AN INTOXICATING MIX
Beaches to rival the Caribbean, cocktails galore — the Channel Islands are en fete
They may be known as genteel seaside destinations where a delicious cream tea with homemade butter is never far away — but the Channel Islands are rarely viewed as the most chic of places. Or are they? Guernsey, the second largest member of the club, has been upping its cool factor of late with elegant new hotel openings, cutting-edge drinks and a late summer festival which is sure to set visitors’ mouths watering. here are a few of the attractions that might tempt you over to the isle during the next few weeks.
EASTERN PROMISES
The opening of the Ziggurat (hotel ziggurat.com) has dropped a dash of Arabian flair into the english Channel.
This arty 14-room boutique hideaway, which looks across the island capital St Peter Port from a hillside address, has a Middle eastern theme — guests are greeted by a statue of Ishtar, the Babylonian goddess of love, at the doorway; the menu in Ziggy’s Bar includes a slow-cooked lamb tagine (£13.50).
But there are also home touches — fridges in each room contain a bottle of fresh Guernsey milk. Doubles from £90 per night, including breakfast.
ALL IN GOOD TASTE
The island will show off its gourmet side via the forthcoming Guernsey International Food Festival (September 23 to October 2, visitguernsey.com/food-festival) — the second running of an event whose inaugural appearance in 2015 proved a success.
The weekend of September 24-25 is just one of the highlights, with Victoria Pier in St Peter Port taking centre stage.
A Live Food Show will see chefs compete to prepare magical dishes, the Big Guernsey Market will host a feast of local produce and street food, and a Children’s Food Festival will introduce youngsters to the delights of cooking.
GOURMET GLORIES
The Pavilion (thepavilion.co.gg), in the St Pierre Park hotel in St Saviour (in the west of the island), is one of Guernsey’s most intriguing restaurants — where meaty options include a rich beef fillet stroganoff with rice and sour cream (£13).
The restaurant is the domain of chef Tony Leck — but September 23 will see Michelin-starred Jean-Christophe Novelli join him to cook a sumptuous dinner for the festival. Tickets £50 or £75 with champagne, from the hotel.
TOP TIPPLES
The festival will enjoy a flamboyant pre-cursor Cocktail Week (Sept 16-24, cocktailweek.gg)— that will see 11 of Guernsey’s top watering holes revelling in mixology classes and headspinning beverages (a £10 wrist band makes every drink £5).
Venues will include the Ziggurat, plus The Duke of Richmond hotel (dukeofrichmond. com) — where the Leopard Bar comes decorated in a wild blur of animal print.
Visitors can also sample the wares of Aperitif (aperitif.gg), a ‘mobile bar company’, whose signature cocktail, 26 Cornet Street (damson gin, egg white, elderflower), is named after the address where it was created.
GIN, GLORIOUS GIN
FuRTheR exotic concoctions can be sipped at Bella Luce (bellalucehotel.com).
This sophisticated 23-room retreat — in St Martins, in the south-east of the island — has a gin distillery, where it makes its own speciality, Wheadon’s Gin, a fragrant spirit infused with samphire and grapefruit.
The hotel also offers a spa (massages from £35). Double rooms from £106 with breakfast.
UNDER CANVAS
FOR those who want to step away from the hotel experience, but still wish to slumber in style, WildGuernsey (wildguernsey. wordpress.com) supplies a cosy middle ground.
Set up on a grassy bluff on the west coast, this back-to-nature operator has a Seashore Safari Tent ideal for families seeking a breezy weekend away. It sleeps five (from £80 a night) — and has a wood-burner for cold evenings.
COASTAL CURVES
The campsite overlooks Rocquaine Bay, a grand sweep of sand on the west coast, which is among Guernsey’s loveliest options for a weekend on the beach — although Vazon Bay, a popular hotspot for surfing in the north-west, offers competition.
The best stretches of shore in the area are on the neighbouring Channel Island of herm.
Both Shell Beach and Belvoir Beach — along the east coast of this tiny islet — are so golden that, on a sunny afternoon, you could imagine yourself in the Caribbean.
Travel Trident (traveltrident. com) offers ferries to herm from St Peter Port (return £13).
GETTING THERE
TheRe are flights to Guernsey from across the country. Flybe (flybe.com) operates regular connections from Birmingham, exeter and Southampton.
Aurigny (aurigny.com) flies from Bristol, east Midlands, London City, Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester. Gatwick return flights from £98.
you can also sail from Poole or Portsmouth with Condor Ferries, from £59 each way per car (condorferries.co.uk).
PLAN YOUR BREAK
AT visitguernsey.com and herm.com. CHRIS LEADBEATER