In the cold winter months before spring starts to perk us up it’s good to be soothed and cocooned.
Post-festive exhaustion sets in, and a change of scene seems like a good plan. For some that might mean exotic far-flung territory, for others the lure of the ski slopes. If you want to make it easy on yourself, a jaunt to Jersey might just fit the bill.
A very short flight, no passport queues (you need some kind of ID but not a passport), and in our case a ten-minute taxi ride from the airport to hotel check-in.
Our destination was St Brelade’s Bay Hotel, an elegant seasidey hotel and spa with a breathtaking view out across the Atlantic Ocean. It is mini-break to the max.
A sweep of sandy bay, craggy cliffs and that charm of not-quite Britain and not-quite France.
We visited at the end of October with zero expectation but a smidgen of hope for sunshine. We’d left an appalling storm in the UK that had almost scuppered our travel plans, but the flight was easy and quick.
Once in our hotel room with its lovely balcony overlooking the bay, the vibe was set to chilled. There’s nothing like a sea view to calm and renew, especially with a glass of something nice in hand.
St Brelade’s Bay itself is a lovely spot. The water is very welcoming and when the sunshine came and stayed for the day that was all we needed to take the plunge. After an early sunrise walk along the sand, stopping for a coffee at a cute shack busy with dry-robed swimmers, surfers and dog-walkers, the lure of the sea was irresistible.
The best bit is that the beach is literally at the front door of the hotel and we weren't the only ones having a dip. Yes, the ocean in October is nippy but warmer than we expected and lovely to jump the waves. A hardened sea swimmer I am not, but this dose of vitamin sea was just what the doctor ordered.
The wave of wellbeing continued with a session at the hotel spa. This is a lovely space – with a large indoor pool for those who like to do their lengths, then lounge on a bed with a book. There’s a bubbling hot spa and fibre optic lit steam room, as well as three treatment rooms including one for couples to share, a relaxation room, nail bar, poolside loungers and views overlooking the hotel gardens.
These are stunning, with the tropical planting that this warm-climate island is known for – and an outside pool that opens seasonally.
The spa treatments are geared to your needs – I am a martyr to sinus problems and couldn't believe the effect a facial and sinus massage had – the therapist used eucalyptus oils and a gua sha tablet for a deep massage that left me feel refreshed and woken up. It was a highlight of the weekend.
We jumped on the bus to St Helier, the island’s capital for what turned out to be a shopping and mooching kind of day, enjoying the French-style squares with café tables and exploring the harbour.
It was hard to venture further from the hotel room though and our own lovely bay. We ate in the elegant restaurant overlooking the bay and feasted on a special local-produce menu enjoying scallops and plaice. Another night we ventured to a relaxed crab shack and oyster restaurant by the beach and watched the moonlight on the water. A dreamy little spot is St Brelade’s.
Bed and breakfast at St Brelade’s Bay costs from £158 per room per night valid until March 31, 2024, based on two people sharing. Spa packages are available until the end of March with prices starting from £83 per person.
For availability and to book call 01534 746141 or email at info@stbreladesbayhotel.com. stbreladesbayhotel.com
Things to do in Jersey
Tour the tunnels
Jersey War Tunnels tells the true story of wartime Jersey in a way that no other visitor attraction does. It’s the best place to get a true picture of what life was really like in Jersey during WWII. The exhibition is housed within an underground tunnel complex, built by the Germans using slave labour.
Take a sea safari
RIB boat trips tour Jersey's beautiful coastline, offshore reefs and surrounding waters. Seafaris include Les Ecréhous, Les Minquiers, north coast and caves, France for lunch or dinner, dolphin spotting and so much more. Suitable for all, whether it's scenery, wildlife or an adrenaline fix.
Island feast
Foodies can feed their souls with continental flavours from lobsters, oysters Jersey Royal potatoes and Jersey dairy ice cream. Throughout the year there is a programme of food festivals and the island is home to many artisans who open for tours.
More ideas: jersey.com
