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Katie R reviews Grand Jersey, St Helier
My boyfriend and I were looking for somewhere special to spend a long weekend away to celebrate my 25th birthday. We wanted to go somewhere that neither of us had been before yet not too far from the UK due to his work commitments. He sugested Jersey to me and I set about looking for a hotel.
I came across The Grand Jersey Hotel via the internet and was immediately impressed by the pictures and the reviews it had received. I logged on to The Good Spa Guide to find out whether the spa had been reviewed and was thrilled to see it had been awarded 5 bubbles and to read of the impressive facilities it had to offer. We booked the weekend in January and spent the next 4 months eagarly awaiting our stay.
We were blown away by the initial impression of the island and St.Helier. The first impression of the hotel was simply WOW! The reception was minimalistic with a wide sweeping staircase directly opposite the entrance and the staff were extremely polite and attentive. We were then showed to our room before going out for a walk as the weather was stunning. Within 10 minutes of walking down the spotlessly clean Esplande we both agreed that we would be back again for another visit.
My treatment was booked for 4.30 so after a late lunch we headed back to the beautiful hotel and decided to go for a swim. We found the spa on the ground floor and again our first impressions did not disappoint. The reception and waiting area was lit with atmospheric lighting which instantly gave a calm and sedated feeling and was a bit of a welcome change to the heat and the glaring sun outdoors. We were given towels and a locker key and made our way down to the changing rooms. This was quite confusing at first as although the way to the changing rooms were indicated, the corridors were all the same and I found myself almost wandering into a treatment room.
I managed to locate the changing rooms and found them to be pleasant with good lighting and plenty of room. The offputing thing for me personally was that to access the pool you had to leave the changing room and wander back down a corridor and up some winding steps, passing people on their way to treatments as you walked by. I would have preffered it if there was a direct entrance from the changing area into the pool.
Once again the initial impression of the pool was one of awe. The actual room itself had very little lighting but the light from the pool illuminated the whole pool area and the ripples reflected on the ceiling. Tiny LED lights on the ceiling gave the effect of starlight. The pool was very quiet and at first there was only one other lady with us but shortly after we had the place to ourselves - bliss! I did find myself getting cold very quickly in the pool so we moved to the jacuzzi which was lovely. The essence showers proved a big hit with my boyfriend as he switched from one setting to another he was enthralled with the different scents. There was just enought time to try out the steam room and sauna before my treatment which again were lovely.
I made my way back to the reception and was given a robe to put on and was pointed in the way of the relaxation area. I was a little surprised to find that I didn't have a consultation form to fill out especially as I had left enough time between swimming and my treatment to have filled one out. I was told told that the consultation was to be done verbally.
The relaxation room was literally breathtaking and even though at this point I was on my own and the only one in the room I actually gasped out loud at how beautiful it was! There was not one thing out of place and the decor was impressive to say the least. The room had a boutique/boudoir feel with leather and velour combination. I tried a herbal tea and a chocolate (or 2!) before my therapist Jennifer came to collect me for my back, neck and shoulder massage.
The treatment room was light and airy and the couch was comfy and huge! My therapist asked me if I had any problems and I told her about my lower back and hips which were very tender at the time. She asked if I'd like a lightish or firm pressure and I went for the firm. OMG! it was the firmest massage I had ever had in my life and I know some people would not have been able to stand that pressure but it was a welcome relief to me! Jennifer and I were chatting away and I told her that I am a therapist and it was so nice to have someone to do the massage on me for a change! She seemed to already know that I was a therapist even though I'd tried to be discreet.
My back felt amazing after my treatment like a weight had been lifted. I didn't realise how much I was in desperate need of a massage! I made my way back into the lucious relaxation room where I once more had the place to myself.
I met my boyfriend on the way back to the reception where we found out that the hotel had been awarded its fifth star on that very day. After our experiences we can totally and utterly see why! Without question we would recommend this hotel to anyone who wishes to go to Jersey. We definately rate the hotel and the spa as 5* and are currently planning our return visit.
This reader review was submitted in June 2010
Please note: The Reader Reviews and other comments posted on The Good Spa Guide are the opinions of the visitors who submitted them and are not the opinion of The Good Spa Guide.
See also:
* Contact details for Grand Jersey
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