Island retreat one-hour flight from UK at beachside hotel | UK | Travel

The golden colours of autumn provide the perfect backdrop for a peaceful break before the chaos of Christmas arrives. And for travellers seeking inspiration on where to escape to, the Channel Islands offer a blend between the comfort of a staycation and the atmosphere of being abroad – with upgraded breaks available at a selection of top-rated hotels.

Hand Picked Hotels offers five luxury stays across Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney, from beachside breaks to clifftop retreats in hotels with spas, golf courses and picturesque gardens. With direct flights available to the Channel Islands from the likes of London, Manchester and Birmingham from £17 each way, special offers at these hotels could spell the perfect opportunity for a last-minute getaway.

The Amber Hours: Autumn By The Sea package is bookable at all Hand Picked Hotels across the Channel Islands for visits until November 30. This arrangement sees guests booking one night receive a complimentary room upgrade, alongside breakfast for two and Autumn Champagne Afternoon Tea.

Visitors making use of the Amber Hours promotion for two nights or longer will additionally enjoy a three-course autumn dinner for two. With all of these Channel Islands hotels earning high ratings on TripAdvisor, among the most highly regarded is L’Horizon Beach Hotel & Spa, which is positioned alongside the golden sands of St Brelade’s Bay and situated just a 10-minute drive or 20-minute bus journey from Jersey Airport.

With origins dating back to 1850, the hotel’s terrace provides uninterrupted vistas across the beach, while spa amenities present opportunities to unwind with an array of treatments available, the Manchester Evening News reports.

Alternatively, there’s the Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa, located 15 minutes by car or taxi from Jersey Airport, or 20 minutes using public transport. Perched on the edge of St Aubin’s Bay in St Helier, this five-star establishment sits within easy reach of numerous Jersey attractions, featuring bedrooms with ocean panoramas and facilities including an indoor heated pool, sauna and steam room.

For more accommodation options in Jersey, Greenhills Country House Hotel ranks as the top-rated based on Tripadvisor reviews. Set within countryside surroundings, this 33-bedroom property features award-winning gardens that transform with the seasons, alongside a heated outdoor pool and spa suite providing treatments for both guests and local residents.

Visit Jersey describes the island’s autumn season: “Jersey’s coastline and countryside come to life in the golden autumn light with walking opportunities and heritage activities adding colour to the season. Take a peaceful woodland walk, or lace up your hiking boots and explore over 48 miles of breathtaking coastline.”

Meanwhile, over in Guernsey, an Amber Hours autumn getaway with Hand Picked Hotels can be found at the Fermain Valley Hotel. Situated a 15-minute drive or 20-minute bus journey from Guernsey Airport, this clifftop establishment overlooks Guernsey’s southeast coastline, delivering stunning vistas alongside multiple dining choices across its steakhouse, Mexican eatery and tea rooms.

Another Guernsey option is St Pierre Park Hotel, positioned 10 minutes away by car or 50 minutes via public transport from Guernsey Airport. Featuring an award-winning spa and nine-hole golf course, the hotel’s grounds boast a scenic lake and landscaped gardens, while master suites provide guests with their own private garden and hot tub.

An alternative in Guernsey is Hotel Jerbourg, which ranks as the top-rated establishment on Booking.com according to visitor feedback. Perched on the clifftop at Jerbourg Point with vistas extending to France on clear days, this property features two dining venues alongside a coffee shop with a sun terrace and an outdoor pool available from May through September.

Visit Guernsey states: “Autumn is a wonderful time to visit the Islands of Guernsey. The sun is out, the air is crisp, and a whole variety of events await! Whether you want to get outside on a hike, take a dip in our clear waters, experience local food or dance the evening away with a live performance, there’s something for everyone this season.”

Rounding off the Hand Picked Hotels stays in the Channel Islands is Braye Beach Hotel in Alderney. The range of Hand Picked Hotels throughout Jersey and Guernsey have all achieved ratings of 4.3 out of five stars or above on Tripadvisor, accumulating thousands of guest testimonials.

One person said of a recent stay at L’Horizon Beach Hotel & Spa: “We just stayed for our Golden Wedding Anniversary. The hotel was a perfect choice. All the staff are very friendly and helpful. Our room was spotless and the sea view was amazing.”

They added: “The spa and pool were perfect for relaxing. There was a wide choice for breakfast and the cooked food was perfect.”

Meanwhile, a visitor to the Fermain Valley Hotel praised: “A lovely tranquil hotel in the most beautiful, stunning location. The hotel is very comfortable and clean and the service very good. The room was comfortable with everything you needed. The bed was comfy and the bathroom spotless. The breakfast was fabulous – such a good choice.”

Not everyone was as impressed with their Hand Picked Hotels getaway in the Channel Islands, with one guest who stayed at Braye Beach Hotel commenting: “All the bar and waiting staff were friendly, although at times there were not enough staff on duty and had to wait for our food/drinks both in the bar and at breakfast. The vegetarian menu is limited and heavily cheese based.”

Although the hotel has earned an average rating of 4.8 out of five stars overall, with someone else feeding back: “What a fantastic hotel. Highly professional staff at all levels. Beautifully decorated to a high standard. Lovely food from breakfast to afternoon tea and evening meals. The staff were very attentive and very helpful. Hope to get back to the island to stay there again very soon.”