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Five Jersey breaks you can book for your clients right now
With French flair and free Covid-19 testing on arrival, Jersey is an alluring and viable destination for your clients to visit in 2021 – and they won’t even need to take their passports
The Channel Islands is a destination often forgotten by leisure travellers, who might favour booking a trip further afield or simply have never considered the islands for their holidays. With the Covid-19 pandemic putting countless restrictions on international travel – even with the UK governments’ travel corridors – Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands, is being brought to the fore. French flair gives the island a distinctly different feel, while its position within the British Isles means clients departing the UK needn’t worry about the current risks of crossing any international borders.
Jersey’s Safer Travel Policy, implemented in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, categorises visitors into Green, Amber and Red groups based on which regions they’ve travelled from and provides free PCR testing on arrival accordingly.
“When borders reopened on 3 July, the government of Jersey started introducing these guidelines to ensure the health and wellbeing of the islanders and visitors was being safeguarded every step of the way,” says Sarah Barton, head of trade for Visit Jersey.
“In addition, we’ve collaborated with the Jersey Government and Jersey Hospitality Association to introduce our Visit Safe charter, which is a series of industry measures to ensure robust protocols are in place to combat Covid-19.”
The tourist board has also recently launched a Destination Recovery microsite designed specifically for the travel trade. The resource collates health and safety measures, training modules, suggested itineraries, destination guides and downloadable marketing collateral, but also advises agents consult gov.je for the the most up-to-date travel information.
“Once confident your customers are safe to travel, Jersey has so much to offer, from sweeping landscapes, food bursting with flavour and a unique history moulded over time,” says Barton.
Here are five operator packages for 2021 – all bookable for your clients right now.
FARM STAY
Located in the grounds of the Hamptonne Country Life Museum, which provides insight into country life on the island going back centuries, The Stable Apartment is a rustic self-catering property in a converted barn complete with low-hanging wooden beams and views over countryside frequented by chickens, horses, piglets and young calves. With one double bed and two single bunk beds, it’s ideal for families seeking a rural retreat.
Book it: Airways Holidays offers a four-night stay at The Stable Apartment in June, with ferry crossing from Poole included, for £349pp. Based on four travelling in a standard-size vehicle.
GLAMPING GETAWAY
Jersey Zoo, previously known as the Durrell Wildlife Camp, is best known for implementing impressive conservation efforts all around the world and providing a safe environment for some of the world’s rarest species to thrive on the island of Jersey. But it’s also known for its unique glamping experience, during which guests have reported being awoken by the calls of lemurs and orangutans. The glamping pods in Trinity parish come with a warming wood burner, mini kitchen complete with cooking hob, a toaster, a cool box, crockery and cutlery, while the private deck features a basic bathroom pod, sun loungers and furniture for alfresco dining. There are also dedicated BBQ areas and two on-site eateries in the Lemur Lodge communal area.
Book it: Premier Holidays offers a three-night glamping experience at Jersey Zoo for £385 per adult and £99 per child when the client books before 31 December 2020. Price is valid for departures on selected dates between April and June 2021, and includes unlimited access to the wildlife park plus flights from Gatwick, Glasgow or Luton. Travellers can fly from Southampton for a £40pp supplement or from Stansted or Birmingham for a £75pp supplement.
BEACH BOLTHOLE
Reopening on 27 March for the summer season, the Golden Sands Hotel enjoys a prime location just a stone’s throw from the beach at St Brelade’s Bay. Guests can tuck into fish and chips or an ice-cream sundae while watching the waves roll in from the hotel’s bar and terrace or Sands Restaurant, and then wash it all down with locally produced tipple. There are plenty of active options too – recommend outdoorsy clients hire paddleboards, try coasteering or kayak around the headland to Beauport Beach.
Book it: Osprey offers three nights on a bed and breakfast basis at the Golden Sands Hotel for £289pp, including flights from Luton. Price is based on two people sharing and 26 May departure.
ospreyholidays.com/travel-agents
SPA BREAK
Set back from the quay in St Helier, The Royal Yacht hotel is sleek, sophisticated and suitable for visitors who prefer the finer things in life. Spa Sirene, the hotel’s answer to escaping reality, has a huge range of treatments available and is home to a Swedish sauna, aromatherapy steam room, salt inhalation room and heated vitality pool. The Royal Yacht is also a treat for the palate, with three restaurants – Sirocco, Zephyr and The Grill – and five bars. While all rooms are decadently decorated in calm coppers and royal blues, the two penthouse suites provide an extra level of luxury with terrace, Jacuzzi, private lounging pods and spectacular views over St Helier.
Book it: Jet2holidays offers seven nights bed and breakfast for two people at The Royal Yacht for £919pp, including flights from Manchester. Price is based on 20 May departure and includes a 22kg baggage allowance plus transfers.
WHISTLESTOP TOUR
Birdwatching at the Jersey Wetland Centre on the banks of St Ouen’s Pond or gleaning insight into the island’s chequered history in the Jersey War Tunnels are among activity options for holidaymakers sailing on Tradewind Voyages’ UK and Ireland itinerary, which visits Jersey for one day. The brand-new cruise line’s ship, Golden Horizon, is a square-rigged sailing vessel and a near replica of the 1913-built ship France II carrying 272 guests – she will set sail with customers for the first time in May.
Book it: Abercrombie and Kent offers a 13-night sailing with Tradewind Voyages for £2,699pp, departing 29 May 2021, based on two sharing, and including all meals, alcoholic and soft drinks, port charges, gratuities, use of the spa and watersports from the ship’s marina. As well as Jersey, the voyage visits Guernsey, Scotland, the Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, Ireland and various English destinations.
Visit the Destination Recovery webpage or TTG’s Visit Jersey Hub for more information about selling holidays on the island.
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