St Aubin
Somerville Hotel
Saint Aubin, Jersey, Channel Islands
A country house hotel commanding panoramic views of St Aubin's Bay. An attractive gabled exterior and rabbit-warren interior add to the character, while tropical planting creates a holiday atmosphere. Eat lobster dinners while watching the yachts in the harbour, bobbing or beached depending on the tide.
Antonia Windsor, Destination expert
Around 50 windows of this many-gabled building look out on the entire expanse of St Aubin's Bay, which was once advertised in the 19th century as 'the most beautiful spot in the world'. Tropical plants, such as palms and yuccas, mix with hydrangeas and daisies to remind you that you're in the most southerly of the British Isles. Take a walk down the winding path to the shops and galleries of the village or go for a bracing swim in Belcroute Bay.
The building has been a hotel since the late 19th century, when a Swiss architect gave it a chalet-like appearance. Inside, royal blue carpets line a striped wood floor and the colour is picked up by the contemporary seascapes on the wall. Character is gained in the period features, such as an intricately carved wooden bar and marble fireplaces.
The warm, jovial and attentive service is five-star — nothing is too much trouble. An elegant kidney-shaped pool is heated from May to September and there is a neighbouring quiet garden to relax in. If weather is inclement, a cosy lounge has a smattering of books and board games.
The higgledy-piggledy nature of the interior means all rooms are unique in shape and size, and many have fabulous views. Superior rooms offer super king-sized or twin beds; Classics have doubles. Antique desks and wardrobes are married with modern soft furnishings and bathrooms. If you would rather something more sleek and stylish with a private terrace, choose one of the converted Superior Garden rooms. Elemis toiletries are available throughout.
Start the day with a self-service breakfast; enjoy a three-tiered afternoon tea on the terrace (served noon to 6pm) and watch the fade to black of the magnificent panorama from one of the many windowside tables in Tides restaurant.
Half-board includes a three-course menu with a tempting array of dishes, such as a starter of duck pastrami with piccalilli and shaved asparagus and a main of sea bream with crispy gnocchi and fennel purée. À la carte features popular dishes, such as scallops with peas, mint, broad beans and lime aioli and turbot fillet with parsley risotto and butter-poached king prawns.
Cocktails are lavish and the hotel infuses its own gin. The good value wine of the month by the bottle or glass is popular. For a real taste of Jersey try the lobster menu (from May to September).
Double rooms from £80 in low season; and from £260 in high. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi.
Mont Du Boulevard, Saint Aubin JE3 8AD, Jersey, Channel Islands.
01534 741226 somervillejersey.com
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