If the Covid-19 pandemic has taught the general population anything, it's that you do not have to go too far to appreciate what is at your doorstep. In Ireland, holiday makers rediscovered the beauty of the west coast and the hustle and bustle of cities like Galway and Cork, while travel restrictions in the UK enabled people to finally visit locations they've had on their bucket lists for years.
Now that the world has opened up again, we can all continue to travel locally while not having to compromise on luxury, as was the case with my stay in The Club Hotel & Spa in Jersey.
Being just a 45 minute flight from London and now connected to both Dublin and Belfast, the island located just 14 miles (22km) off the coast of France offers distinct scenery ranging from coastlines to cliffs and various activities for those looking for adventure.
However, if luxury, rest and relaxation sounds like a more appealing way to spend a few days, then The Club Hotel and Spa is the perfect venue.
Bohemia at the Club Hotel and Spa.Located in the capital of St Helier, the hotel offers 38 deluxe rooms and eight suites, and is conveniently located within walking distance of all the town's attractions - that is if you can justify leaving the premises at all. Everything you would require is at your disposal, including spa treatments, an indoor and outdoor pool as well as a connected Michelin-star restaurant.
On my arrival, I was greeted by manager Tim Phillips, who explained to me that upon the hotel and restaurant's establishment in 2005, the aim was to bring a touch of luxury to the island - and that it did achieve. Within 18 months the restaurant achieved a Michelin star - something that it has proudly retained every year since with three different chefs.
While I had but a short visit, it was one that was undoubtedly highlighted by the seven-course tasting menu in Bohemia. Led by head chef Callum Graham, the restaurant offers customers a classic, vegetarian or pescatarian menu for £109, the ingredients for which are sourced locally and served in season. I opted for the classic, which had stand-outs such as Foie Gras Parfait, Local White Crab Meat and a mojito dome for dessert.
The pescatarian menu replaces duck salad and lamb dishes with cured and torched local mackerel and seabass and caviar, with all options being complimented by a choice of wine.
Alternatively meals can be left to the hands of the chef with the daily changing six-course Surprise Menu, made using ingredients sourced that day. I went into the seven-course menu with some scepticism as to how much it would satisfy me due to the intricate portions, but it is safe to say that I left the meal fulfilled, and even had to decline the optional cheese board.
Bohemia Bar located beside the restaurant is also open for more casual drinks, and appears to be popular among locals. Classic cocktails such as martinis and mojitos were available, with the more extravagant 1970s vintage negroni or palomita also sure to be must-tries for cocktail enthusiasts. Outside, The Terrace was bustling with work colleagues enjoying the heat, while for guests there is also a residents-only Honesty Bar with a bookshelf to spend a few hours relaxing.
The spa treatments at the Club are ones that can be enjoyed by individuals, couples or friends and come in a variety of options depending on requirements. With five treatments rooms and packages including 'Pregnancy Indulgence' and 'Mother To Be Treat', the spa sets itself up as the ideal location for a luxury pampering to celebrate any occasion. I personally opted to take a dip in the outdoor pool which includes a terrace on Saturday morning. However, the inside thermal suite includes a salt cabin, herbal steam room, experience shower and salt pool which can all be enjoyed by guests.
Breakfast options are also plentiful with a continental option and buffet selection available. The a la carte breakfast menu similarly brings a touch of luxury with dishes including ingredients such as grilled kipper and picked crab meat - all of which is completed through table service.
Jersey itself has a rich history, of which visitors can get an overview by visiting the nearby Jersey Museum and Art Gallery. Inside is a small theatre which delves into the English and French connections, military and defensive importance and its current status as a hub of financial services. The largely car-free streets also provide a slow and calm shopping experience with outdoor seating at pubs and restaurants being the norm. St Helier is also well-connected to the remainder of the island, with bus stops within walking distance of The Club Hotel bringing you to various locations and attractions when you want to see the remainder of what the island has to offer.
With just a few weeks of summer left, The Club and Jersey would undoubtedly be the perfect location to wind down and catch the last of the sun. However, regardless of the time of year you visit Jersey, you can be sure that the feel of a luxury escape will be guaranteed at the Club.
For more information visit www.theclubjersey.com
