If you are looking for a break where you will be welcomed and pampered throughout your stay, just a short skip from the mainland by plane, you will be hard pushed to find somewhere better than Longueville Manor on Jersey.
Words: Alex Fisher | Photography Longueville Manor, Alex fisher
Set on the outskirts of St Helier, Longueville Manor is one of Jersey’s most renowned hotels, offering a peaceful retreat within easy reach of the island’s coastline and capital.
Jersey itself, the largest and most southerly of the Channel Islands, measures just nine miles by five and is known for its mix of sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and lush countryside. It’s easily reached in under an hour by air from London, making it an accessible yet distinctly different escape with a subtle blend of British and French influences.
Parts of Longueville Manor date back to the 14th century, and the property has been owned and run by the Lewis family since 1949. Today, it is Jersey’s only hotel with five AA red stars – a top-tier rating it has held since 2008. It also holds a Michelin key and is a member of Relais & Châteaux, reflecting its consistently high standards.
Set within 16 acres of gardens and woodland, with an outdoor pool and a Victorian kitchen garden, the hotel combines historic character with modern comfort in a secluded setting. In addition to the fabulous location, the staff are outstanding, and the length of time so many of them have been working at this family hotel – often decades – is a testament to how it is run. The welcome and care offered to guests is second to none.
WHAT ARE THE ROOMS LIKE?
The hotel’s 29 rooms, suites and villas are individually designed, with interiors that follow a classic style and antiques, rich fabrics and carefully chosen furnishings that are in keeping with the building’s heritage. All rooms provide complimentary water, fresh fruit, excellent tea-making facilities and wifi. Many of them overlook the gardens or the surrounding countryside, reinforcing the sense of seclusion and peace.
BEST LUXURY TOUCHES
The whole hotel exudes a quiet luxury, but additional features include an exceptional wine cellar and the stunning swimming pool surrounded by beautiful grounds. There is also a wellness area with an outdoor hot tub for guests to use in a quiet courtyard, along with treatment rooms where you can book a fantastic massage with their highly trained therapists (the hot tub is free for guests to enjoy, while the massage treatments have an additional charge).
If you really want to push the boat out, or have a special event to celebrate – perhaps a proposal or an anniversary – you can charter the hotel’s own private luxury yacht from £2,600 a day, which includes a seafood lunch with champagne.
HOW’S THE FOOD?
Dining is a central part of the experience at Longueville Manor. The restaurant has been led by executive head chef Andrew Baird since 1990, and his length of stay is further confirmation of the positive atmosphere at the hotel. Andrew’s modern British style of food focuses on seasonal, local ingredients, many of which come from the hotel’s kitchen garden, with additional sourcing from Jersey’s farms and surrounding waters. I enjoyed an outstanding seafood platter, which showcased the local catch, during my stay.
Everything from the bread to the marmalade is homemade here, and the hotel holds three AA rosettes for culinary excellence.
As well as fine dining in the evenings, Longueville Manor offers a range of culinary experiences, from a delicious cream tea to cocktails in the kitchen garden and aperitifs in the wine cellar, all of which are highly recommended!
WHAT TO DO IN THE AREA
The island’s size makes it easy to explore, with a wide variety of historic and modern attractions within a short distance of the hotel. Jersey Zoo is just a short taxi ride away. Founded in 1959 by conservationist and author of My Family and Other Animals Gerald Durrell, it is one of the island’s most famous destinations.
Internationally recognised for its conservation work, particularly its efforts to protect endangered species and run successful breeding programmes, the zoo offers a great day out for both young and old (prices on the day are £21 for an adult and £10.50 for a child, but savings can be made on admission if you pre-book at durrell.org).
I also visited the beautiful Botanic Gardens at Samarès Manor, just 2km from Longueville Manor. Open seven days a week from April to October, there is so much to enjoy in these pretty gardens, from the stunning willows by the water, to the viewing platform overlooking the traditional kitchen garden. There’s also a lovely tearoom where you can sit outside on a sunny day (admission is £15 for adults and £6.50 for children, samaresmanor.com).
Beyond this, visitors can explore the capital, St Helier, enjoy the island’s beaches or walk along the coastline. Historic sites, including castles and fortifications, are all within easy reach.
WHAT DOES IT COST?
Standard rooms start from as little as £175 per night for a double in the low season, with family suites rising to around £500 per night. During the high summer season, prices increase and there may be a requirement to book more than one night.
HOW DO I BOOK?
Call 01534 725501, or find more details and book online at longuevillemanor.com. For more information on visiting the island, go to jersey.com. To view other Relais & Châteaux hotels, go to relaischateaux.com.
