Jersey had long been on our list of must-visit destinations.

It is within easy reach thanks to the fast and efficient Condor Ferries service from Poole and it has a wealth of wonders just waiting to be discovered.

After finally making the move we were faced with the difficult choice of what we could feasibly fit in over a couple of days.

However, before you set about planning an itinerary, accommodation should be the number one priority.

Whether you are planning a busy tour of the myriad attractions or you just want a relaxing break you need somewhere that can guarantee comfort, luxury, great food, an attractive location and all at a reasonable price.

The Atlantic Hotel offers all the above as well as breathtaking sea views, tranquil surroundings and outstanding service.

You should always make the journey as enjoyable and rewarding as possible so for a small fee it is well worth upgrading to the Horizon Lounge aboard Condor Liberation. If offers calm and comfort and you can enjoy your meal from the nearby restaurant.

So after the smoothest of journeys we headed straight to the hotel.

That outstanding service was soon apparent; this is more ‘home from home’ than the often impersonal, corporate-run offering you face in many tourist destinations.

It was the haven we needed and were grateful to retreat to at the end of each busy day.

After an excellent meal and a great night’s sleep and sumptuous breakfast we headed off on our adventures.

Jersey offers a plethora of fascinating sites to visit, including Jersey Zoo, the renowned Jersey War Tunnels, imposing castles and unique museums. Outdoor explorers will be spoilt for choice in the Jersey National Park and there’s plenty of places to visit for families as well.

We first headed to the world-renowned zoo.

It began as the first ever conservation-themed zoo. Over 60 years later, Gerald Durrell’s animal haven is the natural place to discover some of the world’s most incredible creatures.

Set in 32 acres of beautiful parkland, you can find over 100 amazing animal species, from the gentle giants the western lowland gorillas to the small but deadly poison frogs!

You can get up close to some of the animals they’re helping to protect in the wild, like the golden-domed ploughshare tortoise and beautiful black lion tamarin.

Discover the secret lives of some of the world’s most unusual species such as the nocturnal aye-aye and colourful Sunda wrinkled hornbill.

If you like history, you’ll love Mont Orgueil, perched high on the hill overlooking picture-perfect Gorey.

Raid the castle’s collection of costumes and, if you fancy, dress up and make believe you’re a knight or a princess as you explore every nook and cranny of this medieval treasure trove.

Spend hours uncovering its mystery through a labyrinth of staircases, towers, secret passageways and rooms or join a fantastic free guided tour to hear its stories. Discover the Dance of Death statue hidden within its magnificent walls. Delve into the cellar to find the Witches in Hell and climb the turrets for the Wheel of Urine.

Don’t miss the stunning sea views from the rooftop ramparts. On a clear day you can even see France.

Jersey War Tunnels tells the true story of wartime Jersey in a way that no other visitor attraction does. It’s the best place to get a true picture of what life was really like in Jersey during WWII. The exhibition is housed within an underground tunnel complex, built by the Germans using slave labour.

We enjoyed an adventure centre with climbing towers and zip wires and several walks along the stunning beaches and a peaceful meander through several of the small, perfectly-formed towns.

But all too soon is was time to head back to the Atlantic Hotel for one final time.

This is an exclusive, privately-owned establishment that prides itself for ‘the timeless elegance that allows guests to indulge in a sense of luxury that is unaffected by time, and share in delightful experiences and create unforgettable memories’.

Ocean, their award winning 4 AA Rosette restaurant showcases modern British cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce, much of which is sourced from Jersey’s fields and coastline.

Jersey is not a city break, or a country break, or a beach break. Jersey is all these things and more.

And the Atlantic is not just a hotel. It is a haven and much, much more.

We’ll be back.

* The Atlantic Hotel offers great short break packages year-round. This Autumn and Winter, you can enjoy the hotel’s Luxury Autumn Break or Winter Retreat which include three nights’ B&B and one free dinner in Ocean Restaurant. There are also special Gourmet Breaks and the hotel still has limited availability for its popular residential Christmas and New Year breaks. Full details at www.theatlantichotel.com or call 01534 744101.