Team Pick: Our team member’s holiday highlights
One of our team (Susan) recently returned from her own Channel Islands break and came back full of recommendations. Over an idyllic 5 day break, the best moments come from leaving time for coastal detours, long lunches, spontaneous market shopping and unhurried strolls through pretty harbour streets. Fresh from her trip, here are the highlights and hidden gems from our colleague Susan’s own trip to Jersey during August.
1. Boutique indulgence at The Club Hotel & Spa, Jersey
Staying at the Club is an indulgence like nothing else. From the moment of arrival, the team are incredibly welcoming , and everyone goes out of their way to make your stay extra-special. The outdoor pool with its feature water-fall and sun terrace is like a small paradise and feels like the ultimate Island hidden gem. The Michelin starred Bohemia adds a special-occasion feel to a stay with its incredible dining, and the made-to-order breakfasts coming out of the same kitchen are exceptional – the smoked salmon and scrambled eggs was a particular highlight. After a leisurely Afternoon Tea on the rooftop terrace, and some time in the spa or a visit to the Club Bar to sample the Lanique Rose cocktails, it’s all too easy to forget to venture outside the hotel and explore the rest of Jersey.
2. A waterfront stay at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Jersey
The Radisson Blu Hotel situated on reclaimed land by the Marina in St. Helier offers the best sea-views imaginable from some of its spacious, luxurious rooms. The outdoor terrace overlooking the Marina is the best place to enjoy table-service drinks and bar meals, with live music at the weekends. The fitness room and pool with sauna and steam have bay views, and when you’re ready to see more of St. Helier, you’re only a 5 minute walk from the centre of town. In the evenings, a post-dinner walk along the pier and back is the best way to finish your day and watch the sun fade and dip below the horizon… and you can flip this in the mornings if you’re an early riser!
3. The seafront walk from St. Helier to St. Aubin
One of the standout recommendations from the trip is the walk from St. Helier to St. Aubin. The route follows the sweep of St. Aubin’s Bay on a mostly flat promenade for around 4 miles (or along the beach itself), making it a relaxed way to enjoy sea views, cafés, beach stops and the changing coastal scenery. St. Aubin makes a lovely reward at the end with its harbour, restaurants and relaxed village atmosphere for an outdoor drink at the superb Boat House or an ice cream from the harbour. You can hop on the bus back to St. Helier, or take Le Petit Train for a leisurely guided tour back into St. Helier
4. Outdoor swimming at Havre de Pas
If you can tear yourself away from the hotels’ leisure facilities, outdoor swimming at Havre de Pas is an entirely different experience. On warm sunshiney days (or year-round for the hardy), the outdoor pool at Havre de Pas is replenished by the tide twice a day, and the excellent facilities include changing rooms, toilets, café, smaller children’s pool and lifeguards. Sea swimming has never been so appealing and the Victorian design makes for a beautiful visit even if you don’t intend on taking the plunge.
Top tips for any Jersey visit
- Make time for lunch at Hugo’s. It’s a great place in St. Helier for a relaxed lunch people-watching, especially if you want somewhere central before an afternoon of exploring.
- Pick up ice cream at La Frégate before a beach walk. Its seafront setting near the beach at St. Helier and close to the outdoor water feature makes it a lovely stop on sunny days.
- Enjoy al fresco drinks on Liberation Square. Sitting by the fountain is a memorable way to soak up the St. Helier atmosphere.
- Take Le Petit Train from St. Aubin to St. Helier. After walking one way along the bay, hop aboard for an easy, scenic return journey along the seafront.
- Book popular restaurants early. Waterfront tables and well-known seafood spots can fill up, especially in peak season. Book for the best table in the house!
Ready to plan your own Channel Islands holiday?
Whether you’re dreaming of a relaxed Jersey beach break, a Guernsey island-hopping itinerary or a slower escape to Sark and Herm, our team can help match you with the right island, accommodation and travel arrangements. Speak to us about creating a holiday that includes the best of the Channel Islands, with plenty of room for your own favourite discoveries.