The Club Hotel & Spa Review: Relaxation and Fine Dining in the Centre of Jersey

Jersey is still one my favourite islands in the world. It looks tropical when it’s not. It’s sunny when nowhere else is. The Champagne flows like there’s no tomorrow and the seafood – well it’s always faultless. Not to mention it’s less than an hours flight from London. As part of my third trip to Jersey I checked into The Club Hotel & Spa, which if you’re looking for central location it’s perfect. It sadly doesn’t quite have the views of other hotels perched on cliffs or coast lines – but the centre of St Helier is just a stones thrown away, as is the local port and picturesque village of Gorey.

I don’t know much about the history of The Club Hotel & Spa, but what I do know is the service here is fabulous. From the moment you walk into the foyer, right down to the last drink in Bohemia restaurant at night – the staff really could and will do just about anything for you if you ask. Nothing is too much trouble.

Communal space wise the hotel is full of it. A breakfast room, Michelin starred restaurant, glamorous cocktail bar, a terrace made for drinking Champagne and an honesty bar for those late night occasions. There seems to be a bar theme going on here. We sadly didn’t get a chance to experience the honesty bar – though that’s probably a good thing given my love of bubbles.

We stayed in the hotels master suite, which I’m sure you could imagine was every bit as cosy as we’d hoped for. A super king Frette dressed feather bed, balcony overlooking the outdoor pool, private entrance hall, large sitting room, spacious bedroom with en-suite granite luxury bathroom and separate shower. Our suite even had a second bathroom with private steam shower – it’s the first time I’ve ever come across such a shower in-room and made for an interesting experience. That’s me pictured above. Oddly with one sleeve up (no idea) but it’s a good reflection of my life these days – I never leave the house without my camera.

There are in-room mini bars and then there’s The Club Hotel & Spa mini bar. I’m not even sure you could class it as a “mini” bar – it’s more of a fully stock bar with snacks. Full of every spirit you could want, every chocolate bar and every packet of crisps that last glass of wine craves. If all that food at your fingertips wasn’t enough – each evening during turn down service, homemade shortbread is placed at the side of your bed. One finger to share before bed, the other half leaving a delicious buttery smell to wake up to in the morning.

While the steam experience in our second bathroom was lovely, our en-suite bathroom was preferred. Large in size, complete with bath and separate shower. The complimentary toiletries from Elemis meant you really could create your own in-room spa experience.

Apart from exploring our hotel, the island of Jersey has so much to offer. Miles of beautiful coastline, sandy beaches, tropical palm trees, boats moored up everywhere and incredible food. Just a short journey from the hotel is the charming centre of St Helier, but head a little further east or west and you’ll find St Aubin and Gorey. Two places full of beauty which really do look like something off a postcard. If you fancy being tourist for a day, then grab the mini train along the coastline. It may be slow, but it’s a great way to see the sights. Followed by lunch in St Aubin at The Boat House. They serve up one of the islands best fish pies and some terrific fresh local mussels.

After our longs walks around the island it was time for a little relaxation. Admittedly we didn’t take a dip in the outdoor heated pool – because heated means only 28 degrees in cold weather, but instead took a dip inside. Here we got to steam ourselves in the sauna and relax on the pool-side bean bags. The pool area is the one part of the hotel which could really do with an upgrade, so hopefully we’ll see that coming in the future as it feels a little cold right now – but the spa treatments help make up for any shortfall. We enjoyed a lovely soothing rasul mud experience for two and left feeling like we’d been wrapped in a silky smooth new body.

After all the swimming and relaxing (oh the life) we couldn’t resist a chance to sample the hotels afternoon tea, which is led by head pastry chef, Ellen de Jager. It was quite honestly one of the best afternoon tea’s we’ve not only come across in Jersey – but throughout our travels. So much creativity and attention to detail goes into each cake and pastry – with flavours to match. Read all about my afternoon tea experience at Bohemia.

Dinner in the hotel’s Bohemia restaurant is what really makes this hotel such an attraction. Head chef Steve Smith and his team have created something truly remarkable here and personally It’s for me the best restaurant in Jersey right now – and I’ve eaten in my fair share of them. If you have time – order one of the lengthy tasting menus with wine parings. It’s full of surprise, excitement and so much flavour as mentioned in my full review. The desserts are incredible too.

Yet again we had such a lovely time in Jersey. The Club Hotel & Spa isn’t the best hotel in Jersey right now – but it is the best hotel with the best restaurant and so for that reason it makes this place a real Jersey destination. Central location, food to never forget and an outdoor pool of dreams. Jersey – we can’t wait to come back.

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The Club Hotel & Spa
Green Street
St. Helier
Jersey
Channel Islands
JE2 4YH
Tel: 01534 876500

NB: I was invited to review and my stay was complimentary. All views are as always, my own. My views are not influenced by anyone other than my own palate and slightly poor eyesight.