Amy Adejokun
Section editor
A calm strip of water (in summer) surrounded by an abundance of ferns and oaks: a hotel occupying a prime site by the sea. There is no surrounding noise, even during high season. The Water's Edge is one of the rare seaside hotels in Jersey where you can be truly remote.
By the sea, on the north coast of Jersey. The closest village is Trinity, 1 mile away. The airport, the ferry landing and the town of Saint-Helier are 9 miles away. Allow 20 minutes to get there.
If the suite of the hotel is available, ask to have a quick look around. Its bay windows have the most beautiful view of the hotel over the beach and its surroundings. For a smaller version of the same view, choose a room with a sea view: you will have a balcony. Otherwise your window will overlooks the gardens and the forest. It is one of the highlights of the Water's Edge: there are no viewless or noisy rooms. However, there is not much extra space either (194 ft² surface area) and the furniture is outdated (except for the renovated rooms, which have varnished wood furniture with cast iron features). There is no minibar, but tea and coffee making facilities are welcome for preparing hot drinks. There is a direct telephone, a hairdryer, a bathtub and Spa Therapy welcome products. Individual safe at the reception. As in nearly all the hotels in the Channel Islands, there is no air conditioning.
Built in the 1950s, the Water's Edge is the place of the "happy few", since it has only 50 rooms. Typical architecture outside (white facades, sloping slated rooftops), while the interior decor is Victorian-inspired. A small reception with noteworthy details, including the dresser bedecked with a mirror, and the frieze at the rear of the upholstered living room. On the outside there is a surprise: the pool is not where you would expect to find it. The solarium overlooking the bay is a snack-bar, with numerous tables and parasols but no loungers. They are placed on a staircase up above, between the bean-shaped pool and a lush green garden. On the terrace, on three levels. Intimacy is guaranteed, though when you are horizontal, the Channel is out of sight. The leisure facilities provided include bath towels.
The Waterside restaurant is below the terrace bar. Its bay windows face the sea. There is a stunning view for the tables near the windows. However, it is a shame you cannot sit outside. In the morning, the continental buffet (cereals, cold meats, cheese, fruit and pastries) is supplemented by British specialities served at the table (eggs, bacon, and baked beans). In the evening, there is table service in the form of a set menu (£23) or an a la carte menu. Priority is given to fish and seafood as well as traditional recipes. It is famous, judging by the awards it has won: 2 rosettes (the equivalent of Michelin stars in the United Kingdom). Other eating options during the day are: the snack bar on the terrace and the pub with wooden beams and chairs.
The beach below the hotel is not equipped. You get there along the flagstone walkway that passes in front of the diving centre. The centre, which is independent from the hotel, is PADi affiliated and offers a variety of sea excursions. Keen divers should definitely try it, because the water off Bouley Bay is crystal clear. Those who prefer to stay on the surface should bring their own diving equipment so that they can explore the immediate areas around the beach. When swimming, watch out: rocks (visible but slippery due to the seaweed) and pebbles cover the seabed. In addition, the depth increases quickly, so this beach is not suitable for young children.
If you find Saint-Helier too lively, the Water's Edge in Bouley Bay is just for you! There is no village at the foot of this stone creek, just two hotels, one of which is the Water's Edge, which has a prime position overlooking the water. Note, however, that it is only open for 6 months of the year, from mid-April to mid-October.
beauty salon, spa
mountain bike
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The Apollo is a town hotel close to the centre of Saint-Helier (which can be reached on foot). In comparison to the others, it also offers a fun pool with slide. Children will love it!
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The Pomme d'Or is one of the best-located hotels in Saint-Helier. Perfect for a weekend's shopping (Queens and Kings Street are 5 minutes away on foot) or for a relaxing week between town and beach, because the hotel is not far from the seafront.
This hotel is fine for a weekend all year round. There is a courtesy shuttle for shopping in the town, you can relax around the covered pool, and you can make up your own programme of spa treatments.
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This is one of the best hotels in Jersey for its traditional charm, central location and restaurants, which are as popular with holidaymakers as with the locals in Saint-Helier.
Here, you can eat well, sleep well in comfortable rooms, and enjoy the services of a large hotel group. Managed by the chain Best Western, the Royal Hotel is close enough to the town centre to be within easy reach of Saint Helier by foot.
Here is a hotel which we recommend if you want to come to Jersey to get away from everything... and have a couple of excursions or an afternoon on the beach. Because the hotel - if you are willing to rent a car - is not far from Saint-Helier and the seaside.
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The Apollo is a town hotel close to the centre of Saint-Helier (which can be reached on foot). In comparison to the others, it also offers a fun pool with slide. Children will love it!