Our Senior Travel Consultant, Vicki, has just returned from a short trip to Jersey hosted by Premier Holidays, who are specialists in the Channel Islands. It was full of exciting adventures and beautiful sights. In this blog post, she shares some of the very best hotels to stay in when visiting Jersey, plus some of the must-see attractions and experiences.
A short 50 minute direct flight from Southampton with Blue Islands makes Jersey a very convenient and relaxing break. Alternatively, for those who don't want to fly, there is also the option of taking the ferry from either Poole or Portsmouth.
For this trip, her base was The Merton Hotel in St Helier, the main town on the island. The Merton is a family-friendly hotel with excellent facilities such as a leisure club, an outdoor pool, and a choice of restaurants. The hotel also boasts a Flowrider surf simulator and water slides. The location is ideal being located close to the main area in St. Helier and also close to the beach, making it perfect for families who want to enjoy the sun and sea.
The Pomme d'Or is centrally located in the heart of St. Helier. The hotel boasts a stylish bar and restaurant overlooking the harbour, and its location makes it an ideal base to explore the island. The Pomme d'Or Hotel played a significant role in the liberation of Jersey during World War II. It was the headquarters of the German forces during the occupation, and it was here that the German commander, General Major Heinz von Aulock, signed the document of surrender on May 9, 1945. Today, the hotel has a fascinating exhibition that commemorates the island's liberation and the role that the Pomme d'Or played in it.
After that, she visited the Radisson Blu Waterfront, which is located in a prime position overlooking Elizabeth Marina. It's directly in front of the Freedom Tree unveiled by Her Majesty The Queen in 2005 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the people of Jersey. The hotel has a contemporary design and offers stunning views of the marina and St. Aubin's Bay.
She then had a wine tasting at La Mare Wine Estate, which is a beautiful vineyard located in the heart of the island. The estate produces a range of award-winning wines, ciders, and spirits, and Vicki was able to sample some of the delicious products and famous Jersey fudge.
Finally, she watched the sunset on the west coast at Staks La Pulente while enjoying a lovely meal, consisting of freshly-caught prawns and smoky BBQ ribs. The restaurant is located on the beach and offers stunning views of the sea and the sunset.
After a healthy breakfast at The Merton, it was time for Vicki to continue her tour of the island's top accommodations. On day 2, Vicki toured L'Horizon Beach Hotel, which is a luxury hotel located on the beachfront in St Brelade's Bay. The hotel has a spa, an outdoor pool, and a choice of restaurants, making it an ideal location for a relaxing break.
In the afternoon, Vicki visited the fascinating WW2 tunnels, which are a network of tunnels built during the German occupation of the island. The tunnels are now open to the public and offer a unique insight into Jersey's history.
She also visited The Club Hotel, which is a stylish hotel located in the heart of St. Helier. The hotel has a range of facilities such as a spa, an indoor pool, and a choice of restaurants, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy the city's sights and sounds.
In the evening, she went to The Quayside Restaurant for the most amazing scallops and belly pork, followed by a fresh lobster with herbed Jersey new potatoes.
The Grand Jersey Hotel is another luxurious hotel that Vicki visited. It's located on St Helier's esplanade and boasts stunning views of St. Aubin's Bay. The hotel has a range of facilities such as a spa, an indoor pool, and a choice of restaurants, making it an ideal location for a relaxing break.
The Greenhills Country House Hotel is a charming hotel located in the heart of the Jersey countryside. The hotel has a French chateau feel to it, with rustic beams and homely interiors. The property is set in beautiful gardens and has a range of facilities such as a spa, a tennis court, and a choice of restaurants. It's the perfect location for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some peace and quiet.
One of Vicki's final activities was a stroll along St. Aubin's Bay to sample some delicious ice cream made from Jersey milk. The bay is a beautiful location with stunning views of the sea and the surrounding countryside. It's a popular spot for water sports and is home to a range of wonderful restaurants and cafes.
It was then time for Vicki to head back to the airport for her flight back to Hampshire, but not without bringing back a bag of freshly dug Jersey new potatoes as a souvenir!
Overall, Vicki had a fantastic trip to Jersey with Premier Holidays. She visited a range of hotels, each with its own unique character and charm. She also had the opportunity to explore the island's fascinating history, from the WW2 tunnels to the role that the Pomme d'Or played in the liberation of Jersey. If you have never been to or considered a holiday to Jersey, then you truly are missing out. Speak to Vicki and the team at New Era Travel to create your bespoke trip to the island. Call 01962 396 100 or visit 22 West Street, Alresford for more details.
