Jersey #theislandbreak
It was just a three-day break, so we had a lot to do and see. After we got through the very small airport we went straight to our hotel. We were a group of four Travel Counsellors and two of us were staying at The Atlantic hotel and the other two were staying at The Merton hotel. Both amazing hotels but very different. The Merton is a very family orientated hotel with a variety of water slides around the pool area, hot dog van by the side of the pool and generally a very family friendly hotel. The Atlantic is also a family friendly hotel but prides itself in being a part of 'the small luxury hotels'. It is a 5* hotel and spa and is very popular for those who really want to unwind relax and take in the beautiful surroundings. I was put in the Atlantic so was very happy as my few days away also meant a little break from the kids. What better place to do it in?
After a very quick check in and freshen up, a lovely gentleman called Mark picked us up to go on a history live tour of the island. Off we went in the glorious sunshine to learn about how Jersey got to where it is now and how the Germans took over the island in WWII. Right around the edges of the island they still have the bunkers dotted every couple of miles. Most of these are now privately owned and turned into houses and some even restaurants. We looked at the Jersey potato fields and visited some of the oldest buildings across the island. A lovely afternoon spent with Mark who was extremely passionate about his island and its heritage. For dinner that evening we visited a beautiful restaurant, Sumas in St Martins. The food was outstanding, and the location was perfect overlooking the sea. We then went back to the hotel for a very much needed night’s sleep.
We had an early start as we were going paddle boarding! To say I was nervous was an understatement. Carrying a bit more weight than normal and not being a very good swimmer, I had no idea what to expect. We had a very brief tutorial and off we went straight into the sea. I thought there was no way I was going to be able to paddle around the island into the little cove next door but much to my surprise I got on my board (on my knees) and off I went. I was actually moving! It was quite a physical activity and five minutes in I could feel my thighs hurting. Anyway, I carried on and away I went. Halfway around I thought I would try and stand up! As soon as I got halfway up I fell straight back down and into the sea. I thought it would be freezing but it was actually quite refreshing. Back onto my board I got and carried on (on my knees) until I reached the other side. We stopped in the breath-taking cove for 10 minutes before heading back. The current was on our side this time, so it was a lot more relaxing and less work heading back.
Lunch that afternoon was spent in a very random but unique ‘barbeque on the beach’ style restaurant called Falkner’s Fisheries. This looked nothing from the outside but let me tell you it was amazing. It was set around an old bunker where you picked what seafood you wanted, and the guys cooked it on the BBQ for you. We then sat on the benches overlooking the sea with a lovely cold beer and ate our lunch. You have to eat here if you visit, it is amazing!
After lunch we had a few hours before the style awards, so I decided to relax with a glass of wine whilst getting ready. We were picked up by a Bentley (talk about arriving in style) and dropped off at The Royal Jersey Showground. Greeted with Champagne and glorious sunshine - what better way to spend a Thursday evening. Guests arrived and stars such as Alesha Dixon and Gemma Collins rocked the red carpet. The evening went on and the awards were presented with awards such as Restaurant of the Year, Wine List of the Year, Independent Retailer of the Year and Visitor Attraction of the Year to name a few. The night was truly fabulous, and I was honoured to be a part of it. As the night drew to a close we headed back to our hotels.
On Friday morning we had some time to relax which was very much needed after a very busy couple of days. I had breakfast and decided to relax by the pool for an hour or two before check-out. A final spot of lunch in El Tico, which again was superb, and we headed off to the airport to catch our flight home.
Before visiting Jersey, I knew nothing about the island. It is an absolute hidden gem. The food is amazing, the people are amazing and most of all the beaches are amazing. If you have never visited Jersey I 100% recommend you go!
