It’s too easy when daydreaming of escaping the daily grind to imagine getting away as far as our savings will possibly take us.
We’re all guilty of underestimating the benefits of staying a little bit closer to home – say, the Channel Islands.
Just a 50-minute flight from London, Jersey has everything you could want from a weekend away – even in winter.
Refreshing, wave-crashed beach walks, Michelin-star meals to splurge on, tax-free shopping. And that’s without even getting on to how relaxing being on an island feels…
Here’s our guide to making the most of a spa break in Jersey.
Where to stay
Sure, we all want to feel spoilt during a hotel stay. But we also want to feel comfy, and at home.
The Club Hotel and Spa has got that vibe down just right. It’s not too big a hotel, so you don’t feel overwhelmed in any way. There’s no drama when it comes to getting around – it takes only a few minutes to walk to the shops in St Helier, the capital of Jersey, and it’s just a short taxi or bus ride from the airport.
Then, there’s the spa bit: As well as a salt water pool, you’ll find a soul-soothing salt cabin, a herbal steam room and an experience shower (think: the feeling of an invigorating waterfall on your skin, with therapeutic lighting surrounding you… just try it). Oh, and the hotel has a gorgeous outside pool, too.
In winter, you can step from the bar to one of the big, comfy chairs next to the hotel’s private miniature library – I curled up amongst the complimentary books (and board games) with a big G&T.
Which treatments to try
The treatment we recommend in particular at The Club Hotel and Spa? The mysterious-sounding algae wrap.
Indeed, you might wonder why on earth you’d want seaweed on your skin, but it replenishes and detoxifies you, we’ll have you know.
It also helps with a reduction in fluid retention (it’s especially good for your digestive system, basically).
After a round of body brushing, there’s a glow-inducing mineral salt scrub before a slathering of marine algae.
The most unusual feeling throughout the treatment is probably the moment of being wrapped in foil to keep the heat in your body.
But you won’t think about the weirdness for long because you’ll be too busy enjoying a mind-numbing pressure point facial and scalp massage.
There’s a relaxation room for before, or after, your treatment. Pop on the headphones attached to your reclining seat, sip on a fruit tea and drift off (what else did you plan to do on a spa break?), thanks to some seriously sleep-inducing mood lighting and music. An accurate representation of living your best life.
Also be sure to grab a magazine and make the most of the giant beanbags perched poolside at least one time during your stay. Note to self: only visit spas with beanbags from now on.
What to eat
OK, so after all that work you’ve put into relaxing, you’re gonna need serious refuelling. Jersey actually has four Michelin-starred restaurants – when you think the island is only nine miles by five, that’s pretty impressive.
And, if you plan your trip for October or November, you’ll also catch the Eat Jersey festival, with several pop-up events to feast at.
A personal highlight was our meal at the Ocean Restaurant in the Atlantic Hotel, near the beautiful surf spot of St Ouen’s Bay.
Executive Head Chef Mark Jordan hosted a lunch with Michelin-starred chef Nathan Outlaw as part of the festival.
With a view out to the waves, we tried raw Jersey scallops with bacon, hake in a cider and clotted cream (what a combination) sauce and a dessert worthy of being remembered on your deathbed – a chocolate souffle tart. Basically, two desserts in one. Life made.
But Jersey’s food scene is buzzing throughout the whole year. Post-cocktails in the bar, splurge on the crazy wonderful experience of a tasting menu at Bohemia, The Club Hotel and Spa’s Michelin-star restaurant (we had eight courses, no biggie). They also offer a surprise six-course tasting menu – you’re looking at prices from £59 per person for dinner here.
For a less extravagant meal, on peaceful walks to see the boats bobbing in the harbour in St Helier, keep an eye out for food vans selling fresh Jersey scallops. There’s nothing quite as blissful as eating seafood while standing in the fresh sea air.
Where to explore
If you’re glued to that beanbag in the hotel spa for pretty much the entirety of your stay – hey, no judgment. But if you do fancy seeing more of the island, the best way is probably by bus – yes, something you may normally think of your nan doing, but it’s cheaper than hiring a car and there seemed to be a pretty regular and reliable service.
You can explore each corner of coast this way – from St Aubin’s Bay, which is ideal for wakeboarding, cycling around the sweeping sands or just chilling, to the caves near Plemont beach where you can trek to chase waterfalls and swim through deep, sandy pools, to walking across blustery cliffs on the north of the island. You might even spot nearby islands in the distance if it’s a clear enough day.
f you’re glued to that beanbag in the hotel spa for pretty much the entirety of your stay – hey, no judgment. But if you do fancy seeing more of the island, the best way is probably by bus – yes, something you may normally think of your nan doing, but it’s cheaper than hiring a car and there seemed to be a pretty regular and reliable service.
You can explore each corner of coast this way – from St Aubin’s Bay, which is ideal for wakeboarding, cycling around the sweeping sands or just chilling, to the caves near Plemont beach where you can trek to chase waterfalls and swim through deep, sandy pools, to walking across blustery cliffs on the north of the island. You might even spot nearby islands in the distance if it’s a clear enough day.
You’ll leave the runway at St Helier feeling like you’ve been abroad (warning: your mobile network actually might not work here). But, really, you won’t have even left the UK. It’s a pretty unique – and, yes, relaxing – feeling…
Rooms at The Club Hotel & Spa start from £99 for a standard double and £245 for a suite inclusive of breakfast. Fly to Jersey from numerous UK airports in around an hour, with British Airways, EasyJet and Flybe. For more info on Jersey head to Visit Jersey.