red Star hotel that offers guests everything they could need for an indulgent spa weekend.
After a 45 minute flight we arrived at The Club Hotel and Spa and threw ourselves headfirst in to their afternoon tea. Try their Classic offering which includes a selection of Herbal teas, scones with strawberry jam, Jersey Black Butter & clotted cream, sandwiches and Cakes & fancies (Gariguette Strawberry & Mint, Iced lolly Pina Colada, Délice Black Cherry & Chocolate Delight) –Whew!
To work off all those (delicious) calories we took a short walk though town and hopped on a bus to Gorey Pier. Jersey is full of history, and has 10 castle and forts remains on the island. If you only have time to see one, I suggest Mount Orgueil (Also know as Gorey Castle). The place has been meticulously preserved to show visitors what life was like when the castle was functioning. There is so much to see that you could spend a whole day here, but even after just a morning I felt immersed in the history of the building. However long you spend here, get yourself up to the very top of the site where you will be greeted with the most spectacular views of Jersey, the Channel Islands, and even the coast line of France.
Another short bus ride from the city centre and you’ll find yourself at The Jersey War Tunnels. If you only venture out of the hotel to do one thing on your visit to the Island, make sure it’s this. The Jersey War Tunnels are without a doubt one of the most amazing collections of wartime memorabilia, which tells the story of the German occupation of the Jersey Isles. You will come out of this place a lot richer in knowledge and moved by the amount of personal stories of the history of the Island.
After a quick trip back to the hotel on a local sightseeing bus (where we learnt even more about the island) we arrived back at the hotel for an afternoon of Spa treatments. The Club Spa boasts four treatment rooms, and indoor salt-water pool and outdoor pool hidden in a Mediterranean Oasis. Is that enough? No? Ok, then they also have a Thermal Suite that comprises a Salt Cabin, Herbal Steam Room, Sauna and Experience Shower – everything you could need for total relaxation. I went for a mineral Salt Glow Scrub that, after only a 25-minute treatment, left my body feeling smoother than ever before, while my Mum decided to de-stress with an hour long all over body muscle massage. As someone who’s never been interested in spa treatments, after the healing hands of The Club’s amazing therapists my Mum is now a convert who wants a massage every week!
With all that sightseeing, and spa-ness you’ll have no doubt worked up an appetite. But don’t fear, you won’t have to go far for the best food in Jersey; in fact, all you have to do is walk downstairs. Yes, The Club Hotel is home to one of the best restaurants in Britain; Bohemia. With Head Chef Steve Smith at the helm, Bohemia has won a load of awards and praise (a Michelin Star, 4AA Rosettes, listed in The Sunday Times Top 100 Restaurants, do I need to go on?). Smith has created a range of tasting menus that are guaranteed to amaze you. We went for the Prestige Menu (because why wouldn’t we?), which consisted of 12 courses, yes 12! It’s no wonder the food here is award winning. Each course surpassed the last and with things like ‘gin and tonic foam’ for one of the desert dishes you’ll experience once-in-a-lifetime dishes.
In conclusion, Jersey has a lot more to offer than cows and cream. A short weekend stay will leave you feeling well fed and rested, with a little history education thrown in for good measure. Plus, flights to Jersey are cheap and less than an hour, so there really is no excuse not to visit!
*The Club Hotel & Spa, Green Street, St. Helier, Jersey JE2 4UH, Channel Islands *
For reservations please call: 01534 876 500 or visit www.theclubjersey.com
*Bohemia Bar & Restaurant, Green Street, St. Helier, Jersey JE2 4UH, Channel Islands *
For reservations please call: 01534 880 588 or visit www.bohemiajersey.com