OK!’s Samantha Reilly took a one-hour flight to Jersey for a spa break with her mum, packed with sun, sand and seafood delights
Jersey is just a short hop by plane, but feels like a world away(Image: visit jersey)
A tiny emerald jewel in the English Channel, neither quite part of the UK nor part of the EU, Jersey has an out-of-time feel, as though our short flight has taken us not only across the water, but some 20 years or so into the past. It feels gentle, rolling, sun-kissed… and like there might be a Famous Five adventure happening somewhere nearby.
The largest of the Channel Islands, and only 14 miles from the French coast, Jersey beautifully blends British and French influences. Think charming seaside cafés serving overflowing bowls of wine-laced moules or butter-glazed Jersey Royal potatoes. Life moves at a slower pace, but there’s so much variety on this one tiny island. One moment you’re in a lively town, and the next you’re surrounded by sea air, winding country lanes and peaceful villages.
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It’s spotlessly clean, incredibly friendly and full of natural beauty. There are dramatic lighthouse dotted coastlines, sandy bays and green fields where golden Jersey cows munch endlessly.
There is also, and this appealed greatly to my mother and I, a host of beautiful spa facilities to indulge in after you have finished exploring.
How to get to Jersey and around the island
Rather than traipse to one of the major airports, we flew direct from London Southend (the route is brand new) and you’re barely up in the air before you’re coming down again.
Ryde Taxis, Jersey’s answer to Uber, were there to pick us up, whisking us to our hotel in 20 minutes (the whole island is less than 40 minutes away, to be fair) and they chatted away about some island gems we shouldn’t miss. It’s a great way to get your bearings.
Places like St Brelade’s Bay offer pure relaxation, especially with the Sandytoes sauna, while Gorey Harbour has a distinctly Mediterranean feel with alfresco dining and ice cream spots. The capital, St Helier – home to around a third of the population, is bustling with its markets, shopping and excellent bus links to everywhere else.
Away from the towns, there’s plenty to explore, from castles to coastline. And the great thing is, because the place is only five miles by nine, you can cover so many in one trip.
The best places to stay in this golden island
Eager to try all the island offered, we started at The Club Hotel & Spa in St Helier. It’s a luxurious boutique stay, complete with a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, Michelin-starred restaurant and a rooftop cocktail bar (their whisky sour is excellent). We treated ourselves to a facial at the spa – easily one of the best I’ve had.
It’s a great place if good food is central to your holidays. First, you’re handy for a wander through historic St Helier Central Market and Beresford Street Fish Market, both integral parts of Jersey’s heritage, where independent traders have been selling for over 200 years.
Plus the hotel’s Bohemia Restaurant offers Michelin-starred dining, with seaweed sourdough and Bordier butter, and a cauliflower cheese doughnut I’ll never stop dreaming of.
For our final night, we headed east to The Moorings Hotel & Restaurant in Gorey. It was absolutely stunning, with spectacular sea views. A place to relax and drink it all in, we made the most of the sunshine with lunch on the terrace, followed by drinks in the cosy bar by the fire.
It’s the team who make this place so special. They told us about a hidden spot for locals on the beach, which we took full advantage of.
Where to find the best Jersey seafood and local delicacies
Apart from the hotels’ own eateries, we highly recommend slotting in times for three other gems. At St Brelade, The Oyster Box is right on the beach to tempt you after a sauna and swim.
The hollandaise crab on toast was a standout. The Salty Dog in St Aubin’s village came highly recommended by our taxi drivers – and didn’t disappoint. A great atmosphere plus fantastic artwork to buy alongside the food.
At Gorey harbour, Sumas Restaurant is casual but exceptional, with views of the castle. Mum, a huge seafood fan, said the lobster and scallops were the best she’s ever had.
Don’t miss these Jersey gems
The Sandytoes Sauna is my top tip. This Finnish-inspired, wood-fired sauna is right on the beach. Paired with a cold sea dip, it’s the most invigorating experience.
We also walked part of the Jersey Tidal Trail, which trundles the 48-mile circular coast, in eight scenic sections. We started at St Catherine’s Breakwater before heading out with Jersey Seafaris to the uninhabited islet of Les Écréhous, spotting seals along the way.
I loved our visit to La Mare Wine Estate. This vineyard and cider farm offers tastings of award-winning wine, cider and the famous Jersey black butter (which absolutely lives up to the hype), along with apple brandy liqueur, served in a chocolate cup.
And finally, Mont Orgueil Castle (known locally as Gorey Castle) is a fine medieval fortress. Towering over the harbour for more than eight centuries, it’s not for the fainthearted. The climb is steep – but absolutely worth it for the breathtaking views.
How to book this relaxing spa break
Fly from London Southend Airport to Jersey Mon or Thurs, from £17 one way. B&B at The Club Hotel & Spa in St Helier, from £209 for 2. Rooms at The Moorings Hotel & Restaurant in Gorey from £150pn. see visitjersey.com.