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Liberation Square, St Helier.
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Try Jersey for size
Dee Caffari14/ 5/2008
TO put it mildly, life got a bit frantic after I became the first woman to sail single-handedly non-stop around the world `the wrong way'... west against the prevailing winds and currents.
I decided that hard work can take its toll even on sturdy seafarers, so a weekend away sounded the ideal cure. Jersey is right on the UK's doorstep and when I asked to take my bike that wasn't a problem on the fast ferry from Poole, in Dorset.
My partner and I booked into the Pomme d'Or hotel in St Helier. The relaxed, friendly and efficient staff made us very welcome.
We spent our first day gently cycling along the south coast - on a brilliantly bright day.
We were even able to find hidden coves, such as Robin Bay, a golden sandy inlet sheltered from the wind, creating a complete suntrap. After the exercise, we indulged in one of Jersey's two Michelin-starred restaurants, Bohemia, situated at The Club Hotel where we were welcomed by a warm, relaxed atmosphere.
The Shaun Rankin menu uses entirely local produce and the staff took time to explain all the dishes, even giving suggestions for the most suitable wine to accompany our food. The ambience and service complemented the exquisite food; it was relaxed and unpretentious - just great.
East coast
An early night prompted us to get up before the sun and head along the east coast to St Catherine's Bay for the Jersey Challenge. When we found this annual event coincided with our visit, we immediately signed up for it. I looked forward to taking part in the three disciplines of kayaking, cycling and running in such a lovely setting.
We began the challenge among 40 or so teams with a kayak paddle across the bay. Fortunately, since we all got drenched, the water was 19 degrees and it would have been just as pleasant to swim the course.
After the kayak, we put our soggy bottoms on to our bicycles and endured the steep hills - a small price to pay for the outstanding views we enjoyed once we reached each summit.
The final stage of the challenge was a run in the stunning setting of St Catherine's Woods.
Considering our visit had originally been planned as a convenient weekend break close to home, the range of Jersey's attractions far surpassed my expectations.
We discovered manicured gardens nestling in beautiful rural landscapes, countless gourmet delights and enough activities to keep the most adventurous person busy.
The long stretches of beach and endless cycle routes among the green lanes gave just a taste of the huge amount on offer in Jersey and allowed us the excuse to rejuvenate tired limbs in indulgent pampering spas. At times, it felt like the best of the West Country coupled with the cosmopolitan atmosphere of France.
FACTFILE: Condor Ferries: Book online at
condorferries.com or 01305 761551. Condor Breaks (0845 230 1430 and condor breaks.com) offers two nights' B&B this month at the Pomme D'Or from £208 pp and three nights' from £259, incl return ferry crossings. More hotel info on
seymourhotels.com/ 01534 880100.
BOOK: Against The Flow, by Dee Caffari (about her record-breaking trip round the world), A and C Black, £16.99.
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