This underrated island break in Jersey offers beach saunas, Michelin-starred food, and flights starting from just £17. Samantha Reilly from OK! magazine took a one-hour flight to Jersey for a spa break with her mother, enjoying sun, sand, and seafood delights.
A World Away in the English Channel
Jersey, a tiny emerald jewel in the English Channel, is neither part of the UK nor the EU, giving it an out-of-time feel. The short flight transports visitors not only across the water but also some 20 years into the past. The island feels gentle, rolling, and sun-kissed, evoking a sense of a Famous Five adventure waiting to happen.
The largest of the Channel Islands, located just 14 miles from the French coast, Jersey blends British and French influences beautifully. Charming seaside cafés serve overflowing bowls of wine-laced mussels or butter-glazed Jersey Royal potatoes. Life moves at a slower pace, yet the island offers variety: from lively towns to sea air, winding country lanes, and peaceful villages.
Clean, Friendly, and Full of Natural Beauty
Jersey is spotlessly clean, incredibly friendly, and brimming with natural beauty. Dramatic lighthouse-dotted coastlines, sandy bays, and green fields where golden Jersey cows graze are common sights. For those who enjoy relaxation after exploring, the island boasts a host of beautiful spa facilities.
Getting There and Around
Rather than using major airports, we flew direct from London Southend on a new route. The flight is so short that you are barely up before coming down. Ryde Taxis, Jersey's answer to Uber, picked us up and whisked us to our hotel in 20 minutes. The entire island is less than 40 minutes away, making it easy to get around. The friendly drivers shared island gems not to be missed.
Places to Explore
St Brelade's Bay offers pure relaxation, especially with the Sandytoes sauna, while Gorey Harbour has a Mediterranean feel with alfresco dining and ice cream spots. The capital, St Helier, home to about a third of the population, buzzes with markets, shopping, and excellent bus links. Away from towns, there are castles and coastline to explore. Since the island is only five miles by nine, visitors can cover a lot in one trip.
Best Places to Stay
We started at The Club Hotel & Spa in St Helier, a luxurious boutique stay with a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a rooftop cocktail bar. Their whisky sour is excellent. We treated ourselves to a facial at the spa, one of the best I have had. The hotel is handy for exploring historic St Helier Central Market and Beresford Street Fish Market, where independent traders have sold goods for over 200 years. The hotel's Bohemia Restaurant offers Michelin-starred dining, with seaweed sourdough, Bordier butter, and a cauliflower cheese doughnut to remember.
For our final night, we headed east to The Moorings Hotel & Restaurant in Gorey. It offers spectacular sea views, a relaxing atmosphere, lunch on the terrace, and drinks in the cosy bar by the fire. The team told us about a hidden spot for locals on the beach, which we enjoyed.
Best Seafood and Local Delicacies
Apart from hotel eateries, we recommend three other gems. At St Brelade, The Oyster Box is right on the beach, perfect after a sauna and swim. The hollandaise crab on toast stood out. The Salty Dog in St Aubin's village, recommended by our taxi drivers, offers a great atmosphere and fantastic artwork for sale alongside food. At Gorey harbour, Sumas Restaurant is casual but exceptional, with views of the castle. My mother, a seafood fan, said the lobster and scallops were the best she has ever had.
Don't Miss These Jersey Gems
Sandytoes Sauna is my top tip. This Finnish-inspired, wood-fired sauna is right on the beach, paired with a cold sea dip for an invigorating experience. We walked part of the Jersey Tidal Trail, a 48-mile circular coast in eight scenic sections. We started at St Catherine's Breakwater and headed out with Jersey Seafaris to the uninhabited islet of Les Écréhous, spotting seals along the way.
We loved visiting La Mare Wine Estate, a vineyard and cider farm offering tastings of award-winning wine, cider, and the famous Jersey black butter, along with apple brandy liqueur served in a chocolate cup. Finally, Mont Orgueil Castle (Gorey Castle) is a fine medieval fortress towering over the harbour for over eight centuries. The steep climb is worth the breathtaking views.
How to Book
Fly from London Southend Airport to Jersey on Mondays or Thursdays from £17 one way. B&B at The Club Hotel & Spa in St Helier from £209 for two. Rooms at The Moorings Hotel & Restaurant in Gorey from £150 per night. See visitjersey.com for details.
