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Jersey, UK
Having sold Jersey to my clients for the past four years and never truly understanding the location and what it had to offer, I knew I had to educate myself further. So when a fam trip opportunity came up for two nights on the island, I jumped at the chance to see what it had to offer.
Most people would suggest St Helier as the best location for a trip to Jersey. However, it was St Brelade that truly captured my attention. With it's crystal blue waters; clean sandy beaches and gorgeous scenery to boot; it has the perfect location for a chill-out break. I guarantee it is impossible to feel anything but relaxed whilst exploring the area.
Admittedly, there wasn't much in the immediate vicinity other than hotels, cafes and the beach. But, with the island being 9 by 5 in size, car hire is a viable option and highly recommended to see as much of the island as possible.
It was in St Helier that we were positioned, in the Hotel De France, which was slightly further out of the city centre but a good location none the less. Taking approximately 20 minutes to walk into the centre or roughly £4 by taxi, it wouldn't break the bank if you're not much of a walker. The route was scenic and mostly flat and a fantastic opportunity to see the hotels, cafes and shops outwith the 'tourist area'.
The Pomme D'or Hotel was the location for our dinner on our first evening in Jersey and it served a fantastic carvery menu followed by a large choice of desserts. Everything was covered from chocolate cake to fruit salad and of course, the infamous Jersey Cream was in abundance! The food was enjoyed but the fantastic sea view helped to wash it down and make it more enjoyable.
The second night we went to the Wildfire Restaurant, which is right in the centre of town, as well. It served a various selection of food from fish to pate to steak and pudding was the usual affair or cheesecake or ice cream. The alcoholic drinks were very expensive with the cheapest cocktail coming in at £9.50. The 'jugs' were extortionate at £17.50, which between four girls, gave us one drink each! Other than that though, it was in a great location - only seconds across the road to the Royal Yacht hotel, which served much more purse-friendly drinks. The night club 'Mint' is only a few minutes from the venue and there are pubs all along the road for those of you who prefer more low-key get togethers.
Worth a visit are the Jersey War Tunnels or the Underground Hospital as many seem to know it as. It provides an insight into life as the islanders knew it during World War II. We were given ID cards from people who did happen to work in them circa 1939-45 and were asked to find 'ourselves' and find out what happened to them. It was a great way of making sure every piece of information was read and made everyone take a real interest in the history that the facility had on offer. Machinery, clothes, letters, photographs and real footage appear in the tunnels and for those of you, like myself, who enjoy history, this is a real treat!
Another option on offer is the Oyster Walk, which involves waiting until approximately 2pm when the tide is out and learning about the huge oyster industry in Jersey and eventually, getting the opportunity to sample them yourselves. I must admit, I don't like fish much and certainly didn't fancy oysters so I left that to the professionals but it was a good trip none the less.
Overall, I have enjoyed my short stay on the gorgeous island. With tax-free shopping; glorious food options; impressive scenery and beautiful beaches, it has something for everyone. No longer will I assume, or allow others to, that it is a place only for elderly. The elderly is well catered for admittedly but there is plenty available for young and old alike.
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