PA Life checked into the classic, luxury beachside hotel for a review of St Brelade’s Bay Hotel in Jersey, in the evergreen and beautiful Channel Islands…
Jersey is best known for its delicious dairy products, Jersey Royals, fantastic beaches, and favourable tax laws. But it has also plenty to offer as an events and meetings destination, which is why we sent our Editor to explore the island and experience one of the best loved hotels and venues in Jersey.
I was really looking forward to visiting the St Brelay’s Bay Hotel and arrived with high expectations, especially thanks to its enviable location, overlooking by the beach in this stunning bay. No pictures could have prepared me for the location and the views. The vast St Brelade’s Bay facing the Atlantic lay right in front of us, and to finish the perfect vista was an ancient parish church by the hotel, at the end of the beach.
Fly to Jersey from London in just an hour
We had taken a midday flight from Gatwick, just one hour from London, and a 10-minute taxi ride from the airport to reach the hotel. You can fly to Jersey from any of the main London airports, as well as all other main cities in the UK.
Our arrival couldn’t have been better timed as the view was complemented with surfers taking to the impressive waves during the afternoon’s high tide. Safely in the warmth of the hotel rather than joining the cold-water swimmers, who’ve also arrived in great numbers, we opted for an afternoon tea instead. We were obliged to after all as we had to make sure we tasted the local delicacies of dressed crab – served in the sandwiches, and Jersey Black Butter of course. The latter is a sweet condiment made of apples, cider, sugar, spices, liquorice and lemons, and is delicious enjoyed on toast, or as we did, with fresh scones and clotted cream.
Let’s start with the room in this review of at St Brelade’s Bay Hotel
We stayed at one of the sea facing penthouse suites enjoying magnificent views of the bay. The bedroom was spacious and decorated in a classic style. It had a separate lounge with a dining area, as well as a sheltered roof terrace – a perfect spot for afternoon sun or for those pre-dinner cocktails. These suites are available with one- or two-bedroom options, both with Super King-sized beds and an adjoining dressing room with a walk-in wardrobe. The Wi-Fi was also great, and the desk and espresso machine in the room come handy when you need to have a quick catch up with your emails.
The hotel has 77 bedrooms and suites in total.
Make sure you visit the health club and spa
The privately owned hotel boasts five acres of stunning gardens with tennis courts and an outdoor swimming pool. The hotel is the epitome of charm and style and makes a perfect venue for corporate away-days, events and meetings, particularly when you need a wellness offering to add to your programme. If you enjoy time in the gym then the large health club is a great bonus. It offers a state-of-the-art gym, with full views of the bay, a 20 metre indoor swimming pool, a whirlpool and steam room with smart changing rooms.
Teambuilding activity options include: infuse UIV Therapies*, dance, bootcamp, HIIT, yoga and meditation, cold water swimming, water sports (seasonal) Plus, the spa offers all the treatments you’d expect from facials to massages.
Dining in
We dined at The Bay Restaurant which makes the most of the breathtaking ocean views with wall to wall windows. The philosophy of the restaurant is to serve simple but delicious dishes using the best of locally sourced produce that’s available and in season. The Grab Meat & Mango Tian and Atlantic Prawn Cocktails starters were super fresh I’m pleased to add. Our mains of Pan Fried Sea Bass Fillet and Honey Roast Gressingham Duck Breast were also delicious, as was the Ginger Crème Brûlée we shared to complete our lovely meal.
A special mention is due to the front of house staff who were all delightful whilst providing a great traditional service. As the cherry on the cake, we were entertained by a fantastic live piano and flute duo who played well-known pop covers spanning decades.
The hotel’s al fresco restaurant is open during the summer season serving snacks, lunches and dinner.
Allow time for exploring Jersey
Jersey has a fascinating history and has been in the front line of numerous wars between the Normans and England, hence the many castles and fortresses around. It was Nazi occupied territory during WWII.
We decided to explore the island and set off on a long walk to the capital St Helier via the pretty town of St Aubain. After an excellent lunch at Brasserie Colmar in the heart of the city, and near the must-visit Central Market, we hopped on a bus to Gorey Castle to get our fix of history. The better-known Elizabeth Castle was closed for renovation.
Jersey is a Crown Dependency and is not part of the United Kingdom – it is officially part of the British Islands. It’s autonomous and self-governing, with its own independent legal, administrative and fiscal systems.
Events at St Brelade’s Bay Hotel in Jersey
La Rosière Suite is available for meetings, receptions, lunches and dinners, and seats approximately 30 people in a conference style, or 100 in a theatre style and 96 for a sit-down meal. It provides an intimate environment, where it’s easy to focus your attention and productivity whilst enjoying the spectacular scenery and terrace during refreshing breaks.
All packages include a room hire fee, stationery, equipment, 2 x 330ml bottles of still or sparkling water per person.
Full Day: Arrival tea and coffee, mid[1]morning refreshments, lunch and mid-afternoon refreshments £69pp.
Half Day+: Arrival tea and coffee, mid-morning refreshments and lunch £57pp
Half Day: Arrival tea and coffee and mid-morning refreshments £45pp Wellness: 2x wellness activities can be added to your Full Day Conference package for a day rate of £95pp.
You can add one wellness activity to the Half Day Conference package at a rate of £75pp.
Teambuilding activity options from £150pp supplement to delegate rates: Infuse UIV therapies, dance, bootcamp, HIIT, yoga & meditation, cold water swimming, water sports (seasonal).
Contact the hotel
Address: St Brelade’s Bay Hotel, La Route de la Baie, St Brelade, Jersey CI, JE3 8EF 01534 746141 events@stbreladesayhotel.com
Find out more about St Brelade’s Bay Hotel in Jersey
We also featured St Brelade’s Bay Hotel in our spring 2024 magazine along side many other great venues.
