Contributor/ Saffron Powell Brown
Best Known For
The Atlantic Hotel in St Brelade, Jersey is set in six acres of private grounds adjoining La Moye championship golf course. Best known for being one of the most respected hotels on the island and just so happens to boast a Michelin starred restaurant – The Ocean. The hotel has received several prestigious accolades including Best International Hotel and has made it into the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
The Good Stuff
Just 35 minutes in the air from Gatwick and a ten minute drive from the airport, it couldn’t be easier to get there. The hotel has a grand sweeping driveway with views across the golf course and out to sea and a beautiful wisteria-lined entrance – tranquil with a capital ‘T’. Our garden studio room was immaculately clean with fantastic views of yep, you guessed it, the garden. There was access to a little terrace which unfortunately wasn’t used due to the wet weather. The design and decor were a little dated, yet had modern touches, such as Sky TV and luxury Molton Brown goodies in the bathroom. Top tip, upgrade to an Executive Suite if you’d like something a bit sleeker. The hotel is so peaceful inside and out, you could sleep for ever thanks to the heavily-lined black-out curtains
The Vibe
From the moment you step into this hotel you are looked after, whether it’s some umbrella assistance from your car to carrying wine glasses to your room, they really want to take care of you at The Atlantic. Peaceful, tranquil and still, a far cry from hectic day to day life.
Inside the Hotel – 7/10
This hotel is all about their acclaimed restaurant – Ocean, headed up by Mark Jordan, the most in-demand chef on the island. There were two dining options on offer, the A La Carte and the Table d’hôte Dinner menu. Don’t miss the Marmitey Assiette of Jersey beef or the soufflé, although you can’t go wrong with any of the dishes. Service is seamless, waiters with pin-point precision, beautiful food and views over the Atlantic Ocean to match. Breakfast can be quite formal so we opted for an indulgent breakfast in bed on the second day, including a whopping portion of fluffy pancakes with bacon and maple syrup.
The lobby is a good place to chill, almost spa-like with that unbeatable serene background sound of trickling water, fish included. There’s an indoor and outdoor pool but no spa unfortunately, it’s crying out for one. If you get lucky with the weather, the pristine gardens are worth a wander, endding up with a cocktail on the terrace overlooking the pool.
Outside the Hotel – 8/10
This little channel island holds many happy memories of annual holidays as a child, right through to a teenager. It’s a funny old mix of French and English, the street names may be in French yet there are branches of familiar shops such as Waitrose or M&S, bringing you back to Blighty with a bang. You can’t get lost in Jersey, the island is just 9 miles by 5 miles (119.5 km²) with a maximum speed limit of 40 mph, going down to just 20 mph on the green routes. There’s plenty to see and do so you will need a car (or a bike if you’re feeling energetic. Start off with the stunning Corbière lighthouse, a few minutes drive away from The Atlantic Hotel, then continue along the coastal route stopping at sleepy fishing ports and glorious coastlines. Inland are winding country lanes passing fields full of iconic Jersey cows and roadside stalls selling Jersey royal potatoes with just an honesty box for payment.
