Luxury, history and relaxation in the Channel Islands

Shara Smith on 29 September 2019
What a wonderful week spent working and exploring Guernsey and Herm.

The Channel Islands are on our door step, with so much charm, history, sights and beautiful reasons to visit for your holiday. The second-largest of the Channel Islands, Guernsey is home to stunning beaches, spectacular coastal walks, hidden coves and beautiful countryside filled with wildflowers. Discover an 800-year-old fortress guarding the harbour, absorbing museums and the compact capital St Peter Port, often described as Europe's prettiest harbour town.

I stayed at The Old Government House (Red Carnation Hotel), the only 5 star hotel on the island. I visited 8 other luxury hotels on the island and there was a common theme - outstanding service, boutique luxury rooms, fantastic location and stunning views!

I loved the country feel whilst being so close to beautiful beaches. I had some of the most delicious food whilst here, be prepared for generous portions too. I loved the dog friendly approach throughout the islands, coming from someone who loves to travel with her 4 legged friends! Lots of character throughout the island, Guernsey and Herm should be on your bucket list, a great place to unwind, run a business, or perhaps even retire!

I wanted to talk about my second favourite hotel which also happens to be a Red Carnation Hotel - The Duke of Richmond. For anyone familiar with Uniworld River Cruises - you'll know the classic boutique style j'adore! At The Duke of Richmond and The Old Government House Hotel & Spa, generous hospitality, exquisite dining and a warm welcome awaits. DOR has a wonderful modern, boutique African flare which really makes your eyes wonder in a favourable way! This property is 4 star unlike OGH, both very different but the star rating I can assure has no bearing on the property or service.

Summertime is simply a beautiful time to visit, I felt like I was stepping back into old England, perhaps because I also watched the film 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' before I arrived. A film worth a watch... but even better would be a visit. I also got the local ferry across to Herm whilst I was there, only a 20 - 30 minute journey but well worth the visit, lovely walk around the Island and perhaps even Kayak in summer months.

There are many history tours I recommend taking (throughout the Channel Islands but certainly Guernsey). There are German Bunkers still all around the island offering a unique step back in time. Some you can go inside, others are left to the imagination. We had a wonderful tour guide who I'd only be too happy to recommend to anyone visiting. Victor Hugo also is a rather iconic figure on Guernsey and holds a few tails or two. For those unsure of who Victor was, he wrote Les Miserables when he moved to the island.

If you're interested in visiting any of the Channel Islands, do give me a call. Nothing is too much trouble to arrange from a charter flight to a ferry, everything is in reach and anything is possible.

Do keep in mind the Channel Islands get booked up very quickly over term times, consider booking ahead or visiting out of season.